Congratulations to Ross Martin for winning Feature Thread of the Week with 7 votes - View Previous Winners
When I think of spectacular waterfall locations I’ve photographed in America it would usually be the well-known places in the Pacific Northwest, upstate New York, Ricketts Glenn in PA, or along the Blue Ridge in North Carolina. But nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians in humble midwest Ohio is a lush waterfall oasis that I was blessed to hike and photograph this year, and I found it as inspiring and beautiful as anywhere else. There are many falls in this Hocking Hills region to explore, ranging from a seasonal 90-foot drop off a massive 700-foot wide cave, to small intimate flows cascading down fern-covered cliffs, and many in between.
(Cross posted to Sony forum)
Camera: A7RV
Lenses: Sony 16-35mm f/4 PZ, Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3
Tripod: Gitzo 3-series carbon with Markins M20 head
Filters: Breakthrough Polarizer on some images
Development: Lightroom
ILCE-7RM5FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G lens26mmf/11.020s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G lens21mmf/11.01/3s125 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067 lens64mmf/11.04s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067 lens71mmf/22.01/8s50 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067 lens67mmf/11.02s50 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5E 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 A067 lens50mmf/16.01/3s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G lens16mmf/11.025s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G lens35mmf/11.01/2s100 ISO-0.7 EV
Those are beautiful Ross! My favorites are 1 and 2 plus the b&w one #7. I also really enjoy photographing waterfalls and creeks, even just to be out in that environment. Something about how long exposures capture the movement of water is special. Well done!
Wow, Ross, these images are incredible! As a fellow waterfall enthusiast, I can truly appreciate the masterful way you've captured these shots. It's hard to choose a favorite, but images 2 and 4 particularly stand out to me. The detail you've captured in each one is simply amazing. This collection easily earns my vote. Thanks for sharing such beauty!
I did not use an ND, the light was low enough on most of these from shooting on an overcast day and in evening and also in the gorge was quite dark. I did use a polarizer on some to reduce glare.
Ross Martin wrote:
I did not use an ND, the light was low enough on most of these from shooting on an overcast day and in evening and also in the gorge was quite dark. I did use a polarizer on some to reduce glare.
Nice!
Aug 07, 2025 at 08:45 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
Ross Martin wrote:
When I think of spectacular waterfall locations I’ve photographed in America it would usually be the well-known places in the Pacific Northwest, upstate New York, Ricketts Glenn in PA, or along the Blue Ridge in North Carolina. But nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians in humble midwest Ohio is a lush waterfall oasis that I was blessed to hike and photograph this year, and I found it as inspiring and beautiful as anywhere else. There are many falls in this Hocking Hills region to explore, ranging from a seasonal 90-foot drop off a massive 700-foot wide cave, to small intimate flows cascading down fern-covered cliffs, and many in between.
(Cross posted to Sony forum)
Camera: A7RV
Lenses: Sony 16-35mm f/4 PZ, Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3
Tripod: Gitzo 3-series carbon with Markins M20 head
Filters: Breakthrough Polarizer on some images
Development: Lightroom...Show more →
Hocking Hills is lovely, but your shots are among the best I have seen of the place. I especially like the one of dead man's cave. Thanks for sharing these.
adventure_photo wrote:
Those are beautiful Ross! My favorites are 1 and 2 plus the b&w one #7. I also really enjoy photographing waterfalls and creeks, even just to be out in that environment. Something about how long exposures capture the movement of water is special. Well done!
Thank you very much, Scott! I agree that even being in that environment is satisfying apart from making images.
keepclicking wrote:
Wow, Ross, these images are incredible! As a fellow waterfall enthusiast, I can truly appreciate the masterful way you've captured these shots. It's hard to choose a favorite, but images 2 and 4 particularly stand out to me. The detail you've captured in each one is simply amazing. This collection easily earns my vote. Thanks for sharing such beauty!
Parul, I’m grateful for your kind comments and support!
junglialoh wrote:
Amazing description for the falling stream
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jaggedhorizon wrote:
Some great (and very varied!) compositions. Very well done, Ross!
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BillinTexas wrote:
Beautiful.
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psharvic wrote:
A fine set, Ross. Many beautiful waterfall opportunities available around the country.
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Steve Spencer wrote:
Hocking Hills is lovely, but your shots are among the best I have seen of the place. I especially like the one of dead man's cave. Thanks for sharing these.
Thank you for each of your positive comments,
Tim, Jung, Cedric, Bill, Vic, and Steve!
Beautiful, Ross!.
We don't have anything like those around here - lots of other stuff, but not the waterfalls (or mushrooms), like you get back east
Doug
