Securing a lodge at Havasupai Reservation for early November 2024 was a dream come true, especially with the promise of photographing its renowned waterfalls. On a frigid November morning, I joined four friends for the hike down into the canyon, anticipating three nights of breathtaking scenery. Unfortunately, our visit followed a month after devastating floods, leaving debris scattered throughout the area and crews still working on cleanup. While the water's stunning colors remained, capturing them photographically proved challenging. I found the best vantage points for my shots were actually from the overlook before descending to the falls themselves. Additionally, traveling with a group of non-photographers meant adhering to a shared schedule, which limited my dedicated photography time. Here are a few images of Havasu Falls, taken from above.
Thank you for viewing, and I welcome all comments and critiques.
definitely looks like an awesome place to visit. the starkness of the cliffs really brings out the colors of the trees and the water. i like that you slowed the movement of the water just the right amount. i believe your time there was well spent. hope you enjoyed it. thanks for sharing.
I really like that amazing coloring on the water in #1. I like the mid tone warmth of the rock formations and the splash of greenery is welcomed!
In looking at #1 for me I wanted to follow my eyes up farther and back and was looking for a bit more of that lovely water pool coming towards me .......well #2 covered all that
#1 does a great job highlighting the falls, #2 does great showing the environment
volhoosier wrote:
definitely looks like an awesome place to visit. the starkness of the cliffs really brings out the colors of the trees and the water. i like that you slowed the movement of the water just the right amount. i believe your time there was well spent. hope you enjoyed it. thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much. Water movement is always challenging due to so many variables. I captured few at different speed and this was look good. Glad you enjoyed viewing them.
If one can go, then it's definitely a photographers paradise. Incredible location but getting lodge reservation is extremely difficult. There were so many locations to shoot but going in a group of non photographers made it difficult. Didn't want to stop every time
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junglialoh wrote:
Beautifully worked in this gorgeous scenery view
Karl Witt wrote:
I really like that amazing coloring on the water in #1. I like the mid tone warmth of the rock formations and the splash of greenery is welcomed!
In looking at #1 for me I wanted to follow my eyes up farther and back and was looking for a bit more of that lovely water pool coming towards me .......well #2 covered all that
#1 does a great job highlighting the falls, #2 does great showing the environment
Both are great images.
Karl
Thanks Karl, appreciate your detailed feedback. The water colors are absolutely stunning but it was super cold weather to get into water. Although, I did get into water with knee deep for few minutes. Hope it had some healing powers for my old knees
Thank you and composition is something I am trying to pay more attention to and glad that you found them to be properly composed.
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Ross Martin wrote:
I enjoy both of these compositions, Parul, and your processing looks great, very natural.
Ross, thanks a lot for your feedback. Composition and PP are areas that i struggle with but slowly making progress as I find time to work on improving those skills. Appreciate your guidance and encouragement.
Very nice. Glad that you had a chance to visit - looks like a great place to photograph. I like the water color. Also nicely processed; the shutter speed is well chosen for my taste.
jacob
jm10_former wrote:
Very nice. Glad that you had a chance to visit - looks like a great place to photograph. I like the water color. Also nicely processed; the shutter speed is well chosen for my taste.
jacob
Thanks Jacob, it is definitely an amazing location to photograph. Especially if you enjoy waterfalls and long exposures.
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wesleylee99 wrote:
Beautiful photo! I like the contrast of the blues and oranges, and just the right amount of silkiness of the waterfall.
You are right about the color contrast at this location. In fact if I would have been there about 2 weeks after, then there would have been some fall colors. Few areas were starting to change colors in the canyon.
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gavide wrote:
Hi, good job i like it !
Glad you enjoyed viewing them. Thanks for stopping by.
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IndyFab wrote:
The harmony of colors create a pleasing waterscape composition. Good work !!
Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback and encouragement.
Stunning photos! I was shocked at last year's flash flood and how that beauty of a waterfall turned into disaster. We knew the girl that was swept away from last years flash floods there.
PixiPhotography wrote:
Stunning photos! I was shocked at last year's flash flood and how that beauty of a waterfall turned into disaster. We knew the girl that was swept away from last years flash floods there.
Thanks a lot for the compliments! Yes, the floods were absolutely devastating. After visiting this place, I can tell you that the damage left behind by the floods made it hard to photograph some of the falls. Lots of debris all over. Actually, the best photo ops was on my hike to Bever falls.
So sorry about the loss and in these remote locations there is no help. In fact coming down the wall for Mooney Falls is also quite risky. I don't think I could do it again with my old knees
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kdacharya wrote:
superb images, Parul. it's on my bucket list. thanks for sharing
Thanks KD, it is indeed an amazing location. I hope you get to go. Try to go during November, weather was nice and less crowded. Be sure to follow the official website for lottery dates and information. The lodge stay was nice but all the falls are a bit of a walk. Here are one way distance from lodge. Navajo taco's were great! Cash only and hours vary $15.00 per taco. Glad to answer any other questions you may have.
Navajo falls - 1 mile
Havasu falls - 1.5 miles
Mooney falls - 2 miles
Bever falls - 5 miles
juankgigo wrote:
Very beautiful location and images!
Agree, the location is absolutely stunning. But it was hard to get great photos due to devastating floods a month before my visit which left a lots of debris all over the place.
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nugeny wrote:
two best of the best waterfall.
Bob
Thanks for the compliments Bob, made me blush
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MKuran wrote:
Awesome pictures!!!! Well done!!
Thanks MKuran, it was fun photographing at this location.