22 February (^2020) Iwww.amateurphotographer.co.ukIsubscribe 03303331113
ROSS’STOPKIT ▲ ▲ ▲
Technique PHOTOGRAPHING WATER
Reflectedsymmetry
Mirror-likereflectionswilladdsymmetry,interestandeven
a senseof tranquillitytoyournatureshots.Allyouneed
is perfectlycalmwateranda willingsubject!Consider
youranglecarefully,asit is oftenbesttobeclosetothe
water’sedge,whileshootingfroma lowperspective.
Althoughphotographersarefrequentlytoldtoavoid
placingsubjectscentrally,doingsocanprovevery
effectivewhenshootinga reflectedsubject.Bykeeping
thespaceaboveandbelowyoursubjectequidistant,you
willcaptureimagesboastingeye-catchingsymmetry.
Ross Hoddinott
Ross is an award-winning
photographer who regularly writes
for a number of photography
publications.Findoutmoreabout
Ross,hisportfolioandworkshopsat
http://www.rosshoddinott.co.uk.
Rain cover
A protective rain sleeve
or waterproof cover will
help keep kit dry when
it is raining or when
there is spray or
moisture in the air. A
lens hood is useful for
keeping the front of the
lens free of moisture.
Waterproof
trousers
Waterproof over-
trousers are a
must-have item when
you are likely to be
kneeling or lying down
close to the water’s
edge, or on wet sand.
Wellington boots
Wellies may not be as comfortable
as walking boots, but they allow
you to wade deeper or stand in
water for prolonged periods and
remain dry. Neoprene wellies,
made by brands like Bogs and
Muck Boots, are particularly
warm and comfortable.
Ross Hoddinott shares his top secrets
for capturing magical water wildlife
and nature images
Wildlife & nature in water
Underwater
world
Thanks to sports
cameras, such as GoPro,
and polycarbonate
housings, it is now
possible for anyone to
capture stunning images
of our extraordinary
underwater wildlife. You
don’t need to be an
expert diver – you can
simply take images while
snorkelling, or even in
rock pools. Water absorbs
more light the deeper
you go, so you will need a
strobe (fl ash) if you intend
diving far. Always try to
minimise the amount of
water between you and
your subject, as the closer
you get, the better the
colour, contrast and
sharpness will be.
Water abstracts
Water alone can be your subject. Colourful
refl ections, water droplets, or frame-fi lling shots of
water motion can look eye-catching and abstract in
close-up. Water droplets can act like tiny lenses,
magnifying or refracting objects positioned behind
them, so look closely and select your shooting angle
with care. Visit weirs and waterfalls and use a
telephoto lens to isolate cascading water. It’s also a
good idea to experiment with shutter length.
Attach an ND fi lter to generate an artifi cially long
exposure of a second or two, which will creatively
blur the water’s motion.
Colourful refl ections
Colourful refl ections typically create the most
striking backdrop. Sunny days with clear blue skies
will produce vivid refl ections, while warm early
morning or late evening light will render water
golden and glowing. Urban waterways, like canals,
are often sheltered and will refl ect the shape and
colour of nearby buildings and boats. This can
produce very colourful and abstract-looking
refl ections. If you identify an area of refl ective water
that is particularly photogenic, sit and wait by the
water’s edge – camera at the ready – for a swan,
heron or duck to swim into just the right position.
ALL IMAGES ON PAGES 20-21 © ROSS HODDINOTT
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