I don't know if it is because we come from it, because we need it to exist, because of its mystery, or because it is simply fascinating in all its forms, but it is clear that water has something very attractive to us as human beings and even more so as photographers. Oceans, seas, rivers, ponds, waterfalls, calmly flowing water that falls rapidly until it crashes against the rocks, waves and an endless number of other forms.
Among these forms, today we will highlight one of the most vertiginous: the waterfalls and their free fall, surrounded by beautiful landscapes or alone, but always fascinating and majestic...
1. CONTRAST OF COLORS AND TEXTURES
The contrast of tones stands out in this image: the black of the rock, the white of the water and the warm saturated colors (yellows) mixed with the cold ones (greens)… And the different textures of the elements that appear in it. Pretty, right?
2. BLACK AND WHITE
I think I'm not the only one who swarms the blog who is fascinated by black and white, right? ?
3.HDR
For situations where the light is difficult due to the contrast between light and shadow, HDR can be useful. HDR "adds" different exposures and tones and can give you images like the one below.
4. A FAIRY TALE LIGHT
Finding not only beautiful places and framings but also special lighting that inspires, that creates a unique atmosphere like the one in the following image will help you achieve fascinating or even mysterious images.
5. NATURAL FRAME
It is one of the composition tips to achieve different images like the one in the following image:
6. SHARING LEADERSHIP
You don't always have to focus on the waterfall. Pay attention to everything that surrounds it and complements it, since it is often worth including it in the frame. Look what image: sunset, autumn, waterfall...
7. AT ALL HOURS AND AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR
Each season of the year has its characteristic light and its dream landscape. Not only the most colorful are good for incredible images. Winter and summer equally have their charms, their tones, and their special lights.
8. FILTERS
Photography does not always have to be a portrait faithful to reality, there are many filters that will help you achieve different and surprising effects such as infrared .
9. COMPOSITION
Do not get carried away by the beauty of the scene and try to take care of your composition.
10. SHARPNESS
If the waterfall is part of a beautiful landscape that you have decided to include in your scene, do not forget to treat it as a landscape, that is, remember the importance of a good depth of field and the sharpness of the scene.
11. SURPRISING ELEMENTS
Look for different elements that enrich your image and add interest, such as the waves that appear in the foreground of the following image.
12. LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
Learning to play with light and control the exposure of your scenes is essential when creating any type of image.
13. DIFFERENT PLANES
One way to add depth to the image is by using different planes in the image, such as the rocks in the foreground and the waterfall and trees in different planes.
14. IMAGE SETTINGS
Learn to use the basic adjustments of saturation, contrast, brightness, etc. to obtain the image you want. Remember that it is best to start from a "correct" image on which to work by adjusting small variables. The amount of tweaks you do depends on taste, but it is best to start by mastering the most basic ones.
15. UPRIGHT
Do not forget that this format also exists ! ?
16. SILKY WATER EFFECT
It is the most common way to photograph water, you may have already noticed in this selection ? . If you want to know how to achieve this wonderful effect, I recommend this article.
Do not worry if you have a crazy desire to go see the Angel Falls, Iguazú, or Niagara. Although these are waterfalls in capital letters, many of us will have to settle for more "mundane" landscapes, although no less beautiful or surprising. If you do not have a waterfall in capital letters nearby, it is worth it with a waterfall in lower case or with any waterfall of greater or lesser size. With them you can practice the composition, the silky effect of the water, anticipate the best hours of the day, etc. and surely with more calm than when we escape to contemplate one of its older sisters...
