Creativity Around the Water

Summer and water are the perfect pair. There's nothing quite like a splash of water to cool down that summer heat.

When seeking out compositions for my images, I find that I'm always drawn to the element of water. As water can liven up a landscape photo, especially when used with intention.

While there's still summer left to enjoy, and before those waterways freeze up for winter, there's one setting you'll want to experiment with around water. That setting is shutter speed.

Today we're talking about how intentional use of shutter speed can elevate your landscape photos into works of art!

1. Smooth out water

One of the best ways to infuse creativity into landscape images is by using longer exposures which slow down the movement of water. When smoothing water, the landscape photographer can make choices about how soft the result will be simply by choosing different shutter speeds. A longer shutter speed will achieve a smoother-looking result. Don't be afraid to experiment with your exposure triangle settings to achieve your desired outcome here. It's best to use a manual exposure mode when seeking this effect, but shutter priority can also yield acceptable results. 

ISO 31, 16.5mm, f13, 1/13 sec

2. Enhance reflection

I love a sharp pristine reflection in landscape photography, but a light breeze or a lone loon searching for a meal can ripple that perfect reflection. Using a slower shutter speed can help crisp up rippling reflections. It might take a few attempts to find the ideal shutter speed but keep trying, as it'll help you achieve what you're looking for. 

ISO 100, 16mm, f13, 123 sec

3. Enhance the atmosphere

A photographer's ability to capture the atmosphere in a photograph can influence the emotional response to an image. Effective use of shutter speed can enhance that sought-after atmospheric mood in a photo. 

When the weather is stormy, try a faster shutter speed, enhancing a feeling of unrest or instability. Alternately, when the weather or mood in a setting is calm, think about using a longer shutter speed around the water, infusing that sense of peace. 

ISO 31, 16mm, f22, 1/5 sec

Intentional shutter speed is a powerful way to transform and infuse an artistic feel into your photos. Don't be afraid to experiment with shutter speed as you create your landscape photos.