Have you ever had one of those experiences where you know the photography location you’re headed toward is going to be amazing? Upon arrival, you’re greeted with the most stunning rays of light you’ve ever seen, making an incredible combination that photographers dream of? That was our experience in today’s adventure when we finally made it to Mesa Falls, located in the Targhee National Forest in Eastern Idaho. I have wanted to visit this waterfall for so long and finally made it happen in May of this year, and was I ever rewarded! This amazing light was a dream!
I held off on releasing this video until now because I thought it would be fun to cap the year with one of my most favorite photography experiences of 2023. There will be one more video published this year, but this is the last one in the Photo Adventure format. The final video will be coming the last week of December and will feature a compilation of behind-the-scene stories, a new never-before-published photo or two, and a giveaway, as promised. It’s going to be a fun one!
But for now, let’s not wait! Let’s go exploring in the mountains and photograph this incredible waterfall together. Adventure awaits…
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There was a flood watch in the area, so we were prepared for the occasional downburts of rain here and there. What we couldn’t have imagined was the breathtaking conditions we would be greeted with. Upon arriving to the overlook, there happened to be the most amazing rays of light shining through the mist rising up the side of the mountain. It was incredible! Not wanting to miss this gorgeous light, I quickly grabbed my camera and fired off a few compositions handheld in case the atmospheric conditions were fleeting. This first image was, and is, my favorite image from the adventure.
The following photos feature Photo Veils from the Botanical and Illumination Collections. Check out the before and after photos below (before photos include foundation edits, after photos show the addition of Photo Veils).
Nikon D850 | 14-24mm lens at 14mm | f/8 | 1/100 sec | ISO 64
After setting up the tripod, I was able to capture some movement in the water. I also used my polarizing filter to bring out the beautiful green color of the water below. I love how with waterfall photography, no two photos are alike, with the billowing mist rising up from the bottom of the falls always moving and catching the light in different ways.
Nikon D850 | 14-24mm lens at 22mm | f/22 | 1/2 sec | ISO 64
I took the opportunity to get up close to the falls and create a more abstract image, really focusing in on the graceful movement of the water.
Nikon D850 | 24-70mm lens at 52mm | f/10 | 1/5 sec | ISO 64
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This image takes a bit of a step back from abstract, including some of the surrounding environment but still focusing in on the gracefulness of the water falling toward the river below.
Nikon D850 | 24-70mm lens at 46mm | f/22 | 1 sec | ISO 64
The Big Falls Inn was originally built in the early 1900s as a combination office and residence for workers of the Snake River Electric Light and Power Company. With its incredible location, it eventually evolved into a popular spot for dances and social gatherings for local ranchers, farmers, sportsmen and tourists.
Eventually, the Forest Service, partnering with Harriman State Park, renovated the building and it’s now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. During the summer season, it’s a visitors center here in the park. We’re still a little early for the season (May 2023), so it’s still closed. So outside shots are what we captured today!
*Historical information taken from signage throughout the park.
Nikon D850 | 14-24mm lens at 20mm | f/2.8 | 1/320 sec | ISO 100
This area has an interesting volcanic history. What is now an impressively beautiful sight to see, was once the location of a volcanic super-eruption over a million years ago that buried eastern Idaho, spewing ash over much of the current US. In this areas the ash solidified into the Mesa Falls Tuff that you see across the canyon.
Water found its path, slowly etching through the tuff. Even though later lava flows partially filled the growing gully, the river kept on, patiently carving the canyon you see here today. It’s amazing how something so beautiful can have such a violent past. It’s incredible!
This vista is so interesting. It looks as though the tops of the mountains have been cut right off. I’m assuming that’s how the area gets it’s name… Mesa Falls.
*Historical information taken from signage throughout the park.
Nikon D850 | 14-24mm lens at 14mm | f/8 | 1/100 sec | ISO 64
What’s Up Next?
As I mentioned earlier, stay tuned for our year end celebration video coming the last week of December.
In the meantime, make sure you head on over to Youtube and subscribe so you don’t miss any of the fun! You can also sign up for our newsletter, where you’ll be the first to know when we drop a new episode. Until next time, get out there, get clickin’, adventure awaits!
Is a Print Calling Your Name?
You’ll find all of these photos in my Fine Art Print Shop, featuring giclée prints on Hahnemühle Photo Rag®, the industry’s highest standards in printing and art paper. This combination gives my prints the special touch and feel of genuine art.
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