Falling from the Sky

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 4, 2012864 views26 comments

Peak fall colors and fog at Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, November 2012. Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon and drops 620 feet.

This morning I had a chance to get out to the Gorge to check out the fall color. I would say the leaves are currently at peak and will probably look good for another week or so, if there isn't a big windstorm.

I've shot Multnomah several times before, but this is the first image I've really been happy with. I really like how the water looks like it is falling from the sky.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 24-120mm G at 48mm, polarizer
0.4 sec at f/8, ISO 100, single exposure

All comments and suggestions are appreciated. Please check out the larger version.

Comments

26 comments

Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on November 4, 2012 at 11:50 PM

Very very cool shot of the falls. Could do with a smidge to the right to get the water directly between the foliage but nitpicking. Love the mood!

aF

Registered on October 26, 2009, 399 Posts, 2789 Comments

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on November 5, 2012 at 4:31 AM

Beautiful scene Scott, in every way.
John

Registered on May 12, 2006, 626 Posts, 8700 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Budliger on November 5, 2012 at 4:48 AM

No Nits from me, just damn pretty stuff man!

Registered on June 11, 2006, 113 Posts, 2116 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on November 5, 2012 at 7:03 AM

Classic beauty, Scott. very well executed.

Registered on November 25, 2003, 380 Posts, 4647 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on November 5, 2012 at 8:44 AM

I didn't know a new perspective of the falls was possible, but I never saw this one. Outstanding due to the colors and fog.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on November 5, 2012 at 9:40 AM

The falls coming out of the fog is really nice. I like how the distortion has the trees reducing the amount of foggy area by having them lean into it. The large view is a treat.

Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on November 5, 2012 at 11:13 AM

wonderful color and great image of the falls splitting the golden trees. Nice

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on November 5, 2012 at 11:47 AM

Having the falls dropping out of the clouds is really striking

Registered on September 9, 2009, 294 Posts, 2006 Comments

Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on November 5, 2012 at 11:52 AM

Love the mood. Well executed.

Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on November 5, 2012 at 12:08 PM

I think the comp. is awesome, I like the color and how the misty bg and the pine trees contrast with the foreground. I am a bit torn on the leaning trees however. I know without a shift lens this is a problem and I am perhaps more picky because of my own large format endeavours. On the other hand, the leaning trees create some good framing and create that imposing feel.

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on November 5, 2012 at 1:18 PM

Beautiful!! and the mood is awesome!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Turner on November 5, 2012 at 2:35 PM

Very unusual and well done. Love the mood and colors of the trees. The faint falls at top

sweet.

Registered on February 18, 2012, 534 Posts, 2755 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Hilton on November 5, 2012 at 3:35 PM

N I C E !!!
Very well done.

Registered on September 19, 2011, 68 Posts, 668 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on November 5, 2012 at 3:46 PM

Very pretty, Scott! Well composed witht the right exposure and good DOF choice.
The larger version makes me think that this would make a nice print.

Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on November 5, 2012 at 4:43 PM

Excellent light and yes, it does seem that it is falling from the sky. Well done!

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on November 5, 2012 at 5:46 PM

A real beauty!
I like it.
You'll have to show me this spot when I come stay for three weeks.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Gasior on November 5, 2012 at 7:46 PM

WOW!
Beautiful colors and fog

Registered on March 7, 2010, 99 Posts, 502 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on November 5, 2012 at 8:02 PM

Outstanding image, Scott, and excellent composed. I don't think I've ever seen this view before..

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on November 5, 2012 at 10:30 PM

Whoa, Scott. This is phenomenal. The contrast of the fog with the vibrant fall color, the layering of the composition and the way that the falls just seem to come out of nowhere. All of these elements combine for an absolutely gorgeous image that captures the essence of fall. Did I mention that this might just be the absolute best image of Multnomah Falls that I have ever seen? Purely remarkable.

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on November 5, 2012 at 10:43 PM

Fantastic, Scott. The falls seeming to 'fall from the sky' into a golden layer of autumn color is simply superb. You nailed the composition, and everything for that matter. Gorgeous.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on November 5, 2012 at 10:46 PM

That's a neat image, Scott. Light, comp, everything is working here.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Smorra on November 5, 2012 at 11:14 PM

Thanks to everyone for all of the comments. I really appreciate it.

Didl - I thought someone might notice the leaning trees! It's actually not distortion...the trees really do grow at an angle on the steep canyon walls here.

Matt - let me know if you are ever in Portland

Brian - thanks for the compliment. I was definitely going for something unique here since this place has been photographed a million times before!

Registered on November 2, 2009, 161 Posts, 2143 Comments

Comment posted by John Williams on November 6, 2012 at 4:05 PM

Not an easy place to come up with a unique shot, so well done Scott! I love the lack of convention by centering the falls too, one of those times where breaking the rules works in your favor.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on November 6, 2012 at 4:10 PM

Scott, I love the glowing colors in the foreground trees and the fog in the distance. It's funny, but to me the falls feels like a rocket ship has just taken off, having it disappear into the fog sure adds to the mystery.