Winter Waterfall Photography

Waterfalls are beautiful to photograph all year-round, but in the winter, waterfalls take on a whole new look with ice, snow, cool tones and high contrast.

Although beautiful, waterfalls can actually be quite difficult to photograph properly, even for experts and well-versed adventure photographers like Edward Tomasso.

Shutter speed, angle and lighting can all play factor when capturing the serene beauty behind these moving waters. Exposure compensation and shutter speed can completely transform the final look of the photo.

The moving water can actually have a silky look, cascading over rocks and ice when using a low shutter speed. Shutter speed is basically just the exposure time or length of time that the sensor is exposed to light.

It's a good idea to do some research on basic photography skills prior to venturing out into the cold wilderness if you're a beginner, but the best way to learn is just by getting out there and trying! Bundle up with layers and waterproof clothes and shoes, and always try to go with a friend for safety near the water. Pack light and only bring the essentials if it's your first time, and have fun!

5 Important Tips When Photographing Waterfalls: 

Watch your footsteps

Always pay attention to your footsteps, and not just for safety reasons! Try to make sure your footsteps are out of range of the photo's composition. Nothing ruins a shot of fluffy, untouched snowfall by clear tracks of the photographer! It will not only benefit your photography, but it's also considerate to anyone else who may want to photograph the spot if it's a well known area.

Go manual

Switching your camera to a manual setting may actually make things a bit easier for you. The high contrast between the dark, water and the bright white snow may set off your camera's exposure settings. Plus, it's always fun to play around with manual settings - it's great practice!

Polarized lens

Speaking of overexposure, using a polarized lens may help cut down on glare and overexposure. The simple lens attachment screws on like a lens cap, but makes a huge difference. You'll also get more detail on the water's edge.

Tripod

Stabilizing your camera and keeping it as far away from the snow as possible is made easy with a simple tripod. Keep your hands warm and your camera stable, perfect for you and the outcome of your photo. Since you'll be using different shutter speeds and exposures, it's a good idea to keep your camera as stable as possible, only picking up the movement of the water, not of shaky hands.

Slow shutter speed

Finally, shutter speed! The most important factor to making your waterfall photography really pop. Slowing your shutter speed will help you pick up the true beauty behind the movement of the icy water. Slowing the shutter speed will allow the water to look more like a fabric laying over the contrasting ice and rock. It makes for a beautifully composed photo!