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Gooseberry Falls
Gooseberry Falls, Minnesota North Shore
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Edwin H. Gott
Superior Bay, Duluth Harbor
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Fishermen on the Lake
Duluth South Pier
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DennisOHara
Dennis O'Hara
April in the Northland (and sometimes even March) is when nature signals the arrival of spring. Although it will be a few more weeks until the wildflowers push up through the soil, the sound of cascading waterfalls and singing robins declares that it’s time to wake from winter slumber, grab your camera and hit the trail.
Fly fishermen line the banks of our rivers, migrating raptors glide through the sky, and the big boats are once again carrying their heavy loads through the harbor, freed from their ice-locked winter berths. There is no lack of things to photograph.
More than almost any other time, the seasonal clock ticks through spring, reminding us that time is flying by as surely as the squadrons of geese move overhead in their perfect formations heading to their northern haunts.
I have been photographing Northland nature for more than 30 years and with the arrival of April comes a renewed anticipation of what lies ahead in the long days of summer. The cycles of life spin and create our special rituals, often matching the season. A spring ritual for me is to venture up Minnesota’s North Shore to visit Gooseberry Falls, a fascinating place to feel, hear and see spring in all its glory – which brings me to my photo tip of the month.
Photographing Waterfalls
When I take waterfall pictures, I love to make the water silky smooth. It adds the impression of motion. To do this, it is preferable to photograph in lower light conditions, such as fog, early evening and early morning. The lower light allows you to use a slower shutter speed. I like about 1/4-second or so to give the water that silky look. You may have to use the “manual” or “shutter priority” on your camera settings. Bring a tripod, too.
Get out and give it a try, but use caution on the wet rocks. A slide into the river may make for an interesting picture, but would probably not be good for the camera. Though a bit of local waterfall splashing cold water on your face will definitely wake you up to spring and give you a renewed perspective on life.
See Dennis' other work at his website: www.northernimages.com