Waterfalls: the only thing we love more than exploring them is posting pictures of them captioned with TLC lyrics. But when you only have your trusty phone at your disposal, how do you make sure those snaps best show off your incredible views? And where are the best places to find these natural wonders?
Here’s our guide to getting the perfect shot the next time you go chasing waterfalls.
Best weather for photographing waterfalls with an iPhone
While you might think a sunny day is ideal weather for locking in those memories and getting the perfect shot of a waterfall, that may not always be the case. Bright sunlight can sometimes result in the water looking like one big white blob, with none of the detail you can see in person. The ideal weather to photograph waterfalls with an iPhone is actually more overcast: even rainy days can sometimes be ideal!
Of course, most of the time you’ll want to go exploring when the weather’s nice, so if you can, save picture time until the afternoon or evening, or wake up extra early and get some amazing sunrise shots.
Best angles for photographing waterfalls
The rule of thirds is something you’ll hear about all the time when you’re talking photography. It states that a photo is more visually interesting when its subject isn’t directly in the centre of the shot. So what does that mean for taking pictures of waterfalls?
Try to add some interest to your shot by including some of your surroundings: most of the time, waterfalls are surrounded by all kinds of gorgeous nature! By including a tree, or part of the cliff the waterfall runs down, your photos will have that certain artistic quality you find in professional photography.
Best equipment for photographing waterfalls with an iPhone
Most of the time, you’ll want to pack light if you’re on the hunt for incredible hidden (and not-so-hidden!) waterfalls. We aren’t suggesting you bring a whole photographer’s studio with you, but there are a few small things you can add to really make your photos pop.
Apple’s Live Photo setting allows you to create moving images: the camera captures 1.5 seconds of movement before and after you take the photo, which results in three seconds of movement. This is a great way to show off the power and movement of the falls, but it also gives you the option to play with a long exposure: the still image is all 3 seconds of movement stitched together, and it can create beautiful blurring effects.
If you’re experimenting with a long exposure, the most important thing to remember is your phone needs to be perfectly still while the photo is being taken. If you think you might have a problem with that, or you just want to make sure everything goes perfectly, there are tons of portable tripods you can get to keep things stable.
Get in the frame
Don’t be afraid to step in front of the camera! Whether it’s to show the scale of a massive waterfall or just to show off your traveller’s tan, including yourself in your waterfall photos is a sure-fire way to make memories and have photos you’ll want to keep forever.
Best waterfalls to photograph with an iPhone
Any time you stumble upon a waterfall, it’s an almost magical moment. You can find lush greenery, jagged rocks, or even a secret swimming hole; sometimes all at the same time! While these tips work great for any waterfall, here are a few of our favourite ones.
Niagara Falls, Canada and the USA
This world-famous waterfall is actually three waterfalls that sit along the border of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York. Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls (fitting, since Niagara Falls was once known as “the honeymoon capital of the world”) make up this incredible sight.
- Our top tip: if you can, take your photos from the Canadian side! The views are incredible, and there are more opportunities for great photos
Plitvice National Park, Croatia
Another waterfall that’s actually multiple waterfalls, Plitvice National Park, located in central Croatia, is home to 16 lakes, joined by waterfalls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice National Park is the perfect spot to lose yourself in for the day. The best part is, if you can’t get a great shot of one waterfall, you always have others to try your luck at!
- Our top tip: Get to Veliki Slap, the tallest waterfall in Croatia, early. Crowds can quickly gather!
Angel Falls, Venezuela
The world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall, Angel Falls is one for the bucket list. Towering at an incredible 979 metres, Angel Falls gets its name from American daredevil Jimmy Angel, who first saw the falls in 1933 while looking for the legendary “city of gold.” Now, though, this South American marvel is a popular tourist attraction for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
- Our top tip: Consider the season of your visit carefully. In the warmer, drier months, the water evaporates into a mist before it can reach the bottom of the waterfall!
Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
Iceland is a must-visit for any nature lover. This small country is home to over 200 waterfalls, and all of them are gorgeous! The most well-known of them all, however, may be Seljalandsfoss, located near Iceland’s south coast. Surrounded by rough cliffs and soft, vibrant greenery, Seljalandsfoss towers above visitors at a height of over 60 metres, and there are plenty of photo-ops surrounding it. There’s even a walking path for travellers to take a peek (and snap a photo!) behind the falls; an unforgettable experience.
- Our top tip: If you’re looking to get up close and personal with Seljalandsfoss and go behind the falls, make sure you’re visiting while the weather’s warm. The path is closed in the winter, when things get too slippery.
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world during the wet season: over five hundred million cubic metres of water plummet over the edge, one hundred metres below, per minute. The falls sit at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, but are most visible from the Zimbabwean side. If you’re looking to explore Victoria Falls, the opportunities are endless, as they span a width of nearly two kilometres.
- Our top tip: make sure to pack a raincoat! The mist from Victoria Falls is visible from over 30 miles (almost 50 kilometres) away, which means you’re almost guaranteed to get wet.
Taking photos is a sure-fire way to make sure you’re always able to look back on your travels, so why not do everything you can to make them great? We hope these tips are helpful, and if you have any others, or if we missed your favourite waterfall, let us know!
