Exploration in the Columbia Gorge II Workshop

We were welcomed by cloudy skies and cool weather at Women's Forum Overlook, with changing light to the east but, luckily, no rain. We started with an introduction to the 3 stop graduated neutral density filter while using a tripod, and adjusting exposure to capture as much shadow detail as possible without clipping the highlights. A large barge heading east added to the tranquil scene.

Beautiful cloud forms in changing light. ©Andy Kaplan

With continued gray skies, we hiked to Walchella Falls. Hiking to an elevated area above the falls as an overview of this grand area, we tried different shutter speeds and exposures to vary how the falls changes character with different camera settings, smoothing or creating more texture of the water. We also moved in for closer views and perspectives.

Reviewing and discussing photos with Katrina and Andy at Elowah Falls. Thanks, Randy.

After lunch and a review session covering both exposure and composition, we spent the early evening hours at elegant Elowah Falls. The water level was lower, so we were able to photograph quite close to the falls, with green foregrounds of ferns and flowers.

Participant photos can be found here>

Exploration in the Columbia Gorge I Workshop

Amazing and unusually warm spring weather was the theme of our waterfall exploration on Saturday. Starting at Woman's Forum Overlook, the morning clouds and changing light to the east gave us an opportunity to check our camera settings and create some files to later check histograms and blinkies. We also tried a few shots with a graduated ND filter to even out the exposure.

Light on the Columbia from Woman's Forum. ©Suzanne Michalik

The sun was breaking through the clouds as we began our hike to lovely Wahclella Falls. It was also warming up quite a bit. There were not too many visitors, but the harsh light was challenging to get quality images, so we discussed various strategies with shutter speed and also use of depth of field. We also watched as the light and shadows changed dramatically on the falls.

The challenges of strong light

After lunch and a review session at Skamania Lodge, we headed to our second falls of the day, Elowah Falls. Strong light was still around, but it was fading as the end of the day approached. Elowah Falls is a high falls with lovely ribbon and curtain-like cascades of water. Various angles and formations were explored. There were also lovely ferns and reflected light in McCord Creek.

Gathering at the base of Elowah Falls. Thanks, John.

We arrived back at Women's Forum a bit tired after a solid day of learning and enjoying this treasure right at our doorstep here in Portland. You can view participant photographs here>>