columbia river gorge

How to photograph a waterfall ~ from the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is home to more than 70 waterfalls. It would take me weeks to even visit all of them, so in this video, I'll photograph just a handful. And while photographing a waterfall might seem pretty straightforward, I also want to share some tips.

Why we photograph

Why do we go through such hardship for a few images? Why do we wake up so early? Why do we face the elements? Why are we willing to be cold, hot, wet, burnt, exhausted... all for an image? Why do we keep trying, over and over?

Why?

It's because we need it, as much as we need to breathe.

It's because it makes us feel in peace.

It's because we can see.

It's because we want to feel alive.

The world reveals itself when you pay attention. Our duty is to witness the beauty and show it to others, to become their eyes.

We are half crazy, or full crazy.

We pour our souls and hearts, we are obsessed, dedicated, passionate.

We want to show what needs to be seen, what needs to be known.

A day spent making images makes us feel. Calm, excited, exhausted and happy. Part of something much bigger than ourselves.

We wander, we are free.

When the time comes to pack and head back home, we are not the same. We are changed, every shot, every photo, every place, every subject is now part of us, they make us who we are. But the fire never goes away, AND we are excited because we know we get to do it again tomorrow.

Video was filmed at Dog Mountain, Washington.