Oneonta Falls

by Stephen Oachs

The scenic Columbia River Gorge is punctuated with lush, pristine canyons, formed over thousands of years by the annual snow melt run-off flowing from nearby Mt. Hood. Oneonta Creek, in particular, has carved its own canyon through the rugged, often primitive hillside. In many places, the landscape is extremely abrupt, forcing water over the edges to create amazing waterfalls. There are four spectacular waterfalls along Oneonta Creek. This photograph shares how the light plays with the fresh spring moss and foliage, while it elegantly frames the rushing riverbed. The camera's eye focuses on the life of one of Oneonta's falls, capturing the energy of the rushing water as it continues on its journey down the Columbia river to the sea.

Equipment: Canon 1Ds Mark III

Stephen Oachs

Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran, who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first SLR camera. Ever since, his lenses have focused on the inspiring majesty of mother earth and the unflinching beauty of the animal kingdom. Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic Magazine for his work photographing the endangered snow leopard. Stephen has received many other awards and his work has graced the pages of on and offline publications worldwide, such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others. Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.

Website: www.StephenOachs.com

Oneonta Falls by Stephen Oachs was photo of the day on Wednesday, 22nd July 2009. It is tagged River, Waterfalls. You can leave a comment below.

20 Comments

Katherine Lee Strassburg

22nd July 2009 at 2:55 am

Was this taken in springtime? It is so lush, green, alive, and refreshing–very nice photo of the day for a hot summer day. The light glows yellow green even though this spot is completely shaded–a testament to your expertise with timing and exposure to have it so ‘true to life’!

Stephen Oachs

22nd July 2009 at 3:18 am

@Katherine Lee, thank you for your kind words — this was a tricky shot. I hiked (in waders) up the stream about 1/3 of a mile to get to this spot, then I shot it for a good hour+. It was a party cloudy day so the sun would come and go as the clouds pasted by. I would wait until the sun was muted so I could keep details in the water and not blow out the highlights.

It was a very fun and memorable hike/shoot, for sure!

22nd July 2009 at 7:18 am

Yet another one of your great shots Stephen, just love everything about it, the colours are so fresh. You certainly go that extra mile for a shot but oh how it pays off. Everytime you win a POTD I look again at your website and IMO I think you should submit Rocky, hes so cute.

Steve

22nd July 2009 at 8:07 am

Congrats Stephen! You made me!

John Harrison

22nd July 2009 at 8:08 am

Congrats on another great shot! Love the composition angles, color and textures. Nicely put together! Will run into you on the trails soon! Keep shooting. John

Michael Groves

22nd July 2009 at 8:22 am

Hi Stephen

Relatively new to the Earthshots.org-blog however more IMPORTANTLY – this is a magnificent shot! Crisp and in perfect focus yet you’ve managed to make the water look like a fine mist that you would see hanging over fields on winters morning. I think this is the only way I can explain it. How did you do that?

Mike