The BEST SHUTTER SPEED for Your Waterfall & Seascape Photography

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Waterfalls or Seascapes? Which do you shoot more often?

[@wimscheenen3535]

Actually where I live neither of both. Do riverscapes count? ☺️

[@giannismaskl]

Seascapes because the sea is near my house, but to be honest I prefer waterfalls!

[@jackielarena-lacayo9884]

Hands down waterfalls! Even though I live minutes from the beach waterfalls just fascinate and inspire me ☺️

[@shubhank03]

Waterfalls. The ocean is too far away..:(. But I do like waterfalls more..:)

[@sebsmith1321]

I have done a bit of both, I prefer seascapes I would say 👍🏻👍🏻

[@shewolf6141]

Loved the video! Could you please start putting the camera settings you used of all the photos you show in your videos? People may learn the settings they prefer working with if they are shown camera setting examples. Keep up the amazing work!

[@raamangupta3277]

Hello Mark, this is one of the finest videos I have ever seen about using the shutter speed differently along with beautiful examples.

[@DavidVensland]

Hey Mark, I noticed on your website you sell prints. Maybe an idea for an upcoming video might be what your settings are for printing, where you have your images printed, etc. Thanks!

[@dazsmith890]

was about to comment the same thing. Eg composition, cropping and resizing for a certain frame size etc.

[@lindakrugman6534]

I really enjoy watching your videos and always learn something new. Your presentation style is very calming and easy to listen to.

[@andycoleman2708]

I agree! Every time you crop an image by dragging one side over, I'm always wondering about printing non-standard sizes.

[@johnchastain4351]

Just what I needed. I shot 3 waterfalls this weekend. I took a wide range of shutter speeds....now I need to select the ones that I like best based on what you have taught.

[@pattyhertogh9294]

Thanks Mark!! Nice presentation of shutter speed. 🙂

[@goanheat]

Thanks for this tutorial Mark

[@allison_lafitte]

Hi Mark! I wanted to say that I really enjoy your videos. After about 12 years of owning my camera, I am finally taking the plunge to learn how to actually use it. The material you present is clear and very easy to understand when everything else is so confusing! Thank you!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Allison! Really appreciate this.

[@pbziegler]

Dropped out of Out of Death Valley and plan to do Out of Acadia if it happens in October. Hope you plan to be there. You videos are always worth watching. And your images are inspiring. Stay safe

[@himanshur7983]

I'm going on trip tomorrow and shoot for the first time with DSLR camera and found ur channel today. Thank you 🙏🏼 needed this.

[@epowella93]

I have struggled with this issue until now. Your simple explanation really helps me clarify how to approach the water speed issue. I was making a binary choice of slow bad and fast good. I was not analyzing mood nearly as much as I should. Thanks.

[@cruishall]

Thanks for the tips. I am in a mission to take photographs of the Rhode Island coastline and I saw this video. I forgot I already saw this but I still watched it for review purposes. Funny that you also have the photo of Bass Lighthouse with a photographer in your composition, I also had my only photo of the lighthouse and there was a photographer camping in my composition.

[@aroach337]

Thanks for the info. Would be great if you could include the actual settings you used for each shot. You mention the ranges and provide examples, but a specific would help.

[@perryhoward5064]

Beautiful photographs thanks for the tips

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Perry!

[@christalsigrid2450]

Fantastic information per usual Mark! Thank you so much! Lately, I have been shooting waterfalls but my heart belongs to seascapes!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Christal! I’m torn between the two - not sure which I like more.

[@jeffb9371]

Great video! I have just recently found your channel and have enjoyed the videos I have watched. I like the way you explain things in a way that are easy to understand.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Jeff!

[@pradeepkumar-ee5yk]

Your blog is always very informative. Thank you

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you!!

[@ramoncaceres7966]

Great video. I find that the best shutter speed for water is .5” to 1.5”. It gives details and movement at the same time.

[@Justin-jh8hh]

I never thought of using a slow shutter speed for still water. Thanks!

[@Tainted-Soul]

I always knew that slowing the shutter down gave the smooth water look but you have put it in a way I hadn't thought about and the difference look you can get from one to the other is great thank you for another good video

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Always happy to do it and a big thanks to you Brian for checking it out!

[@vtanzi]

Another great helpful video

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Vito!

[@klauslampe4199]

How can anyone give a dislike on a rich tutorial like this? Incredible. Congratulations Mark for your superb class work and excelent explanations!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@jamesgurley1436]

I wished you had actually mentioned the exact shutter speed on each photo rather than saying fast, blended, slow. Other than that, great as always!

[@Lis77Boa]

I agree, would be good to have some data to put into perspective in your photos

[@jerinmathew2987]

What shutter speed are you using at 8:19 ? Any chance you can add the shutter speeds of these shots to desc?

[@SteveP_2426]

I've found it's trial and error and it depends on the speed of flow and what look you want. I like some structure in my flow shots so I tend to end up with a shutter speed of 0.5s for slow flows down to 0.1s for fast flows. Once you get into the 2-5s exposures it's getting very blurred. To freeze water I start at 1/250th and enlarge the image on the viewscreen and adjuse shutter speed depending on that I see in the viewer.

[@reginaschwarz7443]

Mark, please let me know what shutter speed you are using at 3:00.

[@wahabdilawar]

ASMR all the way... Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy to do it!

[@gregs2466]

great job Mark! I don't photograph either river or sea. I live in the middle of the Mojave Desert, LOL! The desert is a very fun thing to photograph except between the months of July and October. Lots of contrast!

[@robertdavis1255]

Great advice... Most of my photo shots are of ocean so next time I am shooting waterfalls I will use your advice... thanks..

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks Robert!

[@wimscheenen3535]

Nice informative video. Always looking forward to your next one.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate that.

[@clifflean]

Thanks Mark, really enjoyed this vid and this has really given me insight into the feeling of an photograph

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

It’s great to hear the video was helpful Cliff!

[@Mr09260]

GREAT topic Mark ..Thanks so much from Port Elizabeth South Africa

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Peter!

[@AlexMcKean]

I agree with you on this. Great video Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Appreciate it Alex!

[@TheGeoDaddy]

In my shooting that weekend, I was kinda surprised that my 1 to 5 ND wasn’t close enuff to bring my shutter speed down more than a sec? Looks like 5 to 10 is needed on a really bright day.

[@nsavch]

Idk, I never liked blurred waterfalls, they look unnatural, fake. It's not like they look in real life, it's not like they feel in real life. I don't understand why people are so hyped about long exposure waterfalls... Sorry, I didn't mean to offend or anything, just wanted to say this to someone and your video was a nice opportunity for this :) Fast shutter speed shoot look much more natural, which is important for landscapes IMO.

[@RichardHiston]

It has taken over. It used to be, mainly in the early days of photography, that slow films meant a long shutter speed. In the last few years it has become the norm. So much so that it gets presented as the normal way to do things. It is of course up to the photographer. I would never buy a print that uses the steam effect as I call it. Some photographers use it for all of their shots which I find ridiculous. Perhaps one day future photographers will look back at all this and laugh at the obsession.

[@toddsulli6495]

I have to agree with one of the previous comments I’ve seen, you do an amazing job of explaining yourself! At times, some of the videos I’ve seen from various photographers ‘although amazing photographers’ just leave me feeling overwhelmed with the information. If that makes sense? Your videos are to the point and very understanding. Thanks and keep up the excellent content!

[@jimmccandless4307]

How about shutter speed verses depth of field?

[@jeffpettittphotography576]

Like your shirt. Have you been there? One of my favorite places. And, I live in NC.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I sure have - great place👍

[@jeffpettittphotography576]

Really enjoy your videos. I’ll be going to Babcock State Park this Saturday. I’m sure it’ll be elbow to elbow photog’s!! 😂📸

[@NeoDon1]

It would be nice if you were to show examples of each shutter speed effect with the exact same picture. Then we don't have to imagine the principle you are conveying. Thanks

[@hassanscottodierno9284]

Thanks for this video, the idea of building emotions in a photograph through different shutter speeds is very useful, just being aware of this now will improve my photos. What I would love is any comments on what you did to 'complete the equation'. For instance when there isn't anything moving you use shutter speed to get the exposure right. I know that for photographers focusing on wildlife they would use ISO to get the exposure right (they seem to be ok with much higher ISO than other types of photographers). So what about you here? I would imagine the ISO and aperture is also very important, no?

[@VTPyzon]

Hi Mark. Love your videos. This video would have been much more useful if you have included the shutter speed used in the example photos. I still don't have any idea what shutter speed I should use to get a certain effect.

[@lloydbligh5601]

That was my exact thoughts, show me the... show me the... . Nice Photo’s though.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Its really impossible to give an exact shutter speed to use as it depends on the flow of the water, but I generally like to use something between 1/5th and 1/50th of a second, but if I'm trying to capture a heavy flowing scene I'll often use a fast shutter speed around 1/100th and 1/250th of a second. Hope that helps!

[@VTPyzon]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Sort of. I understand that you can't give a formula shutter speed, but if you gave the settings for the photos that would help us visualize what shutter speed gave that result. I realize that some of it is trial/error/repeat until get where you want to be. Thx!

[@lloydbligh5601]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto . Thanks for the reply, enjoyed your Photo’s.

[@bencifranklin804]

I loved the slow shutter speed image of the tree with the pink sky reflected in the water at about 4:05 in your video. What was the shutter speed you used for this image?

[@vernonalvares8440]

Superb "walk thry"... on Shutter Speed in creating "a mood" photograph.. thks Mike ... & Squarespace... wonder if Squarespace works here in India.. cheers, Vernon, Mumbai

[@kumarkrishnan8309]

Thanks for the tips, Mark. What is your range for a blended shutter speed?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you Kumar! Really depends on the movement of the water, but generally I use somewhere between 1/5 and 1/60 if the water is moving quickly.

[@andrecalil]

Hey Mark, this is a great topic. As a newbie, I usually struggle with shutter speed. Question: how do you handle other moving objects when using a slower shutter speed? Imagine you're framing a waterfall in the middle some some trees. You want that smooth look on the water, but if leaves shake during the exposure, they will look blurry too, right? Bracketing and merge? Thanks for all this great content!

[@sunrise_sunshine]

Thank you so much for sharing educating videos people like me beginners to understand the concepts and techniques. I’m planning to purchase my very first DSLR which is Nikon D750 along with 85mm 1.8 + 50mm 1.8 G lens. I’m wondering is it still worth to buy this camera considering 5 years old?. Or should i invest in mirrorless which is Z6ii with kit lens. My only concern is from d750 is 1/4000 shutter speed unlike d780 and Z6ii 1/8000 and 900 seconds, I’m not quite sure this is show stopper. Purpose of buying a camera is for taking Portraits, Still, Landscape, Bird, Product photography (learning) and of course my kids. It would be really great if you throw some lights on my concern to make a wise decision.... other options I have considered is Nikon D780 with one of the lens and Z6ii with the kit lens... apart from D780 and Z6ii I have been suggesting to go with D850 with the kit lens. Thank you and looking forward to your recommendation.

[@gordonneedham7014]

I tried freezing a creek ... however it turned out being a frustration. 1st the creek was flowing with a small waterfall ... I wanted to try smooth out the water, so I used a slower Shutter speed (in Shutter Priority mode). I had the ISO on the lowest (100). The more I turned down the shutter speed the more blown out the image became. Nothing I tried seemed to help .... SUGGESTIONS????

[@grahamegannon9708]

I have been taking many photographs recently of waterfalls and coastal seascapes. This video has really made me think twice about sticking on the 10 stop all the time. Varying the shutter speed to suit the environment of the scene makes perfect sense. Thanks Mark

[@devroombagchus7460]

Thanks. Wonderful video with great examples! Images taken at both ends of the scale of the same object, slow/fast, would have made an even greater impact, I think. But then, I'am slow to learn.

[@scottvk75]

I've been a subscriber for over a year. When I have time, I go back to your archives and view your videos that I haven't seen. I absolutely love the watermill and falls that you photographed in West Virginia. Do you give locations? If not I understand but I'd love to to find a place like that to shoot. Indiana just doesn't have scenes quite like that. I think winter, spring, or fall could offer some great images there. Thanks for all your posts. I'm a part time professional photographer and I still enjoy learning from others.

[@terrynewmanphotography]

Seascapes as lack of hills where I live so have to travel (outside of lockdowns) for waterfalls. I agree with shutter speed comments. When I first got filters I was addicted to long shutter speeds and almost blowing out the highlights completely for mad milky water effects. I’ve since enjoyed thinking more carefully about what I want. Sometimes a faster shutter can show drama but it’s really down to what you see and want from the shot. It’s great fun experimenting. Sometimes I end up liking one of the shots I didn’t think would make the shortlist.

[@NakedInSeattle]

A bit repetitive. It would have been super helpful and informative if you had given the shutter speed you used on your examples...especially the 'blended shutter speed' examples. You didn't really tell us the best shutter speed. Thank you anyway.

[@mikestephenson9334]

Mark, I have been a fan of your for almost the entire time you have been on KZbin. I loved this video, but it would have helped me immensely if you had show the settings you used on your particular photos in this video. For example, fast shutter speed 1/100 sec or greater. There is a huge range in that statement. Blended shutter speed, less than 1/100 sec to 2 sec, again a huge range. Please give specifics in the next video, I get what fast and slow shutter speeds do to water, but it would help me to have specific examples. Thanks!

[@dougdunlop6716]

Hi again, what is the best combination for rainbows and waterfalls. Time of day, angle of sunlight, I think a long exposure with a cpl works well, What do you think?

[@irabrucelevine]

Hello Mark. I enjoyed watching this video. However, it would have been helpful if you had revealed the actual shutter speeds you used in each image to make the water appear as it did. Your use of the words "fast," "short," and "blended" shutter speeds, though you provided a speed range that each word represented, begged the question of the actual shutter speed you used. The images were lovely to look at. But without the actual shutter speeds you used, I felt a bit frustrated as this video concluded. But thank you for taking the time to put together and upload your valuable tutorials. I am an admirer of your work.

[@vacanechaser]

great vid as always. but i think what would help give some better ideas of "fast shutter speed" or "slow shutter speed" would be to post the actual shutter speed with this images. Like you said, a slow shutter speed is subjective and it would help a lot to actually see what you shot those images at.just a suggestion.. keep up the great work

[@davidvierck3938]

I have learned a lot from your Lr Ps videos. I still struggle with file size. Most You Tubers don't mention image or file size, perhaps I should not worry about it. It seems depending on the intended use for the image different photographers have different opinions on the size of the end product. How and when do you become concern with file size ?

[@richlovin2173]

Looking at the falls shown at time mark 10:57.....Is that taken at the Silver Creek Falls?

[@melissafaria5386]

I think the only other item I would have found helpful was to know the shutter speeds you used in the examples you showed. This would have helped to understand what shutter speeds produce what results. I needed a refresher on this topic because it had been a while since I photographed landscape that had water.

[@manny-perez]

Mark, do you know if you can buy Adobe Lightroom software, or is it just subscription-based?

[@irajnaghash]

Thank you for the pictures you show. For me, the most important is sped time you used for all kinds of pictures you took. You said just literature not the technical aspect of shutter speed.

[@ionutvlad]

A simple (apparently) video, but full of useful things. Thx, Mark!

[@thekeywitness]

It would be instructive to know what shutter speeds (as well as aperture and ISO settings) you actually used for each of these shots. Show the settings on screen with each shot. Thanks.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Great advice Mark, just putting together my latest waterfall video gonna be a couple of weeks away I think, enjoyed the video, check out my latest if you have a chance , see how a small channel operates.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

THanks so much John - I’ll do just that!

[@chefhodgie79]

Acadia is right in my back yard and is one of my favorite places to shoot... being so close i don't get there as often as i would like! that is my goal though, to photograph there more

[@os2baba]

This video would have been a lot more instructive with the shutter speeds shown for all the photos. I do get that it would depend on the specific location and water flow, but it will still help. Perhaps overlay on this video so we can re-watch it with context.

[@ThePleoni]

i have been trying (for landscapes with water) long shutter speeds, up to 30-60seconds but the trees often look blurry cause of the wind. How do you fix this?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I usually take two exposures - one for the water and then a much faster shutter speed version for the trees and then blend the two in PS

[@popiemac4579]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto do you have a video showing how you take each exposure and how you blend in Photoshop?

[@ThePleoni]

@@popiemac4579 I was going to ask the same question... I really struggle with this. Have this amazing long exposure shot of the ocean and a nice shot of a boat that passed but I have not been able to blend them in together...

[@fnicholasphoto]

When out photographing do get concerned about ticks. If so what do you do to protect yourself from getting them on you?

[@renebeijer8725]

Hello Mark, Tonight i saw for the first your video. I just started with fotografie.

[@sunrise_sunshine]

Very educating video thanks for creating, I learnt something to try out.

[@kdub409]

Could you tell us what shutter speeds were used in each of your examples? Thanks.

[@danni0510]

To be honest Mark, the Quality of your presentation is the best I have seen in years. All the best!

[@淼孨]

Every coin has two sides. True.

[@ottersphotography304]

Another great video with great, pertinent information Mark.

[@thefunnytech4612]

what sound effect is that 5:51 and this video is amazing love those shoots i shoot both

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

It was a camera shutter

[@thefunnytech4612]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto thanks mark

[@Innerlightuk]

2 long video ads at the start, clicked off so did not see the video sorry

[@adjake1]

I’m curious what your process is for eliminating photographs. I just got back from fall foliage tour on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I spent 4 days hiking 30 miles, driving from the west end to almost 77. I managed to take about 400 photographs of landscapes, waterfalls, sunsets, sunrise, scenery (difficult), and the Milky Way. I tend to toy around with shutter speed on a lot of scenes so I’ll end up with 5-10 shots of the same composition. Some are easy to discard, but trying to narrow down is sometimes difficult. I do usually end up with just a few favorites but other people I show them to will like stuff that I think is just ok.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I usually try to not look at my photos from a trip for a few days or sometimes even a few weeks after a trip and then I begin the culling process. That seems to help me to narrow down the best images from a particular session.

[@jackielarena-lacayo9884]

Your video was so enlightening for me. In watching I realized I need to practice and develop my blended shutter speed skill. I can do long exposure and fast but have to get that blended skill up to the same standard. Thanks Mark for another awesome video 👍🏻

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Its always great to hear you enjoyed the video!

[@janenuse1051]

Thanks! This was very informative.

[@horstschoninger1265]

I agree 100% how you see it....Thanks..

[@jimbennett565]

Almost as good on the video as in peson! Thanks for all the tips at Acadia.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Jim! Hope you’re doing well.

[@cii1072]

Nice examples. Always look forward to watching your videos. I was at Acadia last October. I took a very similar shot you did of the Bass Harbor light house. I struggled, but made it crawling and working my way down those rocks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yes, it’s not an easy location to move around in thats for sure

[@popiemac4579]

Great video Mark. You’re an excellent teacher. Are you happy with your new Fuji or do you prefer your Sony? Also, what tripod did you take for your trip to Acadia National Park?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Very happy so far - really enjoy it. I took the Really Right Stuff TVC34L

[@johndoherty6448]

Splendid video, Mark. That's a great option -the blended shutter speed. And great examples. I live and learn. Thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks John!

[@PCote]

Thanks you provide great information and examples. Always a pleasure to watch your podcast. Keep up the good work.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@niftytwo]

Certainly a very big help to me Mark. I will pay much more attention to the details of what I can do just with shutter speed. I will experiment instead of just deciding to shoot a single shot with little or no forethought. Thank you Mark. Stay safe.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Always happy to do it Neville - stay well my friend!

[@JennyLaBouff]

Thanks for the tips. I'll be applying those next week as I venture out into the Smoky Mountains to capture waterfalls and cascades.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Nice! Enjoy your trip!

[@roberthennessey128]

Thanks Mark, ....do u print your own photos, or who do you use. Also I see a lot use filters to slow water or get that milky effect, what filters do you use? Thanks again Mark.

[@roberthennessey128]

Just saw in your info you use...Nisi filters...😊

[@richard5005]

Mark, you did a great job 👏🏼 of using slow, fast, and blended shutter speed in landscape photography. Going forward, I will think about when approaching a scene of interest I would like 👍 to photograph. I never 💭 about shutting speed and how I could influence the look and feel of my final image. Thanks 😊 very much for this presentation on the use of shutter speeds. Regards Richard

[@brianmitchell9199]

When considering a slower shutter speed, do you also take into account any breeze or wind conditions and the impact on tree limb movement? Do you just shoot with the slower shutter speed anyway and live with limb/ leaf movement?

[@popiemac4579]

Great question. I was wondering the same thing too.

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

Excellent video/tutorial as usual Mark. I noticed six thumbs down on this video, someone explain to me what is there to dislike about it, I honestly don’t get it.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it friend! Hope you’ve been well

[@nigelnewton4365]

Thank you, Mark. I agree with you about 'blended shutter speeds'. For me, somewhere inbetween works in many situations. Also, there is a difference of opinion amongst some of my clients about milky water. Some hate it while others love it!

[@borjarr]

Seascapes, but just moved to north spain more waterfalls than were i lived before, really exciting. Im practically at the stage of trying to get right the 3 different shutter speeds technically. Looking for a look till today, now ill look for that story. Thanks Mark!

[@ABDR._.]

Thank you very much and good luck

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank YOU!

[@anamushabbir4086]

Very informative and easily explained. Thank you for your effort.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it and thank you for watching it!

[@williamflynn6261]

Mark, I really have enjoyed all the videos recently, first because they were done in my backyard of Arcadia National Park. Secondly they hit some excellent basics needed to enhance everyone's photographic improvement. This weeks video is of a great help mainly because here in Maine there are nearly 2000 waterfalls to photograph. Some however are only found when the seasons come on with large amounts of moisture. The many types of flow as well as what story you want tell when capturing these water flows are as you indicated here this week dependent on shutter speed. This was a great stop and think video. Added to some of your others on stacking and focus for landscape are a great combo for improving the results I am learning. Been following your journey toward full time professional and your style has replaced many of the photographers in the landscape I was following over the past three years. They have great stories teller videos but lack the technical insights you are offering all your followers. Thanks for inviting us into your thought process on landscape photography.

[@yodamday3745]

you should say the shutter speed for each picture

[@gaylerule6707]

So glad you examined faster shutter speed for moving water detail. It seems many people think you have to blur the water to achieve "fine art" photos, producing almost cliched images. Personally I much prefer to see the dynamics of the water movement, which is what seascapes and waterfalls are all about to me.

[@swissheartydogs]

Indispensable as usual. Shutter speed to tell a story. Dear Mark, you made my day, again. Greetings from 🇨🇭

[@OutdoorActionPhoto]

Wait, wait, pause. Let me get my notepad... Okay, play the video. Thanks Mark!

[@RJBiteanerd]

Gauchos represent! Nice UCSB hat. I miss my days living in Isla Vista.

[@rosssayer6524]

Thanks again Mark for some really good info, shooting mainly seascapes I tend to go with the long shutter speed and smooth out the water. I will be definitely changing the way I look at the scene and make a decision on what will portray the best of what is there. 👏👏

[@brucesmith9144]

I will never forget that lighthouse. I had a rogue wave crash against the rocks and douse me and the camera (Canon AE-1).