Conkle's Hollow, Hocking Hills

Several days ago, I posted an image from my recent trip to Hocking Hills.  I will be processing my 'keepers' from the trip for some time (not because there were that many; it is simply because I am a slow but steady processor).  One of the places we hiked during the trip was Conkle's Hollow.  It wasn't a very long hike.  If memory serves, it was about 1/2 mile from the trailhead to where this photograph was made.

At this point the trail dips down and you enter what is essentially a huge chasm with rock walls on three sides that surround you.  A small waterfall flows over the far wall, forming a pool of water beneath it. Because you are now at the bottom of the chasm and surrounded by three rock walls, it is actually pretty dark, even during the day.  Not so dark that you can't see, but dark enough that it was difficult to see any detail in the rocks without walking right up to them.  Dark enough that in order to make this image I had to have the shutter open for 30 seconds at ISO 100 and f8.

 

Waterfall at Conkle's Hollow, Hocking Hills    © Howard Grill

 

One of the interesting aspects of making photographs in these sort of conditions is that the photograph reveals what is there but that you are unable to see at the time the image was made.  And it is always exciting to see what you can't see. The 30 second exposure brought out the detail in the rock as well as its warm orange color, all of which was just hinted at when standing at the scene.  And, of course, it is that long exposure time that gives the moving water its silky appearance.

My kids don't like this photo!  They say it looks like someone is peeing over the edge of the cliff!!!

Howard G12 Comments