The Waterfall

Yesterday, I learned a little more about taking pictures of a waterfall. I never really understood how photographers were able to make water look soft in waterfalls. When I asked Bryant he said, "Slow the shutter speed down and use a tripod." But beyond that, he wasn't sure either. Throughout the summer, I'd see these little waterfalls near the road on our bikes and to myself I'd think that this might be a good place to practice taking pictures of moving water, but there was never the urging pull to take the time and do it. Then a couple days ago, I talked Gus into a bike ride and we rode in the other direction. Granted it is the same way I drive almost everyday to do any errand, but messing around on a bike and driving in a car my mind works differently. Gus and I saw the sign that said, "Pioneer Falls" and I suggested we go and check it out. A few years ago Bryant and I were back there and there wasn't much to see, a trickle of water stuffed behind a bunch of trees. Immediately, Gus and I noticed a huge temperature difference and soon rushing water hammered our ears. A short walk up the trail revealed a beautiful gushing waterfall. Although the top part was still obscured by trees, the bottom brimmed with with bubbly flowing water. Impressed and properly motivated, I made a commitment to myself to come back soon with a camera and without Gus, because I new he wanted no part of a camera excursion.

Yesterday, I made the time. I went back to the waterfall twice to practice with shutter speed. The one thing I did discover in this experience was that grey morning light makes softer water than brighter afternoon light.