Daring and risk are elements for success in waterscape photography!

Are you ready to wade into a new realm of waterscape photography?

In some situations, capturing a photo that is different from the typical shot requires a degree of courage, and the ability to think outside the box.

That’s what I did on a recent photo outing.

To take these shots, I donned my fishing waders – it’s the best way to get “up close and personal” with the scenes and creatures of the waterscape – I held my breath and took the plunge into the cold autumn water.

Equipped with my Nikon Z9 camera and a 24-120mm lens, I knew that I wanted to produce long exposure photos to create a sense of movement in the falls. I added a circular polarizing filter and an 0.9 graduated neutral density (ND) filter from H&Y. This system is revolutionary thanks to its use of a magnetic mount that allows you to attach one or more filters to the lens. I did not hesitate to use the ND filter rotated to an angle that put more contrast on certain elements of the scene, such as a rock, which would be burned out without the lighting control afforded by the filter. To control the reflective nature of the wet surfaces, I gently placed the magnetic mount of my circular polarizing filter on the outside of the H&Y mount. I rotated the polarizer to achieve the desired degree of reflection… too much suppression of the sheen would have made the image seem artificial, but there was too much reflection in the unfiltered scenes.

To shoot long exposures, I mounted the camera on my Vanguard carbon fiber tripod. I used Nikon’s shutter release trigger to ensure the stability of the rig.

It is extremely important to be careful when moving in any body of water. Lakes, streams, and rivers easily conceal pitfalls that can make every step an adventure into the unknown. Slippery underwater rocks, algae, soft sandy bottom topography, and sudden drop-offs make any foray into the water a dangerous proposition.

Even if you manage to keep your head above water, a slip or fall during one of these watery escapades can result in a sudden and very costly accident for your camera and lens. To avoid these disasters, when I venture into the water I always move very slowly, and I make sure that every footstep is very solid to avoid slipping on rocks, tree trunks, etc… For the greatest degree of personal safety, I suggest wearing a life jacket – you never know what can happen to you if you become soaked in cold water. It’s always better to be safe than sorry…

Whenever I shoot in wet environments, I carry a supply of lens cleaning cloths, sealed in Ziploc™ bags. These come in handy to keep the lens and filters free of water droplets, fog, and the inevitable dust and dirt that goes with outdoor photography.

It is also very important to follow the rules and regulations of the area. Some parks are very eco-sensitive, and the wardens do not tolerate hikers going off the trails – this is essential to respect the environment and above all to prevent visitors from trampling the delicate flora in the area.

Other important information regarding photography of water sources, (rivers, lakes, oceans etc.) involves the care and handling of your gear. While a short dunk in fresh water will not harm your tripod legs, you will want to tear down, clean, and dry out all the parts and components. It is not recommended to use your tripod in salt water, which could create corrosion and chemical degradation of the components. If you really want to use a tripod in salt water, I suggest using an old tripod, and rinse it well with clear water before storing it.

The advantage of immersing yourself in waterways is that you can achieve a unique perspective on your scene… daring to venture into the unknown can pay off with images that are far from ordinary. It’s all a matter of weighing the risks against the results and planning your shots with care.

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About the Author – Jacques Dumont