Waterfalls and smooth silky water

Whitewater Falls near Cashiers, North Carolina taken with a wide-angle lens shortly before sunset. The waterfalls is completely in shadow, so it is evenly lit. And the warm afternoon light is gently lighting some of the surrounding trees.

I am frequently asked how to get that smooth silky water effect when photographing waterfalls. It is not difficult to do, but it does involve a few important steps to capture the silky motion of the water in your photographs. It also helps if you are photographing under the right light conditions and you are using a tripod.

I have found the “best light conditions” for photographing waterfalls are:

• Overcast or cloudy days with a white sky for even diffused light without noticeable shadow

• Foggy or misty weather

• Near sunrise or near sunset when the sun is low in the sky

• A time when the entire waterfalls is in the shade or shadow

• Avoid the times when part of the waterfalls is lit with direct sun and part is in shadow

Located in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, Whitewater Falls is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With a total height of 811 feet, it is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies. The sight and sound of the cascading water against the backdrop of autumn foliage create a truly magical experience.