Back in 2009 when I started taking my first photographs, I remember feeling overwhelmed by smooth bodies of water across several landscape photographs. At that time, I was convinced that this look was achieved via some Photoshop trick; I couldn’t be more erred. So, imagine my surprise when I came to know that this awesome result was captured on camera and fine-tweaked later in post.

This does not imply that all bodies of water should be capture this way. For example, just by themselves, several wetlands and other water features offer absolute visual serenity; no matter the shutter speed you come up with. The next time you stumble upon any aquatic environment, make decisions on how to capture them for effective results. Here are some points to keep in mind:

• Both quality and direction of light are capable of affecting the overall mood of the water and the golden hours during sunrise or sunset can produce compelling results. While doing so, experiment with small aperture values like ƒ/11, ƒ/16 or even ƒ/22 as these can help lengthen the exposure time and capture crisp images!
• Pay attention to your composition, and by that, I mean to think outside the rule of odds or the one about the thirds. You need to change angles, perspectives, focal lengths to get the desired results.
• And, don’t forget to tell a story!

Covered that, here are some of the most eye-catching photographs submitted for our Weekly Photography Challenge 691: Serene Waters. So, be prepared to see some beautiful light, aesthetic compositions and meaningful stories, but first, our photo of the week!

Photo of the Week

The compositional elements in the scene alone are enough to make it serene. However, it is that soothing colour palette that makes this a remarkable frame. Tranquillity is so evident in this shot, that it almost feels like a scale model carefully placed in a wide bowl filled to the top with some chilly water. Despite all this, what makes this the photo of the week is how the tension between the overlapping horizontal and vertical lines becomes nuanced from the implied diamond drawn by symmetry and reflection.

strait of juan de fuca sunset

Congrats @loki, thanks for sharing such a high quality photograph with us!

Weekly Photography Challenge Digest

Thanks Tersha and Rob for pushing our creative boundaries one step forward every week!

Just an iPhone shot … Nant y Moch

Father-Daughter Reflections

Same lake on a different morning – no two mornings are the same

multnomah falls

apparently there’s ice in iceland

south dakota serenity

The calming rhythm of the ocean

For more visual imagery, check out the 691th original challenge post!

A Highlight on the Latest Activity at our Community

Daniel shared this magnificent shot titled “Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul, MN – Dramatic Night with Lone Star in Sky”:

beth spotted some storm-troopers having fun:

bucweeet came up with a valid question about the nature of landscape’s visual orientation, follow the link to find more about that. And here’s a link to a precious thread on vertical examples of landscape photography.

Remember, our monthly contest is live, and is all about “Whispers”.

Go check out the guidelines if $250 sounds like an interesting prize!

Last but not least, if you want to make out the most of your LightStalking user account, make sure to check the latest posts. Also, don’t forget to check out the Mobile Monday Challenge!

We’d Love To Hear Your Thoughts

Our Feedback Forum is a fine place for all those people wanting to grow fast as photographers. Here, you’ll get your work reviewed by well-intended photographers, but you’ll also have the chance of commenting on the work of others. We believe in the power of feedback, and here are the latest shots shared in the pool:

• Rocket
• lines of chairs
• Burning technique on budding poppy
• Light-Painting
• Narabeen
• Cropping for best composition
• Tour de France trials
• nets and floats
• PAX
• Rainbow Lorikeet
• No Idea What You See?
• London Underground
• Street Photography London Underground
• Tulip BW
• Lighthouse…

The Shark Tank is a great place to learn and to discuss, but please read the instructions in order to get a better experience. Share your comments, opinions and doubts on any or all of the images above. We also will be delighted to see some of your own images. Remember all comments are given to the photographs; not the photographers.

Also, don’t forget to participate in our current challenge on unseen inhabitants!