NZPhotographer Issue 6, April 2018

HOW TO CAPTURE: LAKES
Lake Photography Tips by Richard Young
Lake Matheson, West Coast
THINK ABOUT YOUR HEIGHT:
When photographing an expanse of water, height
can make a big difference in your photograph.
Getting down lower can often change reflections
and allow you to capture foreground, close on the
shore. A higher view will often let you include more
water and less foreground.
FIND A VIEW:
Most lakes are only as pretty as what surrounds them,
otherwise they are just an open expanse of water.
Find a view across the lake, this could be some distant
peaks, amazing forest or an impressive sky at sunset.
If the opposite lake shore/background is a long way
away, you may need to use a zoom lens to bring it
closer and make it a stronger focal point.
FRAME WITH SOME FOREGROUND:
Finding some foreground in your lake photograph will
help to add some depth in an image. The foreground
could be quite subtle e.g some bankside vegetation
or it can be used as a stronger element and the main
focal point of the image; like a classic jetty shot.
LOOK FOR REFLECTION:
F11, 1/125s, ISO 100, 24mm
Reflections in lakes can make striking photographs
even on bright sunny days, capturing the perfect
mirror image. If you head out on a windy day, don’t
expect any lake reflections as the water will be
rippled by the wind. Often, calm mornings are best
for reflections as there is little breeze until the sun has
risen.
CAPTURE LAKE MATHESON ON A 7-DAY WEST COAST TOUR: 19TH - 25TH SEPTEMBER 2018 WITH
NEW ZEALAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
6 NZPhotographer