I’ve often been fascinated by how photographers get pictures of oceans and waterfalls where the water is soft and stream-like. I eventually learned that letting the camera shutter lag will produce the effect and I was able to reproduce it when the opportunity arose.
Then I wondered how people got really soft effects and found out that there was a lens filter that that reduced the amount of light going into the camera. Normally, most photographers are trying to get more light in, but this was an exception.
After a few paid photography jobs, I had some money to spend on new stuff. In addition to a flash, umbrella, and light stand, I picked up a neutral density filter. Jenni’s favorite place is Lucia Falls, and the filter would calm the waters (at least photographically) for a peaceful setting.
We did not pick the best day for photos. It was raining (eventually hailing), so Jennilyn juggled between holding Kadence and covering me and my camera with an umbrella. And you would think I would’ve brought the waterproof rain jacket I got for Christmas, but I had hoped that the weather would clear up.
The rain made it quite a challenge, especially when hopping along rocks to get to the best location for the photo. I had a few scares with my feet slipping, but thankfully God was watching over me and Jenni was praying for my safety.
We stopped at Lucia Falls, but the water level was so high that the photos didn’t seem very interesting to me. I also overestimated how much the filter would reduce light intake, so there was a learning curve.
Then we stopped alongside the road near Moulton Falls and got some more favorable shots. The rain made it difficult to set up the tripod without slipping, and the rock surfaces were not even. When the weather gets better in the spring and summer, we’ll have to revisit the Lewis river to try again.
When I worked on post-processing the photos, I was disappointed with the color (there lack of). Part of it was the abysmal weather, however, since there is a miracle called “Photoshop,” I tried “Velvia Effect” from a web tutorial to give some of the photos more “oomf.”
Special thanks to Jennilyn for picking up and going on a moment’s notice to Battle Ground so her husband can play with his new toy.
One reply on “Lewis River Adventure”
Gorgeous! You have a special talent, David.