PHOTOGRAPHING WATERFALLS 

It would be more appropriate to think of what we do with waterfalls than how we photograph them. 

Composition is critical to me. What, besides the waterfall, will I include in my image?

Translating a feeling or sensation. How can I translate "tranquil" or "peaceful" into something we call a photograph? 

Is the image more powerful in color or black & white?

Do I want to freeze the waterfall or do I want to slow it down to a dream-like state?

Perspective. Where is the best spot to be when I photograph the waterfall? Do I want to shoot at eye level, or below eye level? From over there or over here? Which best captures what I have in mind?

If possible, I prefer to photograph waterfalls under overcast skies, to reduce glare, flare, and high color and light contrast. 

These are all variables I consider before I get my equipment and start shooting. 

With this introduction, let me share some of my waterfall images and some behind-the-lens details.  

Multomah Falls in Oregon is gigantic--620 feet tall!! If you photograph the entire falls, you lose its power and grandeur. I photographed the lower half of the falls to capture its context; its surroundings, whie at the same time capturing its power and beauty. A wide-angle lens is definitely the tool to use, especially when you get this close to it. 

Lower Yellowstone Falls, in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming. For decades, I had heard of it. I had seen photos of it. But, I knew it had to be awesome. Finally, I got the chance to see what I could do with it. I have several images of it, but I decided to share this one. For this image, I came to the conclusion that it looked stronger; and more powerful in B&W. 

Ouzel Falls is in Rocky Mountain National Park. It takes a good two-three-mile hike to get to it, at an elevation of over 9,000.' I got several photos of it. But when I was done, I wasn't satisfied. Looking up at it, I felt its powerful presence, but I also felt at peace. Tranquil. I wanted to translate that feeling. I walked around some huge boulders to get a closer view of the bottom of the waterfall. That's where the magic was. That's where "peace" and "tranquil" were. With a slow shutter speed of 1/6th of a second, I got my translation. 

Sweden Creek Falls in Arkansas is a hidden gem. You have to drive the backroads to get to it. I was having lunch at a local cafe when I saw one of my former students. It had rained a lot that day and she told me that they had just been to the falls and recommended I go there. Due to the rain, it was flowing. I took her up on it and rushed out there after lunch. She was right, it was flowing!

Lake Catherine is not far from where I currently live. A short hike near the lake takes you to Falls Creek Falls. As with most falls, the timing is most important, as with Sweden Creek Falls. I like the rugged topography surrounding the falls.

Another great area near home is Garvan Woodland Gardens, a favorite spring and fall photo-takinig location. Here are two of the three waterfalls in the park. 

Again, near me, just about two miles away, is an area called Stone Bridge. The dam south of the large pond offers great photo opportunities after a good rainfall.

Fish Creek Falls is my favorite waterfall in Colorado. It is a few miles outside Steamboat Spring, near the Wyoming border. When it rains, it pours! 

So, research your surrounding areas, within a days drive from you. Are there any waterfalls worth visiting? If not, maybe you'll find some waterfalls on your next weekend trip or vacation. Whenever it happens, have fun with them. I find them soothing, relaxing, and, of course, awesome to photograph. Enjoy.

Feel free to contact me anytime:   www.elivega.net     vegaphotoart@gmail.com