Wonderful composition, Bryan, but the soot and chalk appearance almost makes me think this is a jpeg capture. To be fair, there is obviously a wide range in this scene that just begs for the "digital blending" technique, or HDR as Don mentioned.
Thanks all for the great comments and suggestions.
Kevin - I scouted the gorge two Sunday's ago when it topped 75 degrees and the light was terribly harsh. That day the water level was only knee deep once you got past the log jam. Further up towards the falls it reached mid thigh before my feet were numb and i'd had enough. ( Wasn't worth it due to the nasty light)
This past saturday I arrived at about 7am with chest waders and i'm sure glad I did. The water level had risen about 18" at the back of the log jam and was now about hip deep. As I headed up towards the falls it reached about 4 to 5 feet in spots. From what I have heard and expirienced the level can fluctuate dramatically depending upon snowmelt and rainfall. I would bring waders so you can be comfortable and spend as much time as you want up there!
Marc- yea unfortunately it is a jpeg format Good eyes. I have applied Marc A's sharpening technique to this shot and im thinking it may be a little over sharpened. That may be adding to the chalk appearance. Its time to shell out the cash for CS3 so I can shoot raw with ease.
I like the rocks in the foreground here. it's always an interesting area to shoot.
FWIW, even in the low season in the dryest part summer you still have to go through *&@?! cold water waist deep to get to the waterfall itself. That said, the reward is amazing. I've only done it once, though (ask Rick L. about it - he was with me).
Quite nice. Trevor and I scouted the gorge on wednesday and couldn't see a way to get onto the logjam without wading. How did you go about getting from the downstream side of the big rocks to the top of the logjam?
Also as an fyi, upon returning to my car we found my drivers side window smashed in. Nothing taken, but there are definitely brazen thieves in the area of late, so make sure your car is empty.
You have to get wet to get over the logs, how deep you get depends on your path. The easiest way over the logjam is to cross the stream to the far left side. (where its only 1-2ft deep) Once you get over to the big rocks you can move carefully up the left side of the large boulders by sorta "free climbing" between the boulders and the gorge wall. Its not as daunting as it sounds just have your gear secure on your back. You go along the first two big rocks and the third you can step out onto. Once you are there its a slow deliberate trek over the log jam. Be mindful to stay on the larger logs as the little ones easily can move. It was hip deep at the back of the log jam when you step off so be prepared for that. The biggest thing is not to be in a hurry on the logs. Patience is definitely rewarded!
Sorry to hear about your window. Its amazing people are doing that in broad daylight. I've made it a habit to park in the more popular lots as of late even if it means I have to do a little more walking. Its a short little 5 minute walk from the horsetail falls lot to Oneonta.
Thanks for that. I still don't plan on getting up and over the jam until this summer when its warmer and the stream is running lower. I was really surprised that the lower part of the jam had shifted as much as it did. A few years ago it was possible to get up on the logs without walking through more than ankle deep water, if that even. I really hope that thing blows out soon.
Discussion
11 repliesC&C definitely welcomed.
the light has to be just right to get this shot.......
Kevin - I scouted the gorge two Sunday's ago when it topped 75 degrees and the light was terribly harsh. That day the water level was only knee deep once you got past the log jam. Further up towards the falls it reached mid thigh before my feet were numb and i'd had enough. ( Wasn't worth it due to the nasty light)
This past saturday I arrived at about 7am with chest waders and i'm sure glad I did. The water level had risen about 18" at the back of the log jam and was now about hip deep. As I headed up towards the falls it reached about 4 to 5 feet in spots. From what I have heard and expirienced the level can fluctuate dramatically depending upon snowmelt and rainfall. I would bring waders so you can be comfortable and spend as much time as you want up there!
Marc- yea unfortunately it is a jpeg format
FWIW, even in the low season in the dryest part summer you still have to go through *&@?! cold water waist deep to get to the waterfall itself. That said, the reward is amazing. I've only done it once, though (ask Rick L. about it - he was with me).
Kevin
Also as an fyi, upon returning to my car we found my drivers side window smashed in. Nothing taken, but there are definitely brazen thieves in the area of late, so make sure your car is empty.
You have to get wet to get over the logs, how deep you get depends on your path. The easiest way over the logjam is to cross the stream to the far left side. (where its only 1-2ft deep) Once you get over to the big rocks you can move carefully up the left side of the large boulders by sorta "free climbing" between the boulders and the gorge wall. Its not as daunting as it sounds just have your gear secure on your back. You go along the first two big rocks and the third you can step out onto. Once you are there its a slow deliberate trek over the log jam. Be mindful to stay on the larger logs as the little ones easily can move. It was hip deep at the back of the log jam when you step off so be prepared for that. The biggest thing is not to be in a hurry on the logs. Patience is definitely rewarded!
Sorry to hear about your window. Its amazing people are doing that in broad daylight. I've made it a habit to park in the more popular lots as of late even if it means I have to do a little more walking. Its a short little 5 minute walk from the horsetail falls lot to Oneonta.