Question on photographing streams.

[Singletracklovr]

Is it better to have the water coming at you or away from you?
All opinions welcome and thanks for your time...

[SARtech]

I would say at you, but since all of the lighting and the background are important too, you may not have a huge choice in the matter. Also, I would think the more directly horizontally the river is flowing in front of you, say you are shooting across the river, the more movement of the water will be present unless you're panning.

[photonaturalist]

I also agree with "at you" -- here's why:

if you shoot "away from" the stream, you'll only capture the top of the various cascades, and won't see as much variation in the water flow, resulting in a flat looking and possibly boring photo.

Also, I've found with photographing streams/waterfalls, you want to maximize the width of the water cascades you're photographing... try different angles until you maximize this width.



Steve

[mjs1973]

I agree with the other, that looking up stream is generally more appealing. Of course there are always going to be exceptions. Let the scene dictate the best shot. Great shots can be had looking both ways, so don't be afraid to experiment. Here is a recent posting from Moose Peterson's blog where he posted two shots from the same location. One looking up the stream, the other looking down. I do like the one looking up the stream better, but both are very nice.

http://www.moosenewsblog.com/2009/03/dlws-hi-day3-am/

[Singletracklovr]

Thanks Kristine, Steve and Mike.
The water coming at you does seem to show more action whether it's blur'd with a slow SS or not.
However as you mention Mike, it's always worth looking both up stream and down for that perfect shot.

I have one more question about stream shooting. With the slow SS you get the dreamy soft water.
If one wanted to capture a torrent or very violent looking white water would you use a super fast SS?

[SARtech]

I vote yes!

Seriously though, I would think that freezing everything would create that harder look and stop every crazy wayward drop of water. I would also guess that shooting it in telephoto would compress and therefore add to the "drama".
Wouldn't a low angle help too?
Just guessing here.

Kristine <----- wannabe know-it-all

[Singletracklovr]

Hi Kristine,
I welcome the discussion. Those are some great ideas.

There are several canyon rivers in Colorado, I want to photograph, that just would not do them justice with the dreamy look. They are mean and violent and I would like to find away to capture that anger. These rivers aren't close to home so I am trying to prepare as much as possible before making the trip.
Thanks for your thoughts. If you or others have more I am all ears.

[SARtech]

"mean, violent, anger" makes me think of something else here like don't shoot on a beautiful sunny day. Maybe "angry" storm clouds or lightening mixed in...?? (be carefull!)
GOOD LUCK! Can't wait to see what you get.