How to Photograph Running Water

Create stunning running water images with these tips

By
Jo Plumridge
Jo Plumridge
Writer
  • University of Plymouth
Former Lifewire writer Jo Plumridge is a photography professional and writer for photography and travel venues such as BBC, Digital Camera Magazine, and Saga Magazine.
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Updated on November 6, 2022

What to Know

  • Set up a tripod. Choose a slow shutter speed (at least 1/2 second) and a small aperture (at least f/22).
  • Use a neutral-density (ND) filter and set the ISO to 100. Shoot at sunrise or sunset, or shoot on an overcast day.
  • To shoot water in its natural state, switch to a faster shutter speed, such as 1/60th of a second.

This article explains how to photograph running water with a DSLR camera.

Use a Tripod

Balance your camera securely on a tripod, rock, flat wall, or similar steady surface. To produce the silky effect in many running water photographs, you'll be using a long exposure, so the camera must stay still and steady. Holding a camera at these longer exposures will create a blurry image.

DSLR video is best taken using a tripod.
DSLR video is best taken using a tripod. Jorg Greuel/Getty Images

Use a Slow Shutter Speed

Meter your shutter speed using a light meter, if possible. If you don't have one, give your camera an exposure of at least 1/2 second and adjust from there. A slow shutter speed will blur the water and give it that heavenly feel.

Use a Small Aperture

Stop down to an aperture of at least f/22. This will allow for a large depth of field to keep everything in the image in focus. It will also require the use of a longer shutter speed. These two factors work together to create the best waterfall pictures.

Use a Neutral-Density (ND) Filter

ND filters reduce exposure and are very useful in achieving those slow shutter speeds while allowing for a large depth of field.

Man holding gradient neutral density ND filter on background of summer sunset.
 Koldunova_Anna / Getty Images

Use a Low ISO

The lower the ISO, the less noise the image will have. Always use the lowest ISO possible to create the highest-quality images. The low ISO will also slow down the shutter speed. An ISO of 100 is best for waterfall shots.

Use Low Light

By slowing down the shutter speed, you'll increase the light that gets into your camera, risking overexposure. Less natural light will help prevent this issue. Shoot at sunrise or sunset, when the color temperature of light is more forgiving. If this is not possible, chose an overcast day rather than a bright, sunny one.

Take Your Time

By now, you might have noticed that strategies for photographing running water center on slowing down the shutter speed. This type of photography is all about patience, so take your time. Calculate every step and pay close attention to composition and perspective. Practice often, and before you know it, you'll have that dreamy waterfall image you've envisioned.

To shoot water in its natural state, simply switch to a faster shutter speed, such as 1/60th of a second. This will show water as the human eye perceives it and stop any movement. Also consider using a polarizing filter to increase the depth and vibrance of your photo.

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