#10 | Dramatic Landscapes: Dry Creek Falls in the Oregon Columbia Gorge

Jun 18

During my recent landscape photography expedition to the stunning Oregon Columbia Gorge, I embarked on a hike into the trails of Dry Creek Falls. The picturesque scenery that unfolded before me presented a composition challenge with an abundance of options. In this blog post, I'll share the story behind capturing an epic landscape shot, the struggle of choosing the perfect perspective, and the amusing adventure that ensued as I submerged my shoes into the water for a dramatic perspective.

A Plethora of Options:

As I arrived at Dry Creek Falls, I was greeted with a breathtaking landscape that offered a myriad of possibilities for composition. The challenge I faced was not in finding a suitable subject, but in selecting the perfect perspective among the numerous routes and angles available. The abundance of choices can sometimes be overwhelming, as each path presented its own unique charm and visual appeal.

The Decision to Get Low:

After carefully evaluating the various options, I made the decision to immerse myself in the scene, both figuratively and literally. To capture a more dramatic perspective, I knew I needed to get low and close to the water. This required submerging my shoes in the pool of water near the falls—an action that would soon prove to be a comical adventure in itself.

Embracing Wet Feet for the Shot:

With a willingness to go the extra mile (or in this case, get my feet wet), I embraced the discomfort and waded into the pool of water. By doing so, I positioned myself at a low vantage point, allowing me to capture the majestic beauty of Dry Creek Falls from a unique and captivating perspective. The immersive experience intensified my connection with nature, enabling me to capture a shot that conveyed the sheer grandeur and power of the waterfall.

Blending the Elements:

To effectively capture the essence of the scene, I employed a technique of blending two images. The first image focused on the flowing water in the foreground, captured at 16mm, ISO 250, and a shutter speed of ¼ sec. The second image, taken at a shutter speed of 0.5 sec, added depth and texture to the composition. The merging of these two images resulted in a final photograph that showcased the dynamic movement and captivating beauty of the landscape.

The journey to capturing a remarkable landscape image often involves challenges, choices, and sometimes amusing adventures. My excursion to Dry Creek Falls in the Oregon Columbia Gorge exemplified this, as I faced the struggle of selecting the perfect composition from a multitude of options. By embracing the discomfort of wet feet and getting low, I managed to seize a dramatic perspective that truly showcased the awe-inspiring beauty of the falls.

What do you think about this image? Let me know your thoughts down below in the comments!

Thanks for reading,

Alec