Water Falling Over Things 2009: Part X (Gold in Silver)

[regnaD kciN]

A few hours after the family trip to southwest Washington that yielded the photos in my last post, I was up again, on my own this time, driving much the same route in the dark, then continuing south of Portland and east of Salem to Silver Falls State Park, home of the "Trail of Ten Falls." (No, I didn't do all ten; only the three at the farthest ends of the park, including the two biggest and most well-known of the falls. The threat of an incoming storm made me decide not to try the Winter Falls trail, where most of the others are found.) This was my first trip to Silver Falls. Needless to say, it will not be my last.

First up was the most popular tourist attraction, South Falls.










Then North Falls, first from a distant viewpoint...




...then from up-close and personal...




...then from behind the falls.













Finally, a half-mile upstream, Upper North Falls.




(The rain began coming down as I was returning to the trailhead, effectively ending the day.)

What can I say? This was an amazing day of almost overwhelming beauty. And, with cold, drenching rain and the first mountain-pass snow of the season coming in the following days, this was probably the end of this year's Northwest photography season, and the last major shooting I'll do before next March or April. If so, it's nice to know that I ended the year on a high note....and when I say a "high" note, I don't mean achieved with the use of any magic...






...also found on the trail. :rofl:

[Mira]

1. Well, Mr. regnaD - I think we are all stunned into silence.

I for one not just because of the glorious photography, it all should grace calendar pages, but also because you got to be there and do it and obviously enjoy it.
GOOD ON YOU.

You would very much like to see Western North Carolina, too, you and WJMS could do creeks and waterfalls galore in the Asheville area.

The falls are beautiful and graceful, and you captured it all.
I like the last depiction of water the best, it looks more like how I think water is. Has more life in it than the complete velvet texture you pros like to get.
Maybe I say that because I can't get that texture in my photos no matter how I try.
:rofl:

Thank you for sharing your wonderful day with us.

[regnaD kciN]

9. Actually, getting that texture isn't hard...

...it's just a matter of having a sturdy tripod and picking a multi-second exposure.

And the difference between the photo of Upper North Falls and the others has nothing to do with technique, but with the type of waterfall itself. The other two are of a "plunge" type, where the cliff behind the fall is eroded away, so that the falling water comes down out-of-contact with a rock face, and is more like a pure jet of water. Upper North Falls is of a fan/horsetail variety, where the water is pretty much in contact with the rock the whole way, causing it to be more like a multitude of smaller falls hitting different facets of the cliff and continuing onwards. Some of the most interesting and photogenic waterfalls in the world (such as Proxy Falls in central Oregon, which I missed yet again this year) are of that variety, while the plunge types can be more impressive and powerful-looking. But the same shooting technique was used on all three falls -- the different "look" is entirely due to the type of waterfall, not the photographer!

[Celebration]

2. Thank you, THANK YOU

What an eyefull........

The fall tree in front of the waterfall. Wow!

[JeffR]

3. The framing in #8 is brilliant.

These are spectacular. "Almost overwhelming beauty" indeed!

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. South Falls is so ethereal.

You always manage to capture the essence of the area.
Totally delightful, I thank you.

[tekisui]

5. The first one took my breath away.

Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

[Adsos Letter]

6. Absolutely stunning! It really FEELS like I'm there.

Just absolutely excellent.

[Sheepshank]

7. spectacular

and majestic falls...then on to happy family toadstools. What a great place to be.

[Elfin Yeti]

8. Ditto all the kind words!

The water in the first two photos reminds me of the lights used to commemorate the twin towers. This bone dry southern California gal is most appreciative of this particularly moist and wondrous travelogue!

[Dallas Dem]

10. First and last.....

.......of the falls shots, are my favorites. But, truthfully, they are ALL terrific.

Thanks for sharing.