Slow shutter speed, 3.2 sec, f22, tripod
Once I decided on water as the subject to demonstrate shutter speeds, Beresford Dale came immediately to mind. The location is very quiet and is little known, which was brilliant, I had the location to myself and lots of time to experiment and compose a balanced image. The river itself is the Dove, and close by is the famous neighbour, Dovedale, a well-known Peak District honey pot.
Beresford Dale is perfect as it has fast flowing water, weirs, riffles and pools, so plenty going on and good opportunity to achieve some creative photography. I love the ‘silk’ effect that can be achieved with slow shutter speeds on flowing water. I experimented with many combinations of aperture and shutter speed and the eventual image was captured with 3.2s shutter, f22 aperture, and ND8 filter. Because of the length of time the shutter was open I experienced overexposed images prior to using the filter. The tripod was critical in achieving the image to steady camera; I also used the remote shutter release to completely avoid any camera-shake.
The season also helped in the outcome of the photograph; the motion is captured in the water only, there are no blurred leaves on trees in the image which can happen as the wind moves them in the breeze at other times of year. Further to add, compositionally I include foreground to better frame the water and to lead the eye into the image.