Rushing

Waterfalls in the Smokies are varied, and beautiful, this is part of Sunburst falls, sometimes called the Pigeon River Cascades, while the main fall on the down side of this is amazing, wide open and looks spectacular, this upper section draws me in more readily. The rocks eroded down, holes from decade after decade, century after century creating a ancient face. The rush of water roaring in your ears, despite being on the road side, you could close your eyes and forget the modern world for a moment, listening to the falls sing you their timeless lullaby. Once you begin setting out into those old forests, one realizes you’re not leaving the world behind, you’re merely coming home.

This composition is challenging, and easy all in one. The easy part has ever been the road side access, the difficult part is waiting for the right conditions to shoot. There are several trees that leaf out heavily above, and to the sides which creates difficulty seeing the upper section at all. Second, you can’t push your camera to high here, or the limbs just above you will become even more prominent, and obscure more. This is my compromise, and while not perfect, I like the overall scene. Several diagonals to lead the viewers eyes through the scene, and the orange fall leaves littering the often times colorless boulders.

The problem with this waterfall in many respects, is the contrast. It can both be very dark and very bright at the same time here. Sections of the water may be in complete shadow, while the rest is almost blown out. Look for overcast days, particularly in the fall for this upper portion. Come in the evening while there are less people, and take your time finding and building your composition from front, all the way into the back. And as ever, massage the image in post, it’s an easy one to over bake.

Until Next Time!

Aperture: f8
ISO: 160
SS: 1/30th
Focal: 21mm

Fujinon 10-24mm