Indiana's Largest Waterfall (by volume)

pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
edited July 9, 2007 in Landscapes
Nightingale and I decided to explore Cataract Falls to prepare ourselves for the waterfalls we expect to see in Glacier National Park this September.

So Sunday morning, we arose at "Oh" dark thirty and loaded our gear. My trusty GPS said sunrise was at 6:23 am, and we had ~ 50 miles of travel, almost an hour, to get there before sunrise.

Cataract Falls is the largest waterfall in Indiana ( by volume ) as Clifty Falls is much taller but frequently Clifty Falls is just a bare trickle of water. Mill Creek flowing over Catract Falls may sound like a small stream, but is really a significant flowage that at times may be quite violent.

Cataract Falls is a series of steps with two major divisions - the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The last time I was here in March, the Lower Falls were completely submerged by the water level in Cataract Lake where the flowage from the falls ends up.

It turns out that we did not need to be there at sunrise - the Upper Falls are tree shaded until about 10 am or so. None the less, we shot a few frames, to try and learn a little more about shooting flowing water. We used no polarizing or ND filters as the light was not that bright on the water. We used ISO 100, small apertures, and long shutter speeds as needed for correct exposure.


Parts of the rocky river bed are currently exposed with small plants trying to gain a purchase. The surrounding forest is the typical midwestern shaded glade.

[imgl]http://Pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/168573427-L.jpg[/imgl]

[imgr]http://Pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/168553351-L.jpg[/imgr]





































This is one part of the Upper Falls
ISO 100 f14.0 0.8 seconds

168573053-L.jpg


This is another
ISO 100 f13.0 1/8th sec

168571327-L.jpg

This is looking up stream from the Upper Falls to the Limestone cofferdam just below the Cataract Falls Covered Bridge. The bridge was constructed in 1876, and recently renovated by the DNR. It is a 140 foot long truss bridge, constructed as a Smith Truss structure. The interesting thing about Smith Truss bridges is that they were not built on site by local carpenters. Smith Truss bridges were built in Ohio, dissassembled, shipped by railroad cars, and re-assembled on site.

ISO 100 f18.0 1/13th sec
168572421-L.jpg

Here is the Upper Falls looking from the left shot as a pano

ISO 100 f20.0 1/5th sec
168554238-L.jpg

Here one is looking from the right upstream again

ISO 100 f22.0 0.4 sec
168555957-L.jpg

We had a pleasant morning and I know a few things I will want to try when I return to this area either this summer or in early fall.

Comments and criticisms will be entertained, or hung, or shot as seems appropriate:huh :D
Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
«1

Comments

  • LexLex Registered Users Posts: 262 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2007
    nice job, especially without any ND filterization. Some nice falling water for water training. You will likely want to travel with an ND filter to shoot much water though, you got real lucky or good here to not blow out highlights at all, but they are nice efforts.
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 2, 2007
    I own 4x and 10x NDs, I just wanted to see how I could do without them. Just was not that bright Sunday morning early. By afternoon, with the sun shining on the water, it would be required.

    I'd like to think not blowing highlights was not accidental:D :D
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • SamSam Registered Users Posts: 7,419 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2007
    Good shots. Looks like this is a place one could spend hours photographing.

    Sam
  • Marc MuenchMarc Muench Registered Users Posts: 1,420 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2007
    What a great morning you two hadclap.gif

    The exposure times in the soft light look great, the water movement is not tooooooo milky:) The 4 stop ND filter can help on brighter days if you want another trick for the bag. I find 1/2 to 2 sec exposure times work well with water like this, and am just guesin that might be about the range of your shots herene_nau.gif
    Please bring the covered bridg shot with you to glacier.

    The first "upper falls" image looks great in the middle but I think would look better with out the bottom section. Also, I really like to composition of the second image, with the three moss covered rocksthumb.gifthumb
  • slflashslflash Registered Users Posts: 186 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2007
    Pathfinder,
    What great shots. :D I love the bridge shot. Do you have any from Nightingale's stuff to post? I would love to see her's as well.
  • schmooschmoo Registered Users Posts: 8,468 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2007
    pf - I am sure the place is even more beautiful with the fall foliage. Can't wait to see what you do with it then.

    The water movement is lovely (and answered some questions I had about not having an ND filter for moving water shots :D ) but I really like the first photo of the tenacious sprout on the rocks. But then again I'm partial to shots like that.
  • USAIRUSAIR Registered Users Posts: 2,646 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2007
    Jim Great waterfalls all wonderful
    But like everyone else love the covered bridge

    Wonder what Marc has instore for the bridge photo headscratch.gif


    Fred
  • LexLex Registered Users Posts: 262 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2007
    ok, you were fortunate, not lucky... not to blow any highlights. clap.gif

    I do think maybe you overcooked the greens in shot two above... just my opinion.
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 3, 2007
    Lex wrote:
    ok, you were fortunate, not lucky... not to blow any highlights. clap.gif

    I do think maybe you overcooked the greens in shot two above... just my opinion.

    Yeah, I pushed the greens a bit. Too much? You might be right , but I'm not sure - I'll have to see what it looks like on paper before I decide.

    I just know that back in the deep shade, the greens of moss and some leaves gets really green. It called to mind this image I shot in Yosemite 2 years ago. When I walked by the rocks Sunday morning, this is the shot I remembered from 2 years ago.

    ISO 100 f 22.0 6 secs
    And Fern Spring from that trip to Yosemite also

    =============================================================ISO 100 f22.0 3.2 secs

    [imgl]http://Pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/165408076-M.jpg[/imgl] [imgr]http://Pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/22100575-M.jpg[/imgr]
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 3, 2007
    schmooo wrote:
    pf - I am sure the place is even more beautiful with the fall foliage. Can't wait to see what you do with it then.

    The water movement is lovely (and answered some questions I had about not having an ND filter for moving water shots :D ) but I really like the first photo of the tenacious sprout on the rocks. But then again I'm partial to shots like that.

    Schmoo, I'm glad you liked the tenacious little green plant, I did too. I liked the contrast/color against the white OOF rock in the background. Great minds and all that:D :D

    As for seasons, I have plans for this area in fall and winter both.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2007
    PF - super job, lovely spot
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 3, 2007
    Thanks, Andy.

    Ya know, sometimes you REALLY have to go away to truly appreciate what you have at home.....

    I have been by Cataract Falls a number of times over the years, and thought it a pleasant spot to visit, but not really gave it much more thought than that. After travelling out west several times, I have come to look at the area around Cataract Falls with new eyes and am seeing more and more interesting areas to explore. In some ways, it reflects what I have seen in Yosemite or Utah on a smaller, more intimate scale.

    I have always kind on envied you, and your scenery from New York, and didn't really think there were similar sights here in our fly over state. But I was in Indianapolis last weekend at the Eiteljorg Museum and found absolutely gorgeous areas for daylight and night shots that I want to pursue.

    Here is a small example that I grabbed with a P&S (Panasonic DMC-LX1), as I was with several family members, from inside the Indiana State Museum.

    169258372-M.jpg

    Behind the Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum

    169257375-M.jpg
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2007
    Excellent ste PF especially that 3rd shot.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 3, 2007
    slflash wrote:
    Pathfinder,
    What great shots. :D I love the bridge shot. Do you have any from Nightingale's stuff to post? I would love to see her's as well.

    Sheila, she has some good work - I'll see if I can't get her to post some either here in this thread or one of her own. She tends to be shy about posting. headscratch.gif
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

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  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 3, 2007
    Thanks Harry.

    Didn't know that you wandered about in these parts:D
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • LexLex Registered Users Posts: 262 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2007
    I don't know, the poison ivey (least I think that's what it is) on the lower right appears to have to much aqua green cast, the moss I could live with a little easier, but the leaves seem a bit unnatural to me. But again, it's how it prints out that matters, or how it looks on your monitor. I have attempted to calibrate this one as best I can, that's my opinion, maybe someone else could review too...

    Doug
    pathfinder wrote:
    Yeah, I pushed the greens a bit. Too much? You might be right , but I'm not sure - I'll have to see what it looks like on paper before I decide.

    I just know that back in the deep shade, the greens of moss and some leaves gets really green. It called to mind this image I shot in Yosemite 2 years ago. When I walked by the rocks Sunday morning, this is the shot I remembered from 2 years ago.

    ISO 100 f 22.0 6 secs
    And Fern Spring from that trip to Yosemite also

    =============================================================ISO 100 f22.0 3.2 secs

    [imgl]http://Pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/165408076-M.jpg[/imgl] [imgr]http://Pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/22100575-M.jpg[/imgr]
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 4, 2007
    I had to go to Indianapolis on business this morning, so I stopped back by Cataract Falls again - this time in the late afternoon - about 6 pm - and picked up a few frames with my Panasonic DMC-LX1 - a small handheld P&S to see if it would work in the sunshine. No NDs for this little rascal either. But I did shoot in RAW and develop via ARC in PSCS3. ARC 4.1 rocks!

    More of the bridge for Marc:D
    ISO 80 f 8.0 1/160

    169327992-L.jpg


    More of the falls and the wet rock face
    ISO 80 f8.0 1/320

    169326928-L.jpg


    The masonry of the bridge abuttement
    ISO 80 f7.1 1/250th

    169326478-L.jpg

    And here is a 100% crop of the image that Lex is calling poison ivy - I don't think this is poison ivy, but I am willing to look at a vote of hands

    169332625-L.jpg
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • seastackseastack Registered Users Posts: 716 Major grins
    edited July 4, 2007
    Nice shots!:D

    I thought I'd mention for the sake of discussion and ideas one post-shoot processing technique I've been playing with on water shots. By combining two shots of different shutter speeds I'm sometimes able to catch both the soft flowing nature of water and the more dynamic action in one image - sort of a "best of both worlds" that is impossible en camera.

    With water shots I already bracket the shutter speed heavily for different effects from the flow of water as you did. I've got the tripod already set up so why not? Sometimes I (almost) like the really long speeds, especially at the edges, but with too much water it can turn into just a white blob as Marc was alluding to when he said "not tooooo milky."

    If you shoot the same scene with a faster shutter speed you can copy that image and paste it in a new PS layer above your slower speed, softer water image. Then with a layer mask you can paint in some of the more defined water flow onto the soft. I've found this is particularly useful for big waterfalls.
  • Erie BuoyErie Buoy Registered Users Posts: 27 Big grins
    edited July 4, 2007
    Not poison ivy
    Your photos (especially the bridge shot) have great composition and strikingly vibrant colors. The scene is really great -- funny sometimes how local scenes do "blend into the background" for the locals, but are really quite striking when removed from the "local" context.

    I'm afraid that I don't have anything of substance to add photographically, but can confirm that the plants in the last shot are not poison ivy. It's an easy identification in the cropped shot since all of the leaves are serrated along their edges; poison ivy leaves never show serration.
    Explore (and add to!) smugmug co-branding on del.icio.us
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 4, 2007
    seastack wrote:
    Nice shots!:D

    I thought I'd mention for the sake of discussion and ideas one post-shoot processing technique I've been playing with on water shots. By combining two shots of different shutter speeds I'm sometimes able to catch both the soft flowing nature of water and the more dynamic action in one image - sort of a "best of both worlds" that is impossible en camera.

    With water shots I already bracket the shutter speed heavily for different effects from the flow of water as you did. I've got the tripod already set up so why not? Sometimes I (almost) like the really long speeds, especially at the edges, but with too much water it can turn into just a white blob as Marc was alluding to when he said "not tooooo milky."

    If you shoot the same scene with a faster shutter speed you can copy that image and paste it in a new PS layer above your slower speed, softer water image. Then with a layer mask you can paint in some of the more defined water flow onto the soft. I've found this is particularly useful for big waterfalls.

    Seastack, this is a great idea of yours.

    I had not considered this and it is certainly easy to effect once the light bulb goes off, or a kind gentleman ( you ) gives you the suggestion.

    I will definitely keep your trick in mind. As you say, just one more click of the shutter while the camera is already mounted to the tripod. Using the mask with a soft brush should make this rather easy to create in Photoshop.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • ruttrutt Registered Users Posts: 6,511 Major grins
    edited July 4, 2007
    168572421-S.jpg
    You really are the king of covered bridges. Great reflection shot. Very dramatic. Love the soft water and crisp bridge and reflection. Nice tension in the diagonals.
    If not now, when?
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 4, 2007
    Thank you John.

    There are about 40 covered bridges within an hour of me in Parke, Putnam, Vigo, and Owen counties. The Mill Creek Creek Bridge, just above Cataract Falls, is in Owen county. They look picturesque, but some are not in the best of shape. This one is lucky as it does not depend on the county, but is part of a recreation area run by the Department of Natural Resources, and was completely rebuilt last year ( The bridge is now a revenue source !!)

    I was intrigued to learn that it was not built locally, but was a "mail order bridge" - built in Ohio and shipped by railroad. It is 140 feet long.

    Maybe you can read this placard from the DNR

    143985705-L.jpg

    I think this area will really be more productive in the fall and winter. Summer is not the very best season for these areas in terms of sheer beauty. I think I need to add the human element to these bridges in some ways too. Perhaps an Amish farmer pulling a loaded wagon full of hay.....
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • seastackseastack Registered Users Posts: 716 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    pathfinder wrote:
    Perhaps an Amish farmer pulling a loaded wagon full of hay.....

    Is that really an option? Wow, great if it is.
  • nightingalenightingale Registered Users Posts: 56 Big grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    So here are 2 of mine-no bridges though; I let that up to the bridge guru.:D
    Hello to all my fans who keep me from lurking too much! Nightingale



    [imgl]http://nightingale.smugmug.com/photos/169817342-L.jpg[/imgl] [imgr]http://nightingale.smugmug.com/photos/169817193-L.jpg[/imgr]
    Nightingale...

    [FONT=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans serif][FONT=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans serif]I may not always be right, but I am never in doubt!
    [/FONT]
    [/FONT]
  • urbanariesurbanaries Registered Users Posts: 2,690 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    pathfinder wrote:
    Thanks, Andy.

    Ya know, sometimes you REALLY have to go away to truly appreciate what you have at home.....

    I have been by Cataract Falls a number of times over the years, and thought it a pleasant spot to visit, but not really gave it much more thought than that. After travelling out west several times, I have come to look at the area around Cataract Falls with new eyes and am seeing more and more interesting areas to explore. In some ways, it reflects what I have seen in Yosemite or Utah on a smaller, more intimate scale.

    I have always kind on envied you, and your scenery from New York, and didn't really think there were similar sights here in our fly over state. But I was in Indianapolis last weekend at the Eiteljorg Museum and found absolutely gorgeous areas for daylight and night shots that I want to pursue.

    Here is a small example that I grabbed with a P&S (Panasonic DMC-LX1), as I was with several family members, from inside the Indiana State Museum.

    169258372-M.jpg

    Behind the Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum

    169257375-M.jpg

    hmmm PF, that sure looks familiar!!!!rolleyes1.gif let me know next time you're in the 'hood!
    146390766-M.jpg
    Canon 5D MkI
    50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 24-70 2.8L, 35mm 1.4L, 135mm f2L
    ST-E2 Transmitter + (3) 580 EXII + radio poppers
  • urbanariesurbanaries Registered Users Posts: 2,690 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    168572421-S.jpg
    And btw, this is unbelieveable......bowdown.gifbowbowdown.gif
    Canon 5D MkI
    50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 24-70 2.8L, 35mm 1.4L, 135mm f2L
    ST-E2 Transmitter + (3) 580 EXII + radio poppers
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 5, 2007
    seastack wrote:
    Nice shots!:D

    I thought I'd mention for the sake of discussion and ideas one post-shoot processing technique I've been playing with on water shots. By combining two shots of different shutter speeds I'm sometimes able to catch both the soft flowing nature of water and the more dynamic action in one image - sort of a "best of both worlds" that is impossible en camera.

    With water shots I already bracket the shutter speed heavily for different effects from the flow of water as you did. I've got the tripod already set up so why not? Sometimes I (almost) like the really long speeds, especially at the edges, but with too much water it can turn into just a white blob as Marc was alluding to when he said "not tooooo milky."

    If you shoot the same scene with a faster shutter speed you can copy that image and paste it in a new PS layer above your slower speed, softer water image. Then with a layer mask you can paint in some of the more defined water flow onto the soft. I've found this is particularly useful for big waterfalls.


    I've been thinking about this technique more, and I had a second thought.

    Why not consider a second curtain flash shot..... Long exposure via an ND, then a brief exposure just before the shutter closes with a flash. This should capture the flowing water and then highlight the water droplets sharply just before the shutter closes.....
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,694 moderator
    edited July 5, 2007
    urbanaries wrote:
    hmmm PF, that sure looks familiar!!!!rolleyes1.gif let me know next time you're in the 'hood!
    146390766-S.jpg


    Will do.thumb.gif

    Not sure how soon that might be now, though.

    Neat area isn't it?
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • Marc MuenchMarc Muench Registered Users Posts: 1,420 Major grins
    edited July 6, 2007
    So here are 2 of mine-no bridges though; I let that up to the bridge guru.:D
    Hello to all my fans who keep me from lurking too much! Nightingale



    Very nice indeedthumb.gif especially the close up of the water veiling the green grassclap.gif. You guys make quite a teamwings.gif
  • Marc MuenchMarc Muench Registered Users Posts: 1,420 Major grins
    edited July 6, 2007
    pathfinder wrote:
    Seastack, this is a great idea of yours.

    I had not considered this and it is certainly easy to effect once the light bulb goes off, or a kind gentleman ( you ) gives you the suggestion.

    I will definitely keep your trick in mind. As you say, just one more click of the shutter while the camera is already mounted to the tripod. Using the mask with a soft brush should make this rather easy to create in Photoshop.

    Why not? This sounds similar to what I used to do with double exposures in camera but way betterwings.gif
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