Paradise found

I've been wanting to go out shooting with another photographer for a while. I've always heard that this can be a fun and educational experience, but except for a brief outing with my father-in-law, I haven't been able to organize this. So, a couple of weeks ago I called up a good friend of mine who shoots with a medium format film (yes film) camera and asked if he wanted to go out shooting. He was excited about the idea as he hadn't been able to go out much lately and we would also get a chance to hang out. He told me about a park very close to his house that has a waterfall, and even though close to the city, felt like it was very remote. I was excited about shooting a waterfall as I will be going to Yosemite in a few weeks for a photography workshop and I need to get my waterfall shootin' skills up.

The waterfall, named Paradise Falls, was a pleasant 20 minute hike from the parking lot through open fields and down winding trails. We went late in the afternoon so the sun wouldn't be so harsh and there would be a bit more texture to the canyon walls. It was so relaxing to descend the trail and hear the rushing of the waterfall echoing through the canyon.


We spent about 2 hours exploring the different shooting possibilities and watching the light move and change. It was so cool to be able to bounce ideas off one another and discuss to pros and cons of camera placement, filter use and composition in general. I was also nice just to spend time with my friend.


After we had exhausted the last bit of light down in the canyon we started our hike back. An almost full moon was rising and lighting our way.


Once at the top we were treated to the last remnants of light silhouetting the distant hills. A perfect end to a perfect evening.