Photograph Waterfalls! With Pro Photographer Mark Hemmings from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Waterfall photography
Slow shutter photography

Long exposure photography
Nature photography

Waterfall photography
Slow shutter photography
Long exposure photography
Nature photography

Syllabus

Students will know how to adjust camera settings in order to take the best quality photo of a waterfall no matter what time of day!

Hello! Welcome to the course!

Photography can be challenging depending on what time of day you're wanting to shoot.

In this module, I'll share with you camera settings & my favourite tips and tricks you can use to get great photos at any time!

Noontime can be an awful time to take photos because of the harsh light and intense shadows... But don't let that stop you!

In this video, you'll learn how to take great photos mid-day by just adjusting a few settings!

What about when it's evening time and the sky is overcast?

Check out this short video to learn how you can capture a waterfall beautifully even though there may be less light.

Many people avoid taking photos after the sun sets because of the lack of natural light.

In this video, I'd like to show you that you can actually get the softest waterfall photos once it's dark!

Let's change it up! Maybe you aren't wanting a photo of a smooth-looking waterfall; and instead you're wanting to capture every little droplet of water. Let me show you how to get that detailed shot!

My favourite part of waterfall photography is neutral density usage. Let's jump in!

In this video, I'll share with you a basic overview of the three filters I use most and why I use them for waterfall photography!

In the upcoming videos in this module, I go into even more detail regarding each one!

What's the value of a circular polarizer lens? You'll find out in this lecture!

You may have heard photographers use the terms “exposure value” or “EV”. But what does EV really mean in photography, and why does it matter?

The "EV Step" process is a critical part of waterfall photography and it tends to trip so many people up. This lecture will answer those questions and should empower you to feel even more confident in your photo-taking.

In this lecture, we're going to focus in on something complex: counting the EV steps.

This should really help you in your photography as you get used to making those adjustments in your settings!

Let's practice using a 5 stop ND filter and how to count when you're using one.

I hope this video lesson helps!

In this lesson, I review the stop counting method I use when using a 10 Stop ND filter.

I hope you'll be able to get some amazing daytime shots with these tips!

I wanted to share with you a little tip that will help you count when using your ND filter.

Have fun taking photos! See you in the next module!

Aperture priority has served us well, but now it's time to move on to something new.

Come along with me for module three!

What's the value of a wired release?

In this lesson, I'll explain what it is, where to find one, and why you should use one when taking photos with long exposure.

What should you do when there hasn't been a lot of rain and a waterfall isn't flowing as rapidly as you'd like?

Hopefully this lesson will inspire you to think beyond the waterfall itself and get a photo you're proud of!

More often than not, photographers are advised to turn on noise reduction to reduce that uneven look and graininess.

In this short video, I share with you why I turn noise reduction off when photographing with long exposure.

Many have avoided stacking filters in fear that it'll reduce the quality of their shot.

In this lesson, I'd like to show you how stacking can benefit your photo taking.

Don't have an ND filter with you? No sweat.

In this lesson, I'd like to show you a little trick that many cameras have that'll give you an even longer exposure.

It can be discouraging when you arrive at a waterfall and tourists and swimmers are everywhere!

In this video, I'll show you how I deal with that reality and still get great photos.

In this module, you'll learn from guest instructor, Aren Hemmings.

Taking excellent photos of waterfalls doesn't require a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Join Aren as she teaches on photographing waterfalls with an iPhone!

The Adobe Lightroom App is great for capturing long exposure photos on your iPhone. Join Aren as she teaches you how to use it!

Download it here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adobe-lightroom-photo-editor/id878783582

The Slow Shutter Cam App is another great tool that allows for taking long exposure photos on your iPhone.

Photographing on your iPhone makes for easy upload to all your social media platforms. I'm sure your friends will love the great shots you've taken!

Download the app here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/slow-shutter-cam/id357404131

iPhones have a great feature within the 'Photos' app called "live".

In this lesson, Aren will share with you a quick tip for photographing waterfalls with an iPhone without a tripod.

If you don't want to settle for a standard photo and are looking for a more creative means to capture a subject & a waterfall, try using the Cinemagraph App on your iPhone.

Download the app here: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/cinemagraph-pro/id642139481

One of the biggest questions everyone asks when it comes to photography is, "what kind of gear do I need?"

Well, let me share with you a few of my favourite items that help me as I take photos of waterfalls.

I'd like to introduce you to the Fujifilm X100V! I love my Nikon, but this is a great camera - especially for waterfall photography.

I have plenty of great reasons why this compact camera may be the one for you. Enjoy the lesson and decide for yourself!

Wotancraft sent me a "Pilot" camera backpack for free, with no strings attached, and I was more than happy to review this bag to help you with any purchasing choices.

I honestly believe that this is one of the best (if not THE best) camera bag there is. I hope you consider getting one to use for all your future photography endeavours.

More info on the purchase of a Pilot camera backpack can be found at Wotancraft's website: https://reurl.cc/Kj731g

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores slow shutter and long exposure techniques, which are essential for capturing the motion and beauty of waterfalls

Teaches how to photograph waterfalls at different times of day, addressing challenges like harsh light and low light conditions

Demonstrates that stunning waterfall images can be created with minimal gear, including iPhones and inexpensive tripods

Discusses the use of neutral density filters and polarizer lenses, which are useful for controlling light and exposure

Includes a module devoted to iPhone waterfall photography, which makes the course accessible to a wider audience

Recommends specific apps like Adobe Lightroom and Slow Shutter Cam, which may require separate downloads and potential costs

Reviews summary

Photograph waterfalls with mark hemmings

According to students, this course provides practical techniques for capturing silky smooth waterfall photos. Many appreciate the instructor, Mark Hemmings, for his clear and easy-to-follow explanations. A key positive highlighted is that the course emphasizes you don't need expensive gear, making it accessible. Learners found the lessons on filters and understanding EV steps particularly beneficial. The inclusion of an iPhone module is also seen as a valuable bonus. While a few noted the pacing was sometimes fast, the overall consensus is that the course delivers on its promise, helping students significantly improve their waterfall photography. It appears especially well-suited for beginners and hobbyists.

Some reviews mention the pace; depth varies.

"The pace felt a little fast at times, but I could always rewatch."

"I wish there was a bit more detail on post-processing techniques."

"For a beginner like me, the pace was just right and easy to follow."

Useful module for mobile photographers.

"Loved that there was a section dedicated to iPhone users."

"It was great to see how to achieve long exposures with just my phone."

"I found the app recommendations for iPhone users very useful."

Practical guidance on using filters and EV.

"The sections on using ND filters and understanding EV were incredibly helpful for me."

"I finally understood exposure value and how to count filter stops correctly."

"Gave me the confidence to start using filters for long exposures."

Effective with minimal camera gear.

"It was great that I didn't need to buy any new, expensive equipment to get started."

"The course proved you don't need fancy gear to get great shots."

"Used my existing camera and a basic tripod just fine with the techniques taught."

Instructor breaks down complex topics well.

"Mark is a fantastic instructor who explains everything in a very clear way."

"His explanations were very clear and easy to understand, even for complex topics."

"The way he explains the concepts makes it very easy to grasp and apply."

Students see clear improvement in photos.

"My waterfall pictures look SO much better now after taking this course!"

"I applied the techniques immediately and saw amazing results."

"I finally achieved the desired silky smooth effect I was hoping for in my photos."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Photograph Waterfalls! With Pro Photographer Mark Hemmings with these activities:

Review Basic Photography Principles

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to better grasp the course's focus on slow shutter and long exposure techniques.

Browse courses on Aperture

Show steps

Read articles or watch videos explaining the exposure triangle.
Practice adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in manual mode.
Take test shots in different lighting conditions.

Read 'Understanding Exposure' by Bryan Peterson

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of exposure settings and how they affect the final image, which is crucial for mastering slow shutter waterfall photography.

View Understanding Street Photography: An... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book cover to cover.
Experiment with the techniques described in the book.
Take notes on key concepts and settings.

Experiment with Different Shutter Speeds

Show steps

Practice adjusting shutter speed in various lighting conditions to develop a feel for achieving desired motion blur effects in waterfalls.

Show steps

Find a local stream or fountain.
Set your camera to shutter priority mode.
Take photos at different shutter speeds (e.g., 1/200, 1/60, 1/4, 1 second).
Analyze the results and note the differences in water motion.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Share Your Waterfall Photos Online

Show steps

Share your waterfall photos on social media or photography forums to receive feedback and engage with other photographers.

Show steps

Select your best waterfall photos from the course.
Post them on Instagram, Flickr, or a photography forum.
Ask for constructive criticism and tips.

Waterfall Photography Portfolio

Show steps

Create a portfolio showcasing your best waterfall photographs, demonstrating your mastery of the techniques learned in the course.

Show steps

Select your top 10-15 waterfall photos.
Edit and enhance the photos using post-processing software.
Create a website or online album to display your portfolio.
Share your portfolio with friends, family, and potential clients.

Read 'National Geographic Complete Guide to Photography'

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of photography principles and techniques to improve your overall photographic skills.

View National Geographic Traveler Scotland 4th... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book cover to cover.
Focus on chapters related to composition and lighting.
Apply the techniques learned to your waterfall photography.

Explore Advanced Post-Processing Techniques

Show steps

Learn advanced post-processing techniques in software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to enhance the beauty and impact of your waterfall photos.

Show steps

Search for tutorials on dodging and burning, color grading, and sharpening.
Practice applying these techniques to your waterfall photos.
Compare the before and after results to see the improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Photograph Waterfalls! With Pro Photographer Mark Hemmings will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Nature Photographer

A nature photographer captures images of the natural world, often specializing in landscapes, wildlife, or specific environments like waterfalls. This course provides a deep dive into waterfall photography, covering essential techniques such as slow shutter and long exposure, crucial for creating visually stunning waterfall images. The course's focus on camera settings, filter usage, and adapting to different lighting conditions is highly relevant for any nature photographer looking to expand their skill set. Learning how to photograph waterfalls with an iPhone, as taught in the bonus module, can also be valuable for capturing spontaneous shots while out in nature. A nature photographer will find this course especially useful because it focuses on the specific challenges and techniques of capturing one of nature's most beautiful features.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nature Photographer

Landscape Photographer

A landscape photographer specializes in capturing the beauty and grandeur of outdoor scenes. This course directly helps a landscape photographer master the art of photographing waterfalls, a popular subject within landscape photography. By learning how to use slow shutter speeds and long exposures, landscape photographers can create the coveted silky smooth effect in their waterfall images. The course covers how to adjust camera settings for different times of day and lighting conditions, use filters to control light and exposure, and even capture stunning waterfall photos using an iPhone. The course might be incredibly useful to a landscape photographer because it provides detailed instructions, specific tips, and hands-on practice to help them to enhance their landscape photography portfolio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Photographer

Travel Photographer

A travel photographer documents the people, cultures, and landscapes of different locations around the world. Waterfalls are often a key aspect of landscapes that travel photographers seek to capture. This course will enhance their ability to photograph these natural wonders. The course content on adapting to various lighting conditions, utilizing filters, and employing long exposure techniques will be invaluable for travel photographers encountering diverse environments. The iPhone photography module will be helpful for capturing high-quality images with minimal gear while on the move. A travel photographer may find this course particularly beneficial as it offers practical skills for photographing a specific landscape feature.

See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Photographer

Photography Instructor

A photography instructor teaches others the art and techniques of photography. This course provides valuable knowledge and insights that a photography instructor can incorporate into their lessons. The detailed explanations of camera settings, filter usage, and long exposure techniques for waterfall photography can be directly translated into teaching materials. Learning about iPhone photography for waterfalls also broadens the instructor's skill set and allows them to cater to a wider range of students. A photography instructor can use the course as a means of expanding their knowledge and offering specialized workshops or tutorials on waterfall photography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photography Instructor

Digital Content Creator

A digital content creator produces content for online platforms, such as websites, blogs, and social media. High-quality images are essential for attracting and engaging audiences. If waterfalls or nature themes are part of their content, this course will be invaluable. The course's instruction on how to capture the proper light, use slow shutter speeds, and long exposure techniques for a smooth, silky look will improve the visual appeal of their content. Further, the iPhone photography module provides techniques for capturing good shots with minimal gear. A digital content creator should consider this course to produce visually striking content featuring waterfalls.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Content Creator

Outdoor Adventure Photographer

An outdoor adventure photographer documents outdoor activities and experiences, often in challenging environments. Waterfalls are frequently featured in these settings. This course may help outdoor adventure photographers to capture stunning images of waterfalls while on assignment. The course’s instruction on adapting to different lighting conditions and using filters will be invaluable when shooting in the field. Furthermore, the iPhone photography module offers a lightweight option. This course might therefore equip an outdoor adventure photographer with the skills to create compelling images in dynamic environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Outdoor Adventure Photographer

Stock Photographer

A stock photographer creates images that are licensed for use by others through stock photography agencies. High-quality images of popular subjects, such as waterfalls, are always in demand. This course may help a stock photographer to create marketable images of waterfalls that can be sold to clients worldwide. The course’s instruction on optimizing camera settings, using filters, and adapting to different lighting conditions will be invaluable in producing high-quality stock photos. A stock photographer may find this course beneficial as it provides the specialized skills needed to capture saleable images.

See salaries and explore the career path for Stock Photographer

Image Retoucher

An image retoucher enhances and manipulates digital images using software such as Adobe Photoshop. While this course focuses on capturing images of waterfalls, the skills learned may be useful for retouching and enhancing similar nature photographs. Understanding light and exposure, how filters work, and long exposure techniques will help an image retoucher make educated decisions. This course may help an image retoucher deliver better editing results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Image Retoucher

Fine Art Photographer

A fine art photographer creates images as a form of artistic expression. This course could help a fine art photographer explore new creative possibilities. Understanding light, exposure, and long exposure techniques will help a fine art photographer realize their artistic vision when photographing waterfalls. Furthermore, the iPhone photography module may suggest new avenues for digital experimentation. A fine art photographer may find this course beneficial as a means of expanding their artistic toolbox.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fine Art Photographer

National Park Ranger

A National Park Ranger protects and preserves natural resources within national parks. While their primary duties do not involve photography, some rangers may be tasked with documenting park resources or creating educational materials. Knowing how to photograph waterfalls may be useful for capturing images for park brochures, websites, or social media. Understanding composition, light, and the use of filters may help a park ranger produce visually appealing images that promote the park's natural beauty. A park ranger can improve their visual communication skills by taking this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for National Park Ranger

Photo Editor

A photo editor reviews and selects images for publication in magazines, newspapers, websites, or other media. While they do not take the photos themselves, a photo editor needs to possess strong technical knowledge of photography to assess image quality and suitability. This course can help a photo editor better understand the technical aspects of waterfall photography, particularly the use of camera settings, filters, and long exposure techniques. Understanding these techniques may enable a photo editor to select images more effectively. This course may, therefore, broaden the skillset of a photo editor.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photo Editor

Real Estate Photographer

A real estate photographer captures images of properties for sale or rent. While not directly related to photographing waterfalls, the course's instruction on light and exposure may improve a real estate photographer's skills. Learning how to use filters and adjust camera settings for different times of day can be applied to capturing high-quality images of properties. The bonus module on iPhone photography may be useful for quickly capturing images for social media or online listings. A real estate photographer could improve their skills by understanding the fundamentals of exposure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Photographer

Event Photographer

An event photographer captures images of events such as weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings. While this course mainly focuses on nature photography, the skills learned may be useful for capturing images at outdoor events that feature waterfalls or natural landscapes as backdrops. This course can help an event photographer use techniques such as slow shutter speeds and long exposures. In addition, the iPhone photography module may be useful for capturing candid shots or behind-the-scenes images at events. An event photographer may find this course interesting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Photographer

Commercial Photographer

A commercial photographer creates images for various commercial purposes, such as advertising, marketing, and product promotion. While not always directly related, water features can factor into commercial shoots for a variety of reasons. The skills learned in this course, particularly those related to controlling light and exposure, could be useful in a range of commercial settings. And the lessons on iPhone photography might be useful for behind-the-scenes shots for social media. Because of the course's nature photography focus, it may be useful for the commercial photographer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Photographer

Museum curator

A museum curator is responsible for managing and preserving museum collections, which may include photographic works. While not directly related to waterfall photography, this course may help the curator better understand the technical and artistic aspects of photography. Learning about camera settings, filters, and long exposure techniques may provide the curator with a deeper appreciation of the photographer's intent. This course may help a museum curator become more knowledgeable about the art of photography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Photograph Waterfalls! With Pro Photographer Mark Hemmings

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Photograph waterfalls with mark hemmings

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses