When you come across a scene with flowing water, take a moment to think about the possibility of extremes. Using a fast shutter speed suspends the action, crisp detail appears in the ensuing spray, and you "freeze the action." The contrast is the feathery, silky flow, which you see here, caused by slow shutter speed. As the camera "takes longer" to record the scene, the water appears calm and peaceful as it gracefully flows over the rocks.

When creating abstract-looking images, an essential factor is the camera setting — specifically, the shutter speed and how to slow a shutter speed to begin with. Here’s a step by step guide to creating intentional blur in your photography.