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Falls on the Flat Tops

Discussion

14 replies
Posted by Michael Hackett on July 4, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Falls on the Flat Tops
I found this spot about 35 years ago, when I was just a kid. I never forgot it and went back yesterday to try my hand at shooting it. The conitions were far from ideal for shooting waterfalls, but I tried to make do. There are several falls from 5 feet to over 50 feet high, and natural pools cut into the stone. And the stone has several fossils inbedded in it. These falls are seasonal and change constantly. If anyone wants the location let me know I'll be happy to share it. As always, your feedback is welcomed and appreciated.
Posted by Michael Hackett on July 4, 2009 at 7:30 PM
#2
Posted by Michael Hackett on July 4, 2009 at 7:33 PM
#3
Posted by Michael Hackett on July 4, 2009 at 7:35 PM
last one.
Posted by Nick Moore on July 4, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Michael, this waterfall reminds me very much of the many waterfalls in the Blue Ridge mountains, and is equally as beautiful!. As far as waterfall shooting conditions go, looks like this wasn't the ideal day - I see quite alot of blown out areas that are a distraction in #1,and the image has a very soft feel too, not sure if that is intentional?. Compositionally, personally I would prefer a a slightly more side on view with #1, say a few more steps to your left (if even possible?).
These are falls definitely worth going back to under overcast skies!!.
EDIT: I posted comment too quickly :biggrin: , I prefer #2, lighting is better, and has nice depth, but I would add a touch more sharpening.
Posted by Michael Hackett on July 4, 2009 at 7:44 PM
thanks for the input Nick. I shot these mid day with partly cloudy conditions then the skies opened up and that was it. Because these are in a steep canyon it somewhat limits you to what angle you can shoot from. #3 was shot from a rock outcrop 70 to 80 feet above the falls.
Posted by Rod Hanna on July 4, 2009 at 8:51 PM
Michael...this is in the Flat Tops here in Colorado? I've never seen or heard of it, and would be pleased to know where it is, since you're offering to share the location. I love the stair-step nature of it and the color of the rocks. Nice---from a composition standpoint, I like #1.

Rod
Posted by Todd Caudle on July 4, 2009 at 9:05 PM
How exactly do we e-mail you for directions? These shots are very cool, and it looks like an interesting place.
Posted by Morris McClung on July 4, 2009 at 9:39 PM
The colors appear a bit oversaturated on my monitor, and the water highlights in #1 are too hot. Otherwise, the comps are all good. I think #3 would be my favorite of these.
Posted by Michael Hackett on July 4, 2009 at 9:55 PM
Todd,
I just e-mailed you directions. could you please foward these to Rod for me?
Morris, Thanks for your input, I did bump up the saturation a little bit, I guess a little to much. I knew the water was gonna be blown out in some of these but not much I could do given the conditions. Actually my primary intent was to provide a new shooting location for others on the site, and see what they can do with it. :smile:
Posted by Kurt Bowman on July 4, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Michael, looks like a very cool area to shoot. I know you said conditions were not ideal, I am looking forward to seeing more in the future when conditions are better.
Posted by Todd Caudle on July 4, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Will do!
Posted by Paul Wegemann on July 5, 2009 at 8:34 AM
I like where you were going with 1 and 2, Michael. My nits echo Nick's and Morris's. Looks like a very cool place. Certainly worth a return trip. Thanks for offering to share the location. I'll email you.
Posted by James H Egbert on July 5, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Wow after looking at these my bottom lip looks like a waterfall with drool!
Posted by Michael de León on July 5, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Thanks for sharing these awesome cascades/waterfalls! I like the 1st image the most...I wonder what this area will look like during autumn...hmmm I guess it comes down to water flow. So how does one go about getting the direction to this place :wink: ?