velvet waterfalls...

[frog4gators]

My attempts at giving it the velvet affect.... does it look TOO fake? Tips please...

[speedracer 36]

Very nice, I love the 4th one, I am not sure the process to take this, Is this done with a low Aperture?

[speedracer 36]

Also I dont think it looks to fake.

[frog4gators]

My aperature setting depends on the lighting... ranges anywhere from f/16-25. The shutter speed ranges from 1/4 sec - 2 secs. A polarizer is also needed. I use a tripod and shutter cord. However the 2nd and 3rd pics I propped my camera up against a table. The falls have to be in the shade in order for it to work (get velvet look)... or at least I havent figured it out yet in the sun. Take LOTS of pics... a lot of trial and error with SS and Aperature combos.

[Lava Lamp]

Mostly, they look fake, but not TOO fake. Have you experimented with some ND (neutral density) filters? It might help you get what you are looking for. I don't think I've ever used two filters together (ND & polarizing) but there is not reason it shouldn't work.

I have a few shots posted for critique as well and would love to see what you think, should you care to comment.

[BlueRob]

Talking a bit about the composition..important anspect in a waterfall to look complete....No1 and 4 works really well, they have a nice framing.
The effect...both of them have to much "velvet" effect if you ask me....not much but personally I like to see it a bit more natural.

[speedracer 36]

I have wanted to try this for a long time but I have not had a tripod when I have been to a waterfall. I used to think that all the pictures that had that "fake" effect were made in photoshop. im excited to try this as soon as we hit spring.

[OldClicker]

As others have said - #1 and #4. I think it looks good in these because the falls look good. I like a top and a bottom to water falls. In the others, there is no bottom - the water disappears. – TF

[daq7]

I like the first one a great deal. Whether they are too velvety is a matter of taste, of which I have little.

[Shebang]

They don't look too fake. The rich colors of your rocks/foliage are beautiful. For me, it's hard to have a bad pic of a waterfall - waterfalls are just so cool. The water is a little too velvety for my taste, but it's well done nevertheless. Bring us more!

[armando_m]

#1 is my favorite, it is possible to see more of the before and after the fall, plus the rocks are great

I would have used slightly faster exposure

[MarcusK]

Nice location for sure....

As has been said, 1 and 4 are the best, because of the composition. It's clear as a location, and feels like something you are would certainly be looking at (if that makes sense)...

In terms of velvet feel, it works very very well. When I read your questions I thought you did them in Post and wanted to see if it appears real... but if the question is about whether or not they are too velvety, then the answer is Depends.

It depends on each person, I don't think there is a universal velvet-ness standard. Personally, I love them...

Might dodge a bit the rocks in #1, but that might be due to my screen.. they are a bit dark!

Speedracer - the effect is motion blur, which is achieved with long shutter speeds... the longer the shutter is opened, the more velvety the water looks... but a tripod is certainly in order....

Daniel.. 1 and 4 are picture frames to be sure... love them and very nice work!

[Injektilo*]

My aperature setting depends on the lighting... ranges anywhere from f/16-25. The shutter speed ranges from 1/4 sec - 2 secs. A polarizer is also needed. I use a tripod and shutter cord. However the 2nd and 3rd pics I propped my camera up against a table. The falls have to be in the shade in order for it to work (get velvet look)... or at least I havent figured it out yet in the sun. Take LOTS of pics... a lot of trial and error with SS and Aperature combos.

Take night pictures, best with a clear sky and bright moon. I would love to try a 30 sec exposure at a place like this.