Yup, you can take frackin’ awesome water shots.

Often, when I post water shots on Sundays, I get asked how I take those photos, what kind of camera I use, etc.

The first thing you need to know is that I have no clue how to use a DSLR. As far as digital cameras are concerned, I’ve never used anything other than a Point & Shoot. My new P&S camera (Canon Powershot G9) is very nice and I love it very much, but I took nice water shots even with the “old” camera – a Kodak Easyshare DX7630 (6MP, 3x Digital Zoom). Which is to say, you don’t have to have a fancy camera to get shots like this.

The following shots were all taken with the “old” camera:

I cannot stress to you how much practice and repetition play a part in learning how to get a good shot with your camera. I never take just a few water shots and come up with a fabulous one. It’s more like, I shoot 100 captures and then pull the maybe 5 I really like, and then clean them up so they shine.

With water shots good focus and lighting are key. Use your macro setting – if you don’t know how to do that, check your manual. It’s not just a feature on expensive cameras – most digital cameras will have a macro setting, even “cheap” ones.

If the setup you’re using isn’t working for you – try something new! Change the speed of the water drip, the background, the lighting, distance… see what happens as you change things and you will learn what you like, what works for you and your camera. If you get frustrated, burned out… turn the camera off, wait 5-15 minutes and try again so you’re refreshed.

I guarantee that you can great photos of water without a fancy camera. You just have to be patient and willing to try again and again. Remember The Little Train Who Could?

I’ve been writing water shot tutorials over at Photo Bliss, so make sure you check them out for details.

Here are links to ones I’ve already posted:

Water Photography Series – Falling Drops

Making Water Droplets Magical

Water Splash Photos, Easy

And I’m planning on doing more as I get fun ideas (already have a few in mind).

Feel free to ask me any specific questions you have, any time. I’m happy to help if I can!