lost world
standing at the base of a 100' waterfall cliff jump hidden inside Filmore, California's Condor Reservation. View is looking the direction from our re...
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standing at the base of a 100' waterfall cliff jump hidden inside Filmore, California's Condor Reservation. View is looking the direction from our return while hiking back out to go home. Just after that left turn is much larger cliff which draws the end of the line.
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May, 2018Views
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Marlene1492
May 18, 2018
So happy that people are willing to hike to such locations so the rest of us can enjoy the beauty!
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this shot while exploring the Sespe Condor Sanctuary located in the Topatopa Mountains. It is part of the Los Padres National Forest just outside Los Angeles County. The several swimming holes that cut through the valley are nearly void of human presence because it is a patroled wildlife refuge. At the top, a narrow stream falls 100ft into the valley below. Daring people jump into a small waterhole. The location was once listed as one of southern California's top ten highest cliff dives. Before reaching the stream, the hike through the dry and low brush was much longer and hotter than anticipated. Finding a safe passage that required crossing the water with moderate climbing several times and backtracking wasn't easy. My friend and I knew we were in a wildlife refuge, so we made extra sure not to leave any traces or damage behind. On rare occasions, we found some litter; we also picked it up and carried it along with us. After reaching the car, forest rangers were waiting, and we worried we could get fined. Thankfully they were pleased we were not a group of rabble-rousers describing the area. The small bags of trash that we carried out probably helped our look, and there was no trouble.Time
It was the middle of March in 2013 and my first time going to the area. With little information, all we knew to expect would be a bit of a hike and the possibility of getting wet. We started hiking around noon and spent most of the afternoon exploring and photographing some of the other fantastic rock and river formations. It wasn't until our final return back upstream that I noticed how beautiful the area looked as the sun was setting. I had only a tiny percentage of battery on my phone by then, so I was pretty much done taking pictures. The view was so stunning at the top of the cliff; I paused for a moment to capture one last shot of the day's adventure. Even though we still had an hour and a half before sunset, the sun had just dropped behind the mountain. It was 5:36 pm and approaching the golden hour.Lighting
The sun was the primary light source, and its reflections on the rocks enhanced the colors of the rock walls. My focus was aimed at the mountainside that was blocking the sun. My earlier photos competed with the sun, restricting my shots to focus on closer views with more complex shadows, reflections, and lens flares (The iPhones technology at the time limited the camera's latitude between dark and bright areas.) I don't even think I took a second to check the framing or lighting of the photo after I shot it because we were quickly losing light for our return hike.Equipment
The camera I used was the default camera app on my iPhone 4S and used no flash. Other necessities I needed were a pair of good hiking boots, extra socks, a towel, water, and granola bars and chips. The terrain would have made bringing anything larger than a small backpack much more difficult. The iPhone was perfect for bringing along because it was small, didn't weigh much, and was the only camera I owned at the time.Inspiration
I always wanted to remember this fantastic location where I spent my day. I doubted I would ever return. With sore feet, wet shorts, and some roughed-up hands, I had to stop and turn around to take in the last sight of this extraordinary scene. Amazed by the site we just came from and seeing the zig-zagging of the valley, the variety of elevation changes, some of the highest cliffs faces around, I instantly knew I would regret not getting one last shot. Having just enough time to capture one last photograph, I felt this encapsulated the entire day's exploration. In contrast, the safest path to go was not always in the direction or close to where one might expect a safe passage to exist.Editing
Very little. I just brightened up some of the shadows and adjusted the contrast and white balance. I wanted to maintain the relatively small secret intact without bringing too much attention to preserve its natural beauty. So the only thing I needed separate software for was to flop the image.In my camera bag
I have since learned always to bring at least one fully charged battery back-up. I've also leveled up from using the iPhone 4s to shooting with a Sony a6400 with a Sony F2.8 prime lens allowing for more control and sharper photographs. I never take it out with bringing the Sony FE 2.8 90mm macro G OSS prime lens, though, despite the lens weighing more than the camera and taking up the most space. I keep it safely tucked close to me with a Peak Design sling bag that is just enough to switch lens quickly, even in some risky locations or up in a tree. I always keep clean lens pens in my back and love using just the baseline SIRIU tripod.Feedback
The most crucial piece of advice is, at times, the best camera you have will be the only one with you. If it is a phone and you don't have a tripod, position it against something and hold it tight to keep your shots sharp. With a tripod, I always use the timer or remote shutter. Never dismiss the weather as not being what you expected it to be. It's valid certain times of the day or overcast days can be better, but don't limit your possibilities and shoot as much as you can and explore every angle and direction. Sometimes the best sunset photos are of the eastern sky with the sun is setting behind you.
