How to take fast water splash photos?

I have a Nikon d3100 and when I go on shutter priority the maximum is 1/200… How do I get 1/4000, etc?

Kimberly,

I find it hard to believe that the Nikon D3100 only goes up to 1/200s shutter speed. I could have sworn it went up to 1/4000s from the specs I've seen in the past. If the issue is that it won't do so in S mode (hard to believe!), then it seems pretty straightforward that all you have to do is shift to Manual Mode… Because it is a starter camera there's no Auto FP (high speed sync) capability like on the higher-end Nikon cameras.

In any case, you definitely don't need to set your camera to 1/4000s to capture water splashes!

But you will need a tripod for your camera. And, an external light source (flash other than the one on your camera).It also will work most effectively with a macro lens. But that's not a must have. You may find it handy to use a cable release so you can keep your eyes on the water droplets.

Rather than me going through all the steps, here is a pointer to a YouTube video tutorial:

Be forewarned that you will have to take a lot of shots & cross your fingers that you get a good one. It is very difficult to capture water splashes effectively.

Good luck! I highly recommend you read the User Manual for your camera so you know its capabilities.