p.1 #1 · It take a flash flood: 600-ft Hell Hole waterfall
I've hoped to shoot this phenomenon for years. I went during a heavy stormy system and hiked up Hell Hole Canyon (even though there was no falling water from the cliffs) because more rain was predicted in the next few hours.
As I was deep in the canyon, focusing on small subjects and biding my time, I heard rushing water . . . like a shower. I stopped, looked around and then looked UP to see this waterfall beginning to drop. It grew heavier and heavier. I shot several photos, trying to somehow fit the whole height of the waterfall into one frame. The cliffs here are 600 feet high and I was just a few feet away. I climbed the opposite canyon scree and found a higher viewpoint where I successfully took this photograph.
The waterfall lasted about 10 minutes, maybe 15 at most. Then the show was over. Mother Nature put on the whole display just for me, all alone in the canyon. More info here at my blog
p.1 #3 · It take a flash flood: 600-ft Hell Hole waterfall
What a cool phenomenon, must have been a great experience! I might prefer the view shifted to the left just a bit as the waterfall feels a little central / weighted toward the left, but I know that's subjective! I love the foreground elements a lot, the jumble of rocks and the bright foliage to contrast the grey sky and orange cliffs.
p.1 #14 · It take a flash flood: 600-ft Hell Hole waterfall
Jeffrey wrote:
Nice image and great story. Perfect timing to have your hopes realized on the spot. Exciting and satisfying.
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kwilliam8 wrote:
Very nice image! Great planning and anticipation on your part.
Keith W.
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morris wrote:
It's great that you were able to capture this Gordon
Morris
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przero wrote:
What's the old saying? f8 and be there! Great catch!
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rjb6893 wrote:
To paraphrase my birder friends, “Life shot!!” Both the photo and the journey are awesome!
Thanks all for recognizing the timing and element of chance in this event. I've driven out and even hiked the trail a few other times only to come up "dry": no waterfall even during the rain. So seeing this was a "life shot", though this place is close enough that I hope to have a second "life shot" some day!
p.1 #17 · It take a flash flood: 600-ft Hell Hole waterfall
That's so cool Gordon!! I'm so glad you were in the right place at the right time. I remember one year I was in Zion during the rain, and heard the same sound -- looked across the river and a big waterfall started to flow right in front of me. It was an excellent surprise!
p.1 #19 · It take a flash flood: 600-ft Hell Hole waterfall
Cool to see! Love that red sandstone. I have often desired to witness flash floods.... from a safe distance.
I didn't find more info at your blog on this event.
p.1 #20 · It take a flash flood: 600-ft Hell Hole waterfall
matthewsaville wrote:
That is really cool. I love seeing ephemeral phenomenon like this, it really makes me want to get out and explore! (rain or shine!)
What focal length was this shot at? Or was it a vertical pano? The perspective makes it look like a single exposure at around 11-14mm...
This is a vertical pano. I could not fit in the top and bottom in the same frame being as confined as I was in the canyon. So I shot several with the idea that they might need to be stitched to make it work.
