Stream / Waterfall Practice Shots. C&C welcome.

So here's the story... I have a camping/fishing trip planned in late April this year near Yosemite. As you all know it's very beautiful there and there's lots of streams and waterfalls. So, I thought I'd brush up on my skills shooting these. I found a local spot that is the closest to what I may find on my trip to practice my shots.

I'd be grateful if you could give me some input and/or crits on what you think of the photos. Please be honest and let me know if you see any room for improvements (which is inevitable).

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I see you visited Tractor Tire Fall... one of my faves. :P

The water movement looks good to me. Just keep an eye on exposure as it is slightly blown in spots. If you're using Lightroom or Bridge a slight bit of recovery may pull it back in.

haha. Yea... it's located next to it's smaller sister... inner tube cascades.

Thanks for your comments, John.

Looks to me like you're gonna do fine on waterfalls. I trust you're using an ND filter? If not, consider getting one -- say a 2-stopper. And I agree that you've got to look out for overexposing the pic and blowing out the water. Another tip is that if there's green in the area (inevitable in the Spring), try a polarizer to bring out the greens. By the way, as a flyfisher, I'm interested in knowing where you're planning to fish. If it's a secret spot, that's cool.

Actually, these shots were not taken with ND filter. I have an ND set for my kit lens, but not my 28-135mm [72mm]. That's the biggest hurdle I was facing when I snapped these. They were blowing out very easily. I had to play with it in PP to simmer it down.

Thanks for the reminder that I need to pick up ND filters for 72mm. You recommended a 0.6 ND. I was just thinking ... there may be snow there, do you think I'd be okay with the 2-stop? Or should I go 3-stop?

Oh, no secrets among fellow fishermen. It's in Bridgeport, CA. Which is just outside of Yosemite Forrest. Actually It's right on the other side of the mountain. It's really beautiful and just far enough out of reach to be completely bliss. No cell phones, no jobs, no bs. We all need it every once in a while. Yesir.

Bridgeport, CA

You may want to get both 2 and 3 stop NDs, stack 'em if need be.

are you going to use a cpl at all?

Good idea, sparker. I'm going to run with that.

So, the way I understand it is a CPL is the same as a UV polarized filter. (clear)
And ND is meant to cut down light intake. (tinted)

Would I need to use both, or would the ND filter be enough? I figured I would just mount a ND filter and call it a day. But, I also have no experience in the matter.

P.S. The above shots used a CPL.

Oh. Looks like I'm wrong. Just googled CPLs. They can be tinted as well.

I always thought that CPL's were strictly for glare. But, I guess not.

Now, I'm confused.

A cpl will give you 2-2.5 stops reduction in light. I ask because MOST of the time that's all I need, but I also shoot at ISO 50 a lot. I have ND's and I would say if you're only going to get one.. get a .60 (2 stop). I'd prefer to have both that and the 3-stop .90 in my bag however.

Be careful about stacking them if you're using screw-ins, you may get some vignetting at the wide end of your 28-135, and definitely will on the 18-155.

Gotcha. Thank you very much for the explanation. I appreciate you taking the time.

I too recommend having both the .6 and .9 NDs. But if you're facing a choice between a CPL and a second ND, then I strongly recommend going with the .6 ND and a CPL. And, by the way, my B+W CPL doesn't give up 2 to 2.5 stops. Closer to 1.3 stops. Note also that while they do reduce glare they also have the effect of saturating colors -- particularly in skies and greens.

Wishing you tight lines on your fishing trip.

Thanks Randy.