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
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!
#1 by shamelessly sassy on October 20, 2008 - 12:36 AM
So when I saw the tweet for this I thought it was about taking shots of water instead of alcohol. I need to go to bed. Seriously.
#2 by Undomestic Diva on October 20, 2008 - 12:41 AM
I thought the same thing. And I have not been drinking.
Undomestic Divas last blog post..Quirky
#3 by jen fos - top banana on October 20, 2008 - 12:49 AM
I thought the same thing. Why did we all come? I mean water shots? Is this the new thing? Better than a Bisstini?
#4 by CCGAL on October 20, 2008 - 12:53 AM
Those are some great shots – my favorite is the one with the water ring in your hand. There was a Foremost Milk commercial in the 60’s that had a drop of milk hitting the surface and making the circle like that – it mesmerized me as a child. I had forgotten it until your photo reminded me of it. Which has nothing to do with anything except I liked your photo, LOL. Be gentle with me, it’s late and I’m tired, and I don’t drink.
#5 by Elizabeth on October 20, 2008 - 1:01 AM
I love these shots, and I will definitely be checking out those links. Thanks for the tips–I have a DSLR that I have no idea how to use well–pictures from my point and shoot often come out better, actually. Maybe the macro mode is a good first step?
Elizabeths last blog post..About those cookies
#6 by Missives From Suburbia on October 20, 2008 - 1:34 AM
What does it say about me that I, too, thought this was about drinking shots? Particularly when I’m 32 weeks pregnant! Off to Google rehab centers, because I fear the day I’m finally able to drink again, I may go on a binge!
Great photos!
Missives From Suburbias last blog post..Chew-Chew
#7 by Megan on October 20, 2008 - 2:07 AM
Wow I love the photos I’ll have to try some of the tips.
Megans last blog post..Kidnapping was a Success
#8 by Veronica on October 20, 2008 - 2:22 AM
My camera doesn’t have a macro setting. Drives me mad because there are SO many things I could do with it. Sigh.
I needs a new camera.
Veronicas last blog post..Comment Fatigue
#9 by frogpondsrock on October 20, 2008 - 4:13 AM
thanks Lotus
frogpondsrocks last blog post..Weekly Winners…
#10 by frogpondsrock on October 20, 2008 - 4:23 AM
I have just read the three tutorials that you did and i thought they deserved another Thankyou as well as a great big ((hug)))
frogpondsrocks last blog post..Weekly Winners…
#11 by katef on October 20, 2008 - 6:03 AM
oh thanks for this.. off to check out your links!
katefs last blog post..quiet
#12 by Colleen - Mommy Always Wins on October 20, 2008 - 8:12 AM
I ♥ it when you do these posts – keep ‘em comin’!
(Was great to meet you this weekend, btw!!!)
Colleen – Mommy Always Winss last blog post..Photo Hunt – Family
#13 by stephanie on October 20, 2008 - 11:36 AM
Yeah, those are some pretty sweet pics! I’d love to think I could take some half that awesome someday. Thanks for the tips!
#14 by lceel on October 20, 2008 - 11:39 AM
Good work, Lotus. Really good stuff, too, explaining that it doesn’t take fancy gear to do this stuff. Just an eye and an idea.
lceels last blog post..And it was Easy
#15 by Tiff@Three Peas on October 20, 2008 - 12:37 PM
Thanks for the tips!!! I have a canon Rebel XT so i need to figure out how to do that using all the lovely settings!
#16 by Kim on October 20, 2008 - 12:43 PM
I need to try this..I always..ALWAYS love your water shots.. thanks for the tips..
Kims last blog post..Finding My Backbone
#17 by orlund on October 20, 2008 - 2:43 PM
Nice to hear that it doesn’t take anything to fancy to do. Never took the time because just figured my camera probably wouldn’t do the trick. I will have to try now.
orlunds last blog post..Giggles And Wiggles
#18 by Mike on October 20, 2008 - 3:23 PM
“and then clean them up so they shine.”
Yeah. This is the part I need help with. Especially with the indoor shots. How do I make it look like my son isn’t being raised in a sarcophagus?
Mikes last blog post..Blogkeeping…
#19 by Patsy Bain on October 20, 2008 - 4:32 PM
So now I have to feel guilty because I haven’t tried to take water shots with my little canon pwershot digital elph. Bummer — I wanted it to have to be the camera. I’ll try some shots —- lots of shots and see what I can come up with. You have inspired me to at least try.
#20 by Just Jinny on October 20, 2008 - 4:45 PM
I looked up your posts over at Blissful yesterday on water photos. And after reading, I went to work.
Come take a look at the shots I captured. There are only four pics on my blog. I have lots and LOTS more..lol. I would love to capture an actual splash. Not that lucky this time around.
http://realworldgirl.blogspot.com/2008/10/playing-with-water.html
Just Jinnys last blog post..Playing with Water
#21 by * tonya * on October 20, 2008 - 6:56 PM
Okay, I plan on trying this throughout the week and I WILL have at least one water shot on my Weekly Winners this weekend.
* tonya *s last blog post..Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!
#22 by Talina on October 20, 2008 - 7:04 PM
I want to take sweet water shots! I must figure this out now… I don’t have macro settings, I don’t think.
Talinas last blog post..Get in on the pool and win some cash!
#23 by Ryan Marshall on October 20, 2008 - 7:04 PM
This is so rad. I love it when people take the time and post tutorials that do great work. So thanks
Just found your blog and can’t wait to take a look.
Ryan Marshalls last blog post..Giving birth to Stupid …
#24 by Texan Mama on October 20, 2008 - 8:20 PM
Hi. Is the macro setting called something else? What is the macro setting associated with (ISO speed, focus, etc). I have a point-and-shoot and the manual sucks. It basically only tells you how to turn it on and how to download photos. I don’t even know what half of the settings are for because the manual doesn’t say.
I have a Kodak Easyshare M753 (I think). It is 7.0 megapixel.
thanks!
Texan Mamas last blog post..What did you do this 4th of July?
#25 by Clare on October 27, 2008 - 4:36 AM
Wow – those are some seriously cool shots – I might have to try this myself. I’m always looking for different ways to take pictures – while desperately trying to master my DSLR!
Clares last blog post..Save money this Christmas with low-cost or hand-made Christmas cards
#26 by Sai Bubba on November 1, 2008 - 4:40 PM
I was sitting back doing shots of water, high as a kite, and ran across this page while looking for water. I liked all the water shots, but when I paged down and saw the comments, I LMAO… you see my water really does make you fly high and this is a very funny serendipity. Lotus, I’ll trade you a sample for your permission to use your pics! Ausomewater.com