Ricketts Glen State Park is home to twenty-one named waterfalls, a place where mother nature’s finery is on full display. This spot is a dream come true for any photographer who loves stunning scenery and especially one who enjoys waterfall photography. Autumn was in full colour when i decided to take a solo trip sans Mrs Faceless for 2 specific reasons – i was still recovering from an ankle injury and needed to see how that was going and also…fall colours!
Planning Your Ricketts Glen Photography Trip
Before you grab your camera, some planning is key for a safe and successful trip to Ricketts Glen. Consider the best time to visit for the optimum waterfall photography, how to stay safe and, of course, pack the right gear!
Best Time to Visit Ricketts Glen for Waterfall Photography
When should you go? Each season offers a unique look at the waterfalls.
- Fall: The fall colors ablaze makes it a popular time to visit. The foliage adds vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
- Winter: If you’re brave enough for the cold, winter transforms the waterfalls into frozen sculptures. Watch out for icy trails and closures, with limitations adn the requirement for ice climbing gear.
- Spring: Spring means high water flow as the snow melts. This creates powerful, dramatic waterfalls.
- Summer: Summer offers pleasant hiking conditions. The lush greenery surrounds the waterfalls, but will also bring crowds…and bugs!
Essential Gear for Waterfall Photography
Having the right tools is essential to get the photos you want. Here’s a list to get you started:
- Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens, like a 16-35mm, lets you capture the whole scene, from the waterfall to the surrounding forest.
- Tripod: A sturdy tripod keeps your camera still, especially when using slow shutter speeds for silky water effects.
- ND filters: Neutral density (ND) filters reduce the amount of light entering the camera. This allows for longer exposures in bright conditions.
- Polarizing filter: A polarizing filter reduces glare on wet rocks and foliage. It also boosts color saturation.
- Rain gear: Protect your camera from mist and rain with a waterproof cover. Bring a rain jacket for yourself, too!
- Hiking boots: Wear comfortable, waterproof hiking boots for navigating the sometimes slippery trails.
Safety First: Hiking and Shooting in Ricketts Glen
Ricketts Glen is beautiful, but it can also be dangerous. Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Wear proper footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good traction are a must. The trails can be steep and slippery.
- Stay on marked paths: Don’t wander off the trails. The terrain can be treacherous.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Watch out for slippery rocks, falling debris, and wildlife.
- Check the weather forecast: Be prepared for changing conditions. Rain and fog can roll in quickly.
- Tell someone your plans: Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Mastering Composition in Ricketts Glen
Composition is key to a great photo. It’s how you arrange the elements in your frame. Don’t just stand in one spot! Move around and experiment.
- High angles: Climb up to a higher vantage point to get a broader view of the waterfall and its surroundings.
- Low angles: Get down low to the ground to emphasize the height and power of the waterfall.
- Specific spots: The bridge near Ganoga Falls offers a classic view. Experiment at different points along the Falls Trail.
Using Leading Lines to Draw the Viewer In
Leading lines guide the viewer’s eye through the photo. Use them to create a sense of depth and interest.
- Trails: The trails themselves can serve as leading lines, drawing the eye towards the waterfall.
- Streams: Use the streams flowing towards the waterfalls as leading lines.
- Rock formations: Look for interesting rock formations that can lead the eye towards your subject.
Framing Waterfalls with Natural Elements
Framing adds context and depth to your photos. Use natural elements to create a border around the waterfall.
- Trees: Use trees on either side of the waterfall to create a natural frame.
- Rocks: Position yourself so that rocks in the foreground frame the waterfall.
- Foliage: Use leaves and branches to create a soft, natural frame around the waterfall.
Mastering Shutter Speed for Waterfall Photography
Shutter speed is how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. It greatly impacts how water looks in your photographs.
Use a faster shutter speed to freeze the motion of the water. This captures every droplet and detail.
- Optimal settings: Try a shutter speed of 1/250th of a second or faster.
- When to use it: This is great for capturing the power and energy of a waterfall.
- Considerations: You’ll need enough light, so consider opening up your aperture or raising your ISO.
- Creating Motion Blur: Conveying the Flow and Power of Water
Use a slower shutter speed to blur the motion of the water. This creates a silky, smooth effect.
- Optimal settings: Try shutter speeds between 1/2 second and several seconds.
- ND filters: Use ND filters to reduce the light. This allows for longer exposures in bright conditions.
- When to use it: This is ideal for creating a dreamy, ethereal look.
- Finding the Balance: Experimenting with Different Shutter Speeds
The best shutter speed depends on the look you want. Experiment to see what works best.
- Slight blur: A shutter speed of 1/8th of a second creates a slight blur, showing some motion while still retaining detail.
- Silky smooth: A shutter speed of 1 second or longer creates a very smooth, silky effect.
- Experiment: Take a series of photos at different shutter speeds. See which one you like best!
The Art of Long Exposure Waterfall Photography
Long exposure photography involves using very slow shutter speeds. This can create stunning effects with waterfalls. You’ll need some specific gear for long exposures.
- Sturdy tripod: A stable tripod is crucial for keeping your camera still during long exposures.
- Remote shutter release: A remote shutter release prevents camera shake when you press the shutter button.
- Neutral density (ND) filters: ND filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for longer exposures.
Fixed ND filters versus Variable ND Filters:
Fixed ND filters provide a set amount of light reduction. I try to avoid Variable ND filters: although variable ND filters let you adjust the amount of light reduction i have found they tend to introduce banding into the final image.
Mastering the Technique: Step-by-Step Guide to Long Exposure
Here’s how to take a long exposure photo:
- Composition: Set up your shot. Choose your composition carefully.
- Focusing: Focus on the waterfall. Switch your lens to manual focus to lock it in.
- Settings: Set your aperture and ISO. Use a low ISO for the best image quality.
- ND filter: Attach your ND filter.
- Exposure time: Calculate your exposure time using your camera’s meter or a light meter app.
- Remote shutter: Use your remote shutter release to take the photo.
Troubleshooting Common Long Exposure Problems
Sometimes things go wrong. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- Camera shake: Make sure your tripod is stable. Use a remote shutter release.
- Blown highlights: Reduce your exposure time. Use a graduated ND filter to darken the sky.
- Unwanted reflections: Use a polarizing filter to reduce reflections on the water.
- Post-Processing Your Ricketts Glen Waterfall Photos
Post Processing
Post-processing is a whole other (sometimes contentious) subject and can be used to represent an individual photographer’s style, or just a preference for the image in question.
Start with basic adjustments to improve the overall image quality.
- Brightness: Adjust the overall brightness of the image.
- Contrast: Increase contrast to make the image pop.
- White balance: Adjust the white balance to correct any colour casts. Aim for natural-looking colours.
Bring out the details in your photos with sharpening and clarity adjustments.
- Sharpening: Sharpen the image to enhance the details in the water and rocks. Be careful not to over-sharpen!
- Clarity: Increase clarity to add texture and detail to the image.
Colour Correction: Bringing Out the Natural Hues
- Saturation: Increase saturation to make the colours more vibrant. Be careful not to overdo it.
- Colour balance: Adjust the individual color channels to fine-tune the colors in your image.
- Accuracy: Aim for accurate color representation. Capture the scene as you saw it.
Ricketts Glen is a place of unparalleled beauty and endless photographic opportunities. Go explore and create some amazing images!
So grab your gear, head to Ricketts Glen, and start capturing your own stunning waterfall photographs. You won’t regret it!
We hope you have enjoyed our little journey together – the story and the video; if so please head over and leave a comment on youtube – and a like and subscribe is always much appreciated!
Until next time…..