Crystal River Secret

Years ago my brother showed me this spot (email me for directions.) It's in the Marble area and local kayakers refer to this area simply as the "Crystal River Falls." They know of the falls because it's an obstacle that keeps them from running the entire Crystal River. It's instant death running the falls in a kayak, and they know it. Not seen in this image is a 200-ft water fall just to the left out of view, situated in a box canyon, maybe about 50 yards up the canyon. You know it's there because of the constant roar that echos the canyon walls around.

Last year I tried to get my 12 yr old daughter (gymnast) down in this canyon, but it was too dangerous. This yr I went back solo. I butt-scooted down the steep dirt slope, traversed a few exposed ledges, down into a magical place that is protected from humans.

The 200-ft waterfall is very narrow and difficult to photo from up above where it's somewhat safe. There's basically one spot to shoot the entire drop without falling into a 200-ft abyss, and the comp sucks.

Thus you must descend, and descend to the following composition.

I think this falls (up river from this comp)has freaking huge potential however I'm not sure how to do it. To get close and personal with the 200-ft drop would require a wet suit, camera protection and a swim into the mist ridden box canyon scene. It's high on my list because 200-ft waterfalls in Colorado are not an everyday scene.

Here's my shot. It's a perfect square comp, which I'm not sure about. There are elements on both sides of the comp that are important to me. Otherwise, I hope the image is good to go. How do you feel about square comps?

BTW, here's proof that kyakers running the river above the falls just bail, knowing they have no choice. I had to wrestle this damn plastic thing out of my scene to get the shot.

Personally, Kane, I like the comp as is. I admire you for your efforts to get into position to make this shot.

As for having had to wrestle with that plastic thing, hey, we're all removing plastic things from our scenic shots. After all, we're landscape photo artists, not environmental photojournalists.

Here's a different aspect ratio.

Kane, you are one adventurous dude!!! These are some pretty interesting captures that I'm sure nobody else will be posting! Nice job.

I prefer the square comp with less foreground. Well worth your efforts.

This is outstanding, Kane. I love it. Both comps work but I am slightly partial to the second one. The overall comp feels better balanced to me. I'd love to check out this spot some time. Maybe next year...

Excellent find and comp, Kane. You did it again! Another unique photo-op that only you had the ambition and knowledge to pull it off.

Being a kayaker, I was aware of this run, called the Crystal Gorge, a Class V-VI run....The kayakers who run it are outfitted with ropes and carabiners as well as other safety items. I'm not aware of anyone ever being severely injured in there, but wouldn't be surprised if there have been some near misses. I do know a couple of guys who have run it, but I'm not interested in the potential for disaster.

Nice Kane, my vote is for #2.

This is certainly worth your effort climbing down to. Nice comp and colors above and below the water. The angles of the rock sides and the water trivulets leading to the small rapid are good. I prefer the square comp of the two as it draws more attention to the rock wall and the water coming down it. Another possibility would be cropping more to the bottom below the green rock of the square image.

Very nice.

This is really cool! I prefer the square comp.

You guys never cease to amaze an old flatlander like me!
Joe Rogers

Beatuiful color and light and I like the square comp better.

Very nice work, Kane. I love your square comp/crop.

You're rocking it man!

Great shot, Kane! Every time I've been in that area, I've imagined what hidden gems might be in there. I think I prefer the square crop, but both seem good to me. Can't wait to see your shot of that 200' drop!

Love the contrast between the foreground and background here, punctutated by the river rapids! A superb composition, without which I doubt this would work as well.
A very beautiful and not often viewed scene here. I also prefer the first square image for the lesser amount of foreground show.
Very creative work, Kane!

Hey Kane, nice work here on this beautiful find. I'll throw in another vote for the square comp.

I'll vote for the square comp as well, very stunning. You don't have a email link...if you don't mind sending me the location I would love to go here

Another vote for the square comp. Nice results for your extreme efforts.

You could also go rectangular by cropping 2/3 of the foreground but otherwise prefer the square. Nice original work!

Kane, you continue to impress! This shot really appeals to me from the colorful foreground under the water to the falls in the background. Square comp all the way and yes, I love square pictures.
Mark

I'm partial to the first crop. LIke the water on the bottom, but by cropping out some of it, it is not too overpowering.