How do you photograph waterfalls?

Answer 1

Use a high shutter speed, so it will avoid blurring of the water. Using the technique in Answer 1, ALL of the moving water mass and droplets will be "frozen," resulting in an almost totally "lifeless" rendering of a magnificent waterfall. There are many other choices for the photographer. At the "other end" of the shutter speed spectrum, is a very SLOW shutter speed which will result in ALL of the water mass and droplets merging into a totally BLURRED rendition, "somewhat" depicting the motion/movement of the water, BUT not much more interesting than the frozen image resulting with the technique in Answer 1. There are many "INTERMEDIATE" shutter speeds between those which freeze the moving water, and those which cause total blurring. It is these intermediate shutter speeds which will provide exciting, vibrant photos. The faster the intermediate shutter speed, the more the freezing effect, and naturally sharper, less blurred rendition of the water droplets. The slower the intermediate shutter speed, the less will be the freezing effect, and the greater the blurring. A photographer should try/practice several of these intermediate shutter speeds, ALSO COMBINED with variances of lighting through multiple shooting sessions on different days, at different times of day, AND even under varying weather conditions. Once the photographer has tried, and developed a familiarity with these different techniques, he/she will be able to decide which are "best," and be able to duplicate almost any of the different renderings at will.
It's best to get below the base, or any other focal point, and try to to an angle about 45 degrees from it. It will make it seem larger than life, which is generally how a water fall makes you feel. Also it does well to capture both the water and the plant life and/or rocks behind.