Mother Nature Giveth and Taketh Away
by Gene Walls
Title
Mother Nature Giveth and Taketh Away
Artist
Gene Walls
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Onondaga Waterfall was the last stop that I had planned for my day long hike through Ricketts Glen. It was getting dark fast, so I was really hoofing it up the Glen Leigh Trail, to make it to this spot before all of the evening light had faded away. As soon as the waterfall came into view, It was apparent that I was going to have a problem getting the perfect shot I had been hoping for…
Earlier in the day, I was praising Mother Nature for kindly removing an old dead tree from the R.B. Reynolds Falls site. I finally got to see and capture a completely unobstructed view of that beautiful waterfall, for the very first time.
Well, here at the last planned shooting location of the day, I found myself using words that couldn’t be confused with “praise” at all. Yes, I was cursing out loud. (Fortunately, I was the last person that was still out here on the trail, beyond the reach of sensitive ears.) The light was absolutely perfect for shooting Onondaga...
but a very tall tree had fallen clear across the plunge pool, onto the steps on the other side! There was absolutely no angle available to shoot over it, and no way to shoot under it, without getting very wet.
Well, That’s nature. Always changing, sometimes in a wonderful way …and sometimes not so helpful for photographers.
I didn’t come all this distance for nothing, so I shot Onondaga just as I found it, fallen tree and all. At least I will have a truly unique view of this waterfall, just as it appeared on this very fine October evening.
This photo was captured very late on October 18th, 2011, well past sunset. It was taken with a Canon 30D DSLR, through a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L lens at the 17mm focal length. Manual exposure was used, the shutter speed was set to 1.3 seconds, with an aperture of f/7.1. The camera’s ISO was set to 125. No filters were used for this shot, due to the very dim lighting conditions. The camera was mounted on a Manfrotto tripod, with a Manfrotto 222 Pistol Grip head. A remote shutter release cable was also used.
This is the last waterfall at the very top of Glen Leigh, near the junction with the Highland Trail. Ricketts Glen State Park is located close to the small town of Red Rock, PA, at the junction of Pennsylvania State Routes 118 and 487. The park is about midway between Williamsport and Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania, in the north eastern region of the USA.
Your comments are always welcome! Constructive criticism is appreciated.
© 2011 Gene Walls
Uploaded
April 5th, 2013
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Comments (4)
Jordan Blackstone
The name of the shot is perfect! Knowing the story behind it makes it all that more beautiful ~ love it, Gene! =)
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you so much, Jordan! I had waited for years to catch this waterfall in just the right autumn light. I finally got the perfect light that I wanted so badly... only to find this tree in the way. Oh, well... I can't argue with nature's ways. Warmest wishes, Gene
Byron Snider
Superb, love the story. Me thinks I would carry a fold up saw with me next time (:>) Excellent exposure, great color contrasts. A winner even with the tree fv
Gene Walls replied:
Much appreciated, Byron! Thank you! The folding saw idea is a good one, but probably not acceptable to the Park Rangers. The policy is, "just as nature left it, unless it makes the trail unsafe". This was shot in 2011, but the tree was still there in January of this year. Eventually, it will be washed away. Kindest regards, Gene
Donna Kennedy
Gene, your waterfall shots are stunning, such a beautiful place! vtd
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you for your very kind compliment, Donna! Greatly appreciated! Best wishes, Gene
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