SDC Waterfall Entrance (1 of 1)
May, 2021Views
131
Likes
Awards
Contender in the Photography Awards
Action Award
Summer Views Award
Flawless Summer Award
Achievement in Originality
Zenith Award
Top Pick Award
Staff Favorite
Halfway22 Award
Curator's Selection
Judge Favorite
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rank
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This image was captured in the Ozark Mountains. Due to the conditions of that specific area, a tripod was not feasible. As such, I was forced to shoot a 5 second shutter via hand-held. I'd love to return with a gorillapod and capture a longer-shuttered, milkier image. My passion is to share with the world God's beauty and creation through my lens.Time
The conditions for this shoot were not optimal. It was around 3:00 pm in the Ozark Mountains (Branson, Missouri area). There was not an actual walking trail to this location. Thus, a tripod was not feasible for this shot. Having to hand-hold a long shuttered shot with less than perfect lighting, I took probably 10 shots from varying angles, hoping just one image would work. I got my wish.Lighting
Because my lighting was not optimal (3:00 pm in the Ozark Mountains), I shot this image from multiple angles, trying to capture the beauty of the falls and the living foliage clinging to it. In all, I probably took 10 shots from different angles. During the 6th or 7th shot, the sun winked at the falls long enough for me to capture this image.Equipment
This was shot with a Z6II, 24-70mm lens with a ND filter of -1.Inspiration
I love waterfalls. Water makes up most of our planet. Water makes up most of our bodies. So, obviously, water is important to our being. So, for me, capturing that important element in action - running down a cliff or through the stream in the forest, is pure magic. Anytime I see running water, my lens is raised and the shutter commences. I was actually trying to get back to my vehicle after a long day of shooting in the Ozark Mountains. On my way back, I saw this fall from a distance. I was uncertain if I could get to it. And, if I did, was I going to be able to stabilize myself for a shot. Fortunately, after several hand-held shots and an artful balancing act, everything worked out.Editing
I do very little post-editing. And, when I say a little, I am being literal. I use lightroom classic and hit the auto-white balance, sharpness and exposure button to ensure I was not off a bit.In my camera bag
I have a Nikon Z6II along with a 24-70MM and a 70-200MM. I keep ND filters (-10 stop) for each lens. I sling my kit with a blackrapid strap. I keep rain gear, an extra battery, a lens cleaning kit in my bag. I prefer backpack style bags. Mine happens to be a lowepro 620. I also strap a Manfrotto 290X tripod to my bag. In the future, I intend to also include a gorillapod just in case I run into another situation where a traditional tripod won't work.Feedback
Photography is like golf. Somedays you are hitting everything just right. Other days, despite doing everything right, the shot just isn't working. When this happens, relax. We all have a bad day at the office. It does not mean you are not a good photographer. It does not mean you have more learning to do. In fact, it's just the opposite. You did just receive more learning. And, you passed with flying colors because you relaxed and didn't let it destroy your passion. You picked up your camera and headed out again.
