Waterfalls In B&W

The waterfalls pictured here are from Spearfish Canyon, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. On this spring day clouds provided diffused light, eliminating harsh contrast and helping me achieve the silky water affect. Located close to one another, it was easy to get to all three falls in one afternoon. I found the vantage points to be quite limited … choosing not to jump a fence, get wet or roll down a steep ravine. The lack of choices made the shoots even quicker and that was good because the clouds were starting to clear, putting an end to ideal conditions. I tried a few of the different compositions available and after processing them decided I like the following, centered compositions best, especially as a set. I converted them to B&W to make them a little different and lessen some distractions. By doing so I think more attention is given to the main subjects.

A short hike takes you to a beautiful view of Spearfish Falls in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
‘Spearfish Falls’ © Denise Bush
click here to view larger or order a print
A beautiful waterfall in Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota is surrounded by spring green.
‘Bridal Veil Falls’ © Denise Bush
notecards, unframed, framed, canvas, acrylic & metal prints available
Water falls into a babbling cascade at Roughlock Falls in the Black Hillsof South Dakota.
‘Roughlock Falls’ © Denise Bush

Published by

denisebushphoto

My passion for photography has rewarded me with the opportunity to examine the world carefully. My approach is intuitive and I choose to impose no constraints – leaving myself open only to possibilities. As a professional designer I am drawn to images that offer a strong composition, pattern and rhythm. Creating images with a unique perspective while sometimes pushing the limits of traditional composition 'rules' excites me. Landscapes, nature subjects and things from the past are common themes in my work.

52 thoughts on “Waterfalls In B&W”

  1. Such different features to the ones I see on the east coast… love overcast days for shooting the falls and the choice for BW was perfect!!!

    Reply

  4. I think I remember Bridal Veil Falls from when we were in the Black Hills in 2017. You did an excellent job with it, much better than I could’ve done under the conditions we encountered back then.

    Reply

    1. I wonder how many Bridal Veil Falls there are in the US … I’ve heard of several and have shot a few. This one had very limited choices from an observation deck. There was a steep ravine and river below.

      Reply

  9. Although I’m also not a big fan of the silky look of water, I think these look really good in black and white. I agree with you that it lessens distractions. Very nice photos Denise, and all 3 in 1 day!!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for having a look … I’m glad you like the B&W. I respect everyone’s opinion of course. On the other hand, I am trying to remember if I have ever admired a waterfall image that stopped the action and cannot think of any. 🙂

      Reply

      1. I’m not sure what you mean with ‘stopped the action’ sorry.

        What I meant is that I prefer this:
        rather than this:

        I am not trying to prove a point, but interested in what you mean. Also, from your post I’ve learnt that I prefer the silky look in black and white images, rather than in colour images.

        Reply

        1. Yes, I understood what you meant! And I actually do like the image in the first link which is what I meant by ‘stopped action’ … by using a faster shutter speed, so it doesn’t blur. The silky look in the second image is not executed well in my opinion … there’s not enough detail in the whites. Perhaps the shutter speed was too slow there.

  15. I love B&W, but candidly have never thought about waterfalls in B&W! You have opened my eyes with these shots. I love the texture of the water using B&W creates. Stunning work as always!

    Reply

  19. I too, have come to appreciate waterfalls in B&W. I especially appreciate your discussion of the challenges you faced with these images and enjoyed the back and forth with crea2010. I have tried many times to achieve the silky look, but lacking a tripod, it’s nearly impossible. Finding a location to place the camera that also allows a decent composition is often impossible. Some day, perhaps I’ll spring for a tripod. Meanwhile, I must satisfy myself vicariously through your work.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Linda … I’m glad you enjoyed the post and discussion. Yes … to make silky water images work you need to have the stationary elements in the scene very sharp … impossible hand-holding a long shutter speed to blur the water at the same time. A good rule of thumb for hand holding to achieve sharpness is no slower than 2x the focal length, ie: 1/60 sec at 30mm, 1/160 sec @ 80mm. (Some and with image stabilization can hand hold at slightly slower speeds.) A tripod allows you to ensure sharpness in low light like sunset too and slows you down to really look at your composition and all the edges.

      Reply

    1. Yes … it was lucky to have the clouds when we were there. It was also very windy so a little tricky to get the branches sharp in the middle one while still blurring the water.

      Reply

  23. I like waterfalls in black and white (and the silky look), and have done a few that way, but often forget about the b/w option. Nicely executed!

    Reply

  24. Best not to fall into a ravine and damage yourself or your camera. LOL They are all so different. I like the last one the best, but I want to see the color, too!

    Reply

Leave a reply to inspirationforwellness Cancel reply