Monochrome Winter
Backyard Creek

Sunday afternoon started out as a lazy day lounging on the couch reading my book. The sun kept peaking through the clouds but would quickly retreat whenever I thought I should go out exploring. The last time it ducked back behind the clouds creating the diffused light I like for waterfall images I knew it was time to get myself up and go outside.

The new snow blanketed the ground hiding all the brown muck from the rains. Combine all of this with a fairly good water flow in the backyard creek and I knew I had a chance at capturing something. I decided to venture to the other side of the road because I was hoping the little waterfall would be worth a look.

I generally have to work my way into the image I want to capture. There are definitely more ‘practice’ images than there are ‘keepers’. The first image is the long view back upstream looking at the little waterfall. I was planning my approach with this one. There is definitely something to be captured. I walked closer.

Winter Falls I
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/40s, 12mm, f/16, ISO 200

The second image is a possibility but I am still looking for more. What I like about this image is the scene setting that it does. You can see how the stream comes though the road and snakes its way toward the little dam created by the fallen tree. I see a shallow area on the right that will allow me to get closer to the waterfall. I move in.

Winter Falls II
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 2s, 12mm, f/16, ISO 200

The third image is my attempt at my keeper image. I switched to a portrait orientation to increase the apparent height of the water. I’m using my 12-40mm lens and at the wide end I can get close to the water to exaggerate the perspective. Still not quite what I am looking for. I like the white flow in the stream starting at the base of the waterfall. I also want to see more of the ice built up on either side of the water. Maybe if I change my angle.

Winter Falls III
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1.3s, 17mm, f/16, ISO 200

Switching back to the landscape orientation. I got the ice. I got more water flowing. I got more of the white flow in the stream. I think this is the one I want. Besides my fingers are starting to get cold. My boots won’t let me get into deeper water to change my angle again. This is the one. Time to walk back to the house.

Winter Falls IV
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1.6s, 15mm, f/16, ISO 200

I did stop at the upstream area I usually play in on the other side of the road. Not too many opportunities. Too much ice has built up and I wouldn’t be able to get much of the water flowing. Now my fingers are really starting to complain. I’ll have more winter to explore again. I haul my butt out of the creek and head back to the house. It was a good afternoon!

Where did I set my book down?