Because I live in the Pacific Northwest, water is a common element in my photography. When exploring the landscape, I often stop along streams to check for photo possibilities.
Recently, I explored an area accessible by Forest Road 73 near Greenwater, Washington. When viewing my map, I located a road crossing of Skookum Creek at the end of a seldom-used forest road. Further downstream, the creek cascades over a rock face to create Skookum Falls. The waterfall is a popular stop along Highway 410.
As I drove my Jeep up the narrow gravel road, it ended well before reaching the creek. I set off on foot for the remaining section.
Since it was late summer, I had little expectations for a photo. Summer often means a slight trickle or a dry creek.
After making my way along an overgrown brushy roadbed, I arrived at the site of a long-removed bridge. I climbed down to the creek bed, where I found this scene of the creek cascading down over moss-covered rocks.
The creek was in a beautiful setting, as the video I shared below will show. But I focused tight on capturing the cascade of water.
The forest scene can be very chaotic. Dense woodlands combined with wide ranges of light means having a clear subject for a photo can be challenging. Photographing intimate scenes simplifies the composition and creates an expressive photograph — an image improbable to be recreated.
