Stroud Camera Club was delighted to welcome Jonathan Genevaux on Thursday for an inspiring and insightful presentation on capturing breathtaking waterscapes. Jonathan, an accomplished photographer known for his mastery of light, composition, and atmosphere, shared his approach to planning and executing images that convey the beauty and movement of water in all its forms.
Throughout the evening, Jonathan took members on a visual journey, showcasing a collection of his most striking waterscape images. From the tranquil reflections of still lakes at sunrise to the raw energy of crashing waves along rugged coastlines, each photograph demonstrated his exceptional ability to balance technical precision with artistic vision. He discussed how careful planning, patience, and an understanding of light conditions play a crucial role in achieving outstanding results.
One of the key takeaways from Jonathan’s talk was the importance of scouting locations ahead of time. He emphasized that while spontaneity can sometimes yield great results, the best waterscape images are often the product of meticulous preparation. This includes checking tide times, weather conditions, and sunrise or sunset positions to ensure the best possible lighting. He also highlighted the significance of returning to a location multiple times to truly understand its character and capture it at its most compelling.
Jonathan also shared his expertise on long exposure techniques, which allow photographers to create ethereal, silky water effects that enhance the mood of an image. He explained the use of neutral density (ND) filters to control exposure time and demonstrated how adjusting shutter speeds can dramatically change the look and feel of a scene. Attendees were particularly engaged by his breakdown of different exposure settings and how subtle adjustments can make a significant difference in the final composition.
Beyond technical aspects, Jonathan encouraged members to think about composition within their waterscape photography. He spoke about how the movement, color, and reflections of water can be used to create atmosphere and narrative, but whether capturing a dramatic stormy seascape or a peaceful French estuary it was important to think about your foreground in particular as your background spoke for itself.
The evening concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where members had the opportunity to ask about Jonathan’s workflow, equipment choices, and post-processing techniques. His passion for waterscape photography was evident, and his willingness to share his knowledge left the audience inspired and eager to put his advice into practice.
Stroud Camera Club extends its sincere thanks to Jonathan Genevaux for an excellent presentation and looks forward to seeing how members incorporate his insights into their own waterscape photography.