Nature reaches out to photographers through waterfalls that combine motion, light, and landscape in stunning portraits. A waterfall, with all its cascading waters, misty veils and dramatic settings, offers a plethora of opportunities for some stunning shots if you’re a professional, and you can’t go wrong even if you’re an amateur with a smartphone. In this post, we will cover 7 best waterfalls in the world for photography with their amazing attributes, their best angles and how to shoot such waterfalls effectively. Whether you want to book some more stunning images for the portfolio or have Instagram content galore, this guide will help plan your next shoot!
1. Multnomah Falls – Oregon, USA
Raising 620 feet into the air in a dramatic double tumble, Multnomah Falls in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is a postcard-perfect location for a photographer. In a rare two-stage drop, the upper fall sends 542 feet of water over the edge, before plummeting another 78-feet down the valley, all contained within a stunning forest setting with a stone bridge beside it. Where mist risefrom its base, sunlight catches – technicolor, rainbows.
A mid-level shot from the bridge for classic composition, or lower for a misty foreground. The mornings greet with gentle light and the crowds are sparse, but autumn brings with it leaves of wonderful colours. Only about 30 miles east of Portland, and with an easy walk from the parking area, this is a popular waterfall photography location.
2. Seljalandsfoss – Iceland
Seljalandsfoss tumbles 197 feet from a volcanic cliff into a pond located off Iceland’s south coast. Its standout feature? You can walk behind the falls on a path and see what lies behind the water curtain. The lush meadows and faraway mountains surrounding make each picture deeper.
Shoot it at sunset for its golden tones, or at midnight in summer for that creepy glow of endless daylight that is so unique to Iceland. This would require a wide angle lens to get the entire drop and cave into frame. Only an hour away from Reykjavik and on Route 1, it is an iconic destination and very photogenic with its surreal shapes.
3. Bow Falls, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Bow Falls is an impressive 30-foot wide fall located on the Bow River, just east of Banff, in the Canadian Rocky. Not as much in height but more in breadth, its foamy waters develop a beautiful contrast with snowy peaks and evergreen woods creating an image so perfect it could be used on a postcard all year round.
From the riverside trail for a wide angle or at the upper lookout for a closer shot with the Banff Springs Hotel in the background. The cold seals the borders and breaks them, winter makes patterns, summer a palette of greens. It makes a perfect stop for gorgeous landscape shots and is only a 5-minute drive from downtown Banff.
4. Kuang Si Falls – Luang Prabang, Laos
One of their most wonderful, tiered falls is Kuang Si Falls, which cascades down 197 feet through limestone terraces and into turquoise pools near the town of Luang Prabang in Laos. The vivid water surrounded by thick jungle in the glimmer of sunlight creates what has to be a tropical paradise for photographers.
Photograph the wooden bridges for layered compositions or the base for a misty pond shot. A visit to the Waimea Canyon always needs to be an early morning thing; the crowd-free morning and softened light really bring out the blues anyway. About 45 minutes outside of town in tuk-tuk, it is a little gem ideal for colourful, verdant shots.
5. Skogafoss – Iceland
This is a 200-foot waterfall over an 82-foot cliff on the Skoga River, When Water Falls over Cliff It’s a symmetrical, bold subject due to its flat landscape and nearly can be guaranteed a double rainbow from the heavy mistsummer, autumn, and the town of Deadwood, South Dakota, and the formation of Devil’s Tower is the common subjects of many tourists.
Get an overhead shot- now this would the walk up to the top or shoot (under the object) with a human element to gain a sense of scale. Cloudy skies will diffuse shadows, and a polarizing filter will eliminate reflections off the water. Only a 2 hour drive from Reykjavik, and a photography mecca bursting with creative opportunities.
6. McLean Falls – New Zealand
McLean Falls in the Catlins region of New Zealand crashes down 72 feet over a series of rock shelves into a fern-framed sanctuary. Hidden in the woods, it has these jagged stone steps beat in trees and moss like some kind of wide-open prehistoric vibe, ideal for moody shots.
It’s a 40-minute round trip to the car park, and there are several viewpoints (shoot wide near the base, or wait until the top tiers) Crisp daylight filter through trees at dusk or dawn creates texture. This is a beautiful destination (for intimate nature photography) that is less known, ideal for nature photography and is only a 2-hour drive from Dunedin.
7. Jog Falls – Karnataka, India
The Jog Falls – plunging in four distinct streams – Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket, down 830 feet (227 compassionate) of rocky cliff in the Western Ghats – is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. The monsoon months (June-September) convert it into a specter of thundering sound with mist rising from the gorge below.
Watkins Platform for broader photo, or opposing ridge for foggy panorama. The water is blurred into silky strands with long exposures, backlit by the warm colors of sunrise. It is located a 6- hour drive from Bangalore and flaunts great seasonal drama to create perfect images for dynamic shots.
What Makes These Waterfalls Such Gold For Photography
These seven waterfalls stand out for their visual variety and proven access. If you’re seeking some monumental drama, Multnomah and Jog provide, though if you’d prefer a special angle, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are where to go, whereas Bow, Kuang Si, and McLean exude serenity within their beautiful extremes. They each provide a dream landscape of sun, water and nature, ideal in which to shoot your most memorable images.
Conclusion
12 Beautiful Photogenic Waterfalls (Multnomah, Seljalandsfoss, Bow, Kuang Si, Skogafoss, McLean, Jog) Be it the mist laden tiers of Oregon to the furious gurgle of the streams of India, each promises endless frames and treasured moments to gain behind the lens. Chasing rainbows at Skogafoss or the golden hour at Bow, these falls are ready to fill your gallery with beauty. So pack your bags, grab the camera and let this waterfalls be the muse to your next masterpiece. Which one will you take first shooter?