Discovering Watkins
First visit to Watkins Glen, NY.
First visit to Watkins Glen, NY.
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Jul, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
My very first visit to Watkins Glen State Park in NY. Watkins Glen is a 2 mile hike through a gorge that contains 19 waterfalls. Starting at the front entrance, a walkway and stepsee will guide one along most of the 2 miles. During the summer months, I understand there's a shuttle bus between the top & bottom, ... or you can hike back downhill.Time
Mid-late morning. The sun was high enough in the sky to enlighten one wall of the Glen almost to the floor. Yet left dark shadows around every other corner. Although we arrived before the park was officially open, the gates were open when we arrived. I'm aiming to arrive even earlier next time. I'd love to stay through the golden hour of sunset. But I'll bring a headlamp if I do!Lighting
The lighting was a bit challenging. I was aiming for that beautiful soft blur for the falls, so long exposure; but then had to compensate for the one long streak of light. I dealt with some of contrast, post process. In most situations, I would have just searched for a different angle. But that's not possible in this relatively narrow glen. The question then became, what was I going to do with the light.Equipment
I'm currently shooting with a Nikon 3200, with a 70-300 AF, VR lens. A tripod is a must for fluffy waterfall shots. I use a MeFOTO Roadtrip tripod, this photo was taken on its maiden hike. No flash. Just patience.Inspiration
This location is one of the iconic sites in Watkins Glen, probably because it's one of the most dramatic. I'm not an avid hiker, so I was just thrilled that I & my 70+ year old companion made it this far. But seriously, it's so beautiful, and relatively easy to shoot.Editing
Absolutely! I have only recently become a fan of post processing. The steep light contrast had washed out the sky, and the shadows were equally as deep as the shy was pale. The natural lighting gave a beautiful blue glow to the water, which I then mimicked into the sky. The area is so limited for space that getting a shot without people seemed impossible. But so many of them kept moving, that they were nearly lost in the extra long exposure, and only needed a little spot cleaning.In my camera bag
Normally I just carry my Nikon 3200, but occasionally bring along my D90 as well. I carry 2 lens, the 70-300 and a 55-105. The MeFOTO tripod (one leg is also a monopod!), lens cleaner, and a soft cloth for drying or dusting off anything. I may carry an extra sd card, but since I don't shoot raw, space isn't an issue too often. Extra batteries! And lasthe but not least, I also carry an aim & create (as opposed to a point & shot), which is currently an Olympus TO 870. A waterproof workhorse I won't leave home without.Feedback
Take your time! I get so excited when I get somewhere that I sometimes forget to take in the beauty of the place. Look around and think about what you are seeing. What is it about this place that you want your photo to convey. I take several shots, with various adjustments, to exposure, aperture, etc. If you have the time, look at what you're capturing and adjust accordingly. Always shoot a little wider then you want. You can crop out unwanted areas, but you can't get them back if you didn't shoother them. Or consider shooting the scene in pieces, to capture the most detail & be able to make some adjustments to lighting as you go. Have a plan, but be ready to adjust ... and take the shot!
