Waterfalls captivate onlookers and have a special way of putting photographers like me in a trance.
Not all waterfalls are created equal, however.
A truly compelling waterfall is often judged on its contex--the environment that surrounds it.
Add in the proper lighting and things get really mesmerizing.
Here are some of my favorite waterfall photos thus far...
The fall foliage in this waterfall, paired with the passing sun emitted just enough light overhead, created a painterly scene in Spearfish Canyon.
I spent days obsessing over the landscape in Kauai. The clouds are quite heavy most of the time, but at this moment a shower passed by and revealed this majestic series of waterfalls--a scene that belongs in the movie Jurassic Park which was actually shot here.
This bird's eye view comes from a helicopter tour in Kauai (doors off with me hanging out in a tiny seatbelt, but I digress). I liked how the waterfall funneled its water into this beautiful calm pond refelecting the cloud-filled skies above.
This was one of the most amazing waterfalls I've photographed, mainly because the sun sliced through the canyon, revealing so many fascinating details. I took this shot from far back so I had to stitch many pictures together.
Here's a closer look at this waterfall near Skagway, Alaska as it winds its way down the carved valley.
I would lose my Sioux Falls citizen card if I didn't include an older classic shot at Falls Park.
Behold the splendid Waipoo Falls in Waimea Canyon. This famous landmark in Kauai can be seen in various views and angles--that is if you are willing to hike up a few "sketchy" "off the beaten paths" and you can forget your fear of heights for just a few minutes. I waited and waited and waited (and my lovely patient wife waited with me) until the clouds passed over like a light puzzle revealing just what I wanted below. It was an extraordinary moment I will never forget.
This is Roughlock Falls in Spearfish, South Dakota. You can get lost in all of the mini-stories within this complex waterfall.
I visited Queen's Bath in Kauai and loved how it poured into the crashing ocean below. What a sight. And sound.
A branch flutters in the breeze as the waterfall continues relentlessly.
