Panoramic Waterfall
The only way to capture the length of this waterfall was to photograph a vertical panoramic.
The only way to capture the length of this waterfall was to photograph a vertical panoramic.
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Mar, 2019Views
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Awards
2020 Choice Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
All Star
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Impressed
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Los Angeles Arboretum.Time
It was mid-afternoon and I had been walking with my family for a couple hours and they were about ready to leave when I spotted this waterfall with the light hitting it just right. It was helpful that there were viewing benches where my husband and son could rest while I figured out how to capture the expanse of the rocky cliff with the splash pool at the bottom.Lighting
It was pretty strong side lighting which was broken up by trees and bushes. That meant that some parts of the water reflected highly while areas around the pool were in strong shadow. I did not bring a neutral density filter with me, which made the shot rather challenging.Equipment
I used my Canon EOS t6i with a Canon 55 - 250mm zoom lens, which was the only lens I brought that day as I was trying to go light. Since I was in a park, I could not use a tripod which added to the challenge since I had to hand hold the shot.Inspiration
I was rather surprised to find such a large waterfall at the Arboretum. It also helped that it was a cool spot on a warm afternoon. As I looked at the waterfall, I knew I could not capture the entire scene in one exposure. I had not tried a vertical panorama before, but I thought this would be a good opportunity to try. I overlapped four shots from the top of the waterfall on down to the pool and hoped that my hands were steady enough and I had lined up the shots closely enough. Luckily, everything worked!Editing
Yes, I used Lightroom to stich the four photos together and then I adjusted the highlights and shadows to even out the exposure and add contrast.In my camera bag
Usually, I carry more in my camera bag than I did at the Arboretum. I usually have my camera, the 55 - 250mm zoom, an 18 - 50mm wide angle zoom, filters, a monopod or tripod and, depending on where I go, I will put in my Tamron 90mm macro lens or my Tamron 200 - 500mm zoom.Feedback
Don't be afraid to experiment! Having had experience with horizontal panoramas, I decided to try a vertical one. All the basics are the same, only the direction changes. Of course, it would have been better to do it with a tripod but, when you can't use one, try the shot anyway!
