Digital Waterfall Photography - Avoid Water Vapor

SUMMARY: Step back from waterfalls to avoid water droplets and water vapor getting on your digital camera.

Although most photographers recommend not using a zoom lens as much, recommending you physically getting closer to a subject, when taking digital photos of waterfalls you can get too close. Step back and then use a telephoto lens to zoom-in if necessary. Set your digital camera on a sturdy tripod if you have problems with camera shake due to the telephoto zoom.

Even if you think you are at a safe distance away from a waterfall, droplets can splash onto your lens. If this happens, be sure to quickly wipe off any excess moisture on your camera, not only on your lens but also on the entire digital camera body. Although getting your lens wet can cause problems, liquid getting through to your camera's internals could prove disastrous.

Unless you are already using another filter such as a polarizing filter to reduce reflections, put on a UV filter. This way, if droplets or mist reaches your camera lens the water most likely will only touch your filter. Either should be easy to wipe away via a lint-free cloth or LensPen. This way you won't be touching your lens as much, and if scratching or streaking occurs, you most likely will only damage a cheaper filter and not your camera lens.