We have had quite a lot of rain the past few days here in Upstate NY. I can say, without even looking, that the pool is now overfilled and I will have to be draining some off. I guess I shouldn’t wish for a little water!

There was a break in the waterworks about an hour after I arrived home from work yesterday. I knew the creek behind the house would be running fast and high. I mounted the camera on the tripod, attached the ND filter, pulled on the waterproof boots and headed down to one of my favorite playgrounds. There was still overcast skies but the sun was peeking through in a few places to provide some nice light through the trees.

I was not disappointed! The water was flowing fast enough to provide some nice patterns as it wound its way around the rocks and over the fallen trees. I kept the tripod low and the shutter between 1 to 3 seconds. I like it when the flow starts to turn silky but still appears to be moving. I was able to capture enough images in 30 minutes to keep me busy the rest of the night.

This is the first look after climbing down from the road. I was surprised to see the vibrant colors in the leaves. I would have expected that with a circular polarizer filter but not the ND filter. I’m assuming it is due to the water still on the leaves.

Water Playgound
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 3s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 100

I walked just a little further upstream to the small waterfall area. And by small I mean about a two feet in total drop. But it is layered in a few sections and when the water is running at the right level it has provided me with more than a few good images. Last night it was creating some great white water patterns.

The Rapids
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1.3s, 19mm, f/14, ISO 400

Once I captured these “rapids” I decided to play with a little zoom effect. I started out with a 1 second exposure and while the shutter was open I zoomed the lens in, trying to pause just at the end of the movement. It required a few attempts and eventually a 2 seconds exposure provide the look I wanted to achieve. In post processing a conversion to monochrome completed the image.

Into the abyss
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 0.8s, 32mm, f/14, ISO 400

The sun decided it was going to fight the clouds for total dominance over the evening sky and was providing a nice area of isolated light through the trees. I came back downstream to a spot below my little falls and attempted to capture both the water rapids and the brilliant leaves on the trees. Everything seemed to fit better in a portrait orientation.

After the Rain
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 2s, 21mm, f/10, ISO 100

Of course I couldn’t resist some up close and personal images. I’ll admit that I am totally captivated by the moving water. I have been playing in creeks since I was in kindergarten! I hope I never outgrow it…

Crash ‘n Splash
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1.3s, 17mm, f/8, ISO 100

After about 30 minutes of playing I had to get back to the house to make dinner. The kids were not going to wait forever. Normally I’m eating quickly so I can go out and play with the camera but last night it was so I could see what I captured on the computer screen and start creating my images!