During October, the Aoos River typically carries less water, revealing its shallower sections. These calmer, more exposed areas allow for slightly longer exposure times, which can create captivating visual effects in images. The exact exposure needed depends on the speed of the water flow – in this case, just 1/5 of a second was enough to capture the mesmerizing effect you see here.
An added bonus during this time of year is the stunning reflection of autumn’s vibrant colors on the river’s surface. The golden hues of the season blend seamlessly with the water, transforming the scene into a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry.
I was struck by the vibrant autumnal colours clinging to the riverbanks, and how they transformed the water’s surface. It was a kaleidoscope of golds and browns, a swirling canvas that changed with every ripple and current. I knew I wanted to capture that sense of movement, that ephemeral quality of the reflections.
The 1/5 second exposure was absolutely key here. It was the only way to translate the fluidity of the water, to capture the streaks and swirls of colour as they danced across the surface. I wanted to blur the water, to create a sense of motion, while still retaining the sharpness of the white foam where the river met the rocks.
I experimented with different shutter speeds, trying to find the sweet spot between capturing the movement and retaining the detail. Too fast, and the water would look static; too slow, and the image would lose all definition. It was a delicate balance, a matter of feeling the rhythm of the river, and 1/5 a second was perfect.
The light was crucial too. It was a soft, diffused light, perfect for revealing the subtle variations in colour. I wanted to capture the way the light highlighted the streaks of gold and brown.