I just checked and I have four previous posts from Gunn Brook Falls….here’s one. I visited again today looking for some different compositions. The temptation is always to stand in front of one of the falls. It’s a wonderful crashing sound and there is a refreshing mist from the turbulent action the falling water creates. It’s a great place to spend a hot summer day.
Today I stayed back a distance from the upper waterfall to accomplish the different perspective and to also hide some of the debris that collects at the bottom of the falls. Some day I will ask the property owners if I can clean it up which will probably come as a great shock to them as most people who go there litter the ledges with broken beer bottles and crushed cans. I’ve seen a lot of pictures from the falls but none that include the brook. As always, please click to see a larger version.
I promised two ways and here is the second from the lower waterfall which is where the two versions come in….color and monochrome. Each gives a different feel to the image.
I must admit that I had not considered this for Black and White when shooting, but I often do a quick conversion just to see and I do like this even more than the color version.
One of these days that hemlock on the right will fall across the falls and I am sure it will remain. So I shall continue to visit and look for more angles while the opportunities remain.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Wonderful images Steve. The depth of field in number one is incredible. I really like the sense of distance and the power of the falls leading to the lower rapids. Personally I am not quite so keen on the monochrome – but that’s just me. However, it does highlight the falls well.
Why people have to leave trash behind beats me. Surely they enjoy the beauty they are seeing, cant they understand that leaving junk behind spoils it as well as causes other harm?
I hope you are able to get some clean-up underway. Maybe there are others who would help.
Our beach is often empty till about lunch time. Unfortunately there are often cans and bottles left behind from evening revellers. We learned a valuable lesson from an older lady we saw walking the beach in early mornings. She always had a plastic bag with her and would pick up any garbage she saw on her walk. We smiled at her, and started carrying our own bag on our walks. Mostly the beach is almost pristine these days. There are a few of us bag people now.
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Thank you, Rod. One of the advantages of doing things two ways is you add some choice for the viewer. For some, color is the way to go. For others, B&W to highlight the shapes and forms without the encumbrance of color.. I am just happy when people like my images whatever the format. 🙂
Unfortunately, I think many of the people who go to this spot and leave a mess behind are not there for the beauty. It is done under dark of night and, I guess, they either have no respect for the environment or are under age and don’t want to take the evidence out in their car. That is great that you have a group of folks who keep things clean. Too bad it is necessary.
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All three are really gorgeous but I like monochrome a lot. The tree on each side provided sort of a frame for no. 2 and no. 3 photos. Looks like an archway and in B & W makes it more dramatic.
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Thank you, Yvonne. Your observation is just what I was looking for as I processed the monochrome version. I framed it that way for the color rendering but thought the conversion would highlight the falls as well as convey a different mood, although I think both are peaceful.
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I’m torn between the 2 versions. I like the monochrome but the colours are very restful and harmonious. We have our own beach garbage problem. It seems insoluble. The answer is not to clean up but to prevent littering in the first place. But nobody is bothered. They go out, barbecue, party, drink, leave. Forgotten something? Oh yeah…… Well never mind. Some other fool will pick it up. A curse on all their houses.
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I feel the same way about both, Andrew. Each works in a different way.
Absolutely, there is a “Let someone else worry about it” attitude and I am sorry that it apparently is world wide.
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Fabulous Steve, as always. Number one is incredible, taking you right in. On the monochrome debate, I’m firmly unable to decide. I like the saturation of the color image, but the monochrome is so strong, the trees create this incredible frame. So I guess I give the nod to the monochrome. Great stuff. You are having an amazingly productive and creative summer!
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Thanks very much, James. I am pleased with how things have been going this summer. Hopefully that will carry over into autumn. One of these days we should meet up somewhere.
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Super views all around Steve! I’m liking the first wider overall shot the best and I think I’m sticking with color on your two versions of the second tighter shot.
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Thanks, Phil. I am glad you found these pleasing. I go back and forth between the two versions. Guess that’s a good thing.
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I’m normally a sucker for the monochrome but this time I really do prefer the colour. They are all wonderful shots. Andrew described them as harmonious, an apt description that says it all. Apologies if I’m behind with comments, I’ve been away for a week and had no time for blogs or blogging. I shall try to catch up soon 🙂
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Hi Lottie! You have been missed. I knew you were travelling, dining on wine and cheese and having a fine time. Good for you. I am glad you are back and hope to be treated to some blogging in review of your Spanish adventures.
Thanks for the nice comments. As I mentioned, I like both versions and, easily influenced as my weak mind is, am now liking the color version. 🙂
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All of these are great Steve, I must say I have a hard time trying to figure what image I prefer, I love b&w but in this case I think like the color version a bit better !!
The vertical image with the fg is an awesome shot as well !!
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Thanks, Bernie. The color version does seem to be getting the better press. Either way, I am quite happy people like the images.
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What a shame that people would leave trash at such a beautiful place! That type of behavior just disgusts me to no end. A lot of people need a smack in the back of the head I think. Beautiful shots, I do like the foreground stream as it really gives a better sense of place than a “this is a waterfall type image.” I think the B&W works well – very dramatic because of the high contrast, and your eyes don’t wander from the falls much.
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Thanks, Mark. Both waterfalls have a lot to offer in compositional choices. I am not sure I always make the right choice, but they are so attractive that it is hard to go wrong.
It always amazes me that people will carry stuff in somewhere and then just leave it. What the heck, it weighs less on the way out. Some folks lack respect and common sense, I guess. Yeah it is disgusting.
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