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How can I achieve a silky water effect in landscape photography?
Asked on Jan 21, 2026
Answer
To achieve a silky water effect in landscape photography, you'll need to use a long exposure technique that smooths out the motion of the water. This effect is best accomplished with a tripod, neutral density (ND) filter, and a camera capable of manual exposure settings.
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1. Set up your camera on a tripod to ensure stability during the long exposure.
2. Attach an ND filter to your lens to reduce the amount of light entering the camera, allowing for longer exposure times.
3. Use a low ISO setting (e.g., ISO 100) to minimize noise.
4. Choose a small aperture (e.g., f/11 or f/16) to achieve a greater depth of field.
5. Set the shutter speed to several seconds (e.g., 1-30 seconds) depending on the available light and desired effect.
6. Use a remote shutter release or the camera's timer to avoid camera shake.
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- Experiment with different ND filter strengths (e.g., 3-stop, 6-stop, 10-stop) to find the best exposure balance.
- Consider shooting during the golden hour for softer lighting and enhanced colors.
- Review the histogram to ensure proper exposure and adjust settings as needed.
- Post-process in software like Lightroom or Capture One to fine-tune contrast and color balance.
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