Photographing Lakes and Still Water

Photographing lakes is a type of landscape photography, falling into the categories of impressionistic and representational styles. As in all landscape photography, lighting is particularly important in water shots, either still or moving water. Also important are depth, background and contrast.

There are three basic categories of light on any landscape. Light quality is the intensity of light, overcast or sun saturation. Light direction is where the light is coming from to the subject object to be photographed. Light temperature is the color of light, yellows at sunrise or the pale blues at sunset, for examples. The key with light in water photography are the many reflections that offer unlimited depth to the photo. Water reflections are the classic subject for lake photography, whether it is the mirror effect or rippling effect providing the reflection. Most lake photography combines elements of different light and unique reflections. Choose the reflections which enhance the photo and avoid those which distract, even if that means moving around the desired image to eliminate them or wait for a different sun angle. Sun glare is a distraction, especially on mirrored water, which can be reduced by the use of a polarizing filter to increase contrast. Sunset and sunrise are often the best times for lake photography, to maximize light temperature effects. Backdrops for the lake picture can be local, such as fall leaves or lily pads drifting on the lake, or panoramic backgrounds, such as distant mountains. In mirrored reflections, both types of backdrops may be captured, enhancing depth to the photo.

The rules for landscape photography remain the same for still water photography, except for lighting playing a larger role in capturing reflections and water movement.