The Falls
Aug, 2013Views
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Awards
Action Award
Zenith Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Legendary Award
Top Shot Award
Featured
Contest Finalist in Fstoppers Volume 1 Photo Contest
Top Choice
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Exceptional Contrast
Jaw Dropping
Genius
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Photo was taken at Chittenago Falls in Fayetteville, NY. This is one of my personal favorite waterfalls to visit!Time
This was taken on August 7, 2013 at 5:19 PM EST.Lighting
Chittenango Falls can be very difficult to shoot as there is almost always a high contrast level between the dark shadows and the bright areas in direct sunlight. I was very new to photography and how to handle challenges like this. Be it right or wrong, good or bad, my solution on this day was to take 5 different shots each at a different exposure level and then merge them together using HDR software. My goal was to keep everything realistic looking and not go over the top with the HDR.Equipment
Nikon D7000 camera w/Nikon 55-200mm lens and tripod. No filters or other equipment used.Inspiration
I was really just experimenting with different "tight" compositions to try instead of shooting the same "capture the whole water fall in one shot" type of thing I have always done. Not really sure and can't remember why I decided to include half of the large rock in there, but I think it worked out well as it contrasts the movement of the water.Editing
As mentioned above I did use HDR software to create the final image using 5 different shots I took. Lightroom was used to sharpen them as well.In my camera bag
I tend to pack my wide angle Tamron 10-24mm lens and either my Nikon 35mm or 50mm lens. My tripod is also a must as I love taking long exposure shots.Feedback
Don't be afraid to try different/new techniques and think outside the box. Both this composition and HDR were completely new to me when I shot this, and I'm sure I many pros would agree that I "didn't do it right". But I still managed to come up with an image that many people like, and more importantly an image that I like.
