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I’ve visited Albas falls many times over the years, and it never ceases to amaze me. Albas falls is a remote set of falls; one large (and wider) one below this one and a few smaller ones above this one. There’s a loop trail that meanders around the falls and Celista Creek that provide many stellar views. The forest floor is completely covered with green, flourishing moss, fallen trees and mushrooms; all thriving from the moist environment. Within the steep canyon walls the mist from the falls feels so refreshing; especially on those hot summer days. During spring run-off Celista Creek looks more like a river and although it’s quite a spectacle to see it’s not for the faint of heart or for little ones either. The trail is generally wet and slippery so good shoes are required. This is bear country (both Black and Grizzly), and I’ve seen many in this area before so I knew to be on the look out. The bears were just coming out of hibernation… so yah, I did’t want to be their first meal! :-) So, I packed my bear spray and I felt quite safe but the thunderous falls were so loud that I wouldn’t have heard a bear come up from behind me anyways. The vibrational sound penetrated my body and the earth below my feet shook too! To capture this shot, I had to increase my ISO, slow down my shutter speed (I had to use a tripod) and use a neutral density filter (which reduces the amount of light entering the camera), and then continually wipe the mist off of my lens! Wet and cold I hiked back up to my car; excited in knowing that I got some great shots. LOL, I was so embraced by this scene that I totally forgot about the bears! What a great day!
It occurred to me the other day, that I am a "weather chaser" (lol... just like storm chasers but I chase the "weather"). More specifically, I chase after the unique weather because it adds drama (and/or a mood) to my photographs. The downside of weather chasing IS the weather (lol); the cold, rain, snow and wind (along with early mornings and late evenings). When I get a shot like this one however, I reap the rewards! As I approached my destination for the day (Picacho Peak State Park, between Phoenix and Tuscan), I noticed a huge storm building and filling the valley in front of me. The storm was a sight to see, complete with lightning, rain bursts, rainbows and the sun was mixed in there too. It was so spectacular; I wished I was in the thick of it! By the time I stopped at the state park, all that remained of the storm was the rain. My decision to stop here was a last minute (weather) decision so I arrived without campsite reservation. Fortunately however they just had a cancellation (Yay!). I was set (and hoped the "weather" to return). As I detached my Jeep from my RV it occurred to me that park wraps around Picacho Peak (to the west) and that maybe there would be some "weather" on that side. So, with that in mind, off I went. I parked at the Sunset Vista Trailhead and noted a beautiful sunset forming (something I couldn't see from my campsite). With my camera backpack and my tripod in hand I ventured onto the muddy trail. The clouds still lingered behind me as I hiked and then suddenly a beautiful rainbow suddenly appeared. I was so tempted to turn my attention but because time was of the essence, I stayed focused on this composition. I love this photo's composition (it's one of my favorite compositions). The lay of the land, the greenery, sun, highlights, darks and clouds all help lead your eye into, through and out the photo. I also like the warm tones (the setting sun created), the lush colors of the foliage and rocks (thanks to the rain), and the strong vertical lines of the saguaro trees (in contrast to everything else). Although it's been chilly, windy and raining I feel so blessed to be here with my camera on this winter day!
Here’s an interesting question. Does a photographer create a photograph, or is it the scene that presents itself? I think it’s a combination of both. What do you think? Granted, some scenes just happen to present themselves and are easy to photograph, while others require research, time, patience and praying for the right weather and light conditions. More often than not however, as I approach a beautiful scene, I find that trees and plants obstruct my prized composition, and that's when I have to dig into my creative self. Sometimes, I walk away empty handed. Although landmark photography is generally easy to shoot, it’s the more difficult and unique scenes that I’m drawn to. That stated, getting off the beaten path is always my choice destination and create the most amazing memories (and captures too!). It was late in the day when I stopped and followed a tributary to the Athabaska River; just east of Jasper, and within Jasper National Park. I hoped to capture some reflective and silhouetted river scenes but by the time I got to the river, storms were forming and started to circle the valley around me and after some hiking around, this riverscape developed! Yes, one could say this scene presented itself and had nothing to do with the photographer but skill, know how, an eye for composition and patience was required. I suppose resilience to rain is also required, because I got soaked to get this shot (but it was so worth it!).