Dark Hollow Falls, Shenandoah National Park

I love waterfalls, of any kind. Then again, I love water. This is great, thanks for sharing.

Hi Robert,

Thank you for the compliment. This photo was taken in early May. My friend and I were sittining in rain and ozone rich air for 5 days. This was the only photo that I got of any consequence. Water in the waterfall (about 60 feet high) was at its height. In fact while taking this image the the camera focusing had failed. We had to later dismantle the Linhof Technika IV on a picnic bench when it wasn't raining. We found that one of the focusing springs had broken. We put it back together to continue to use the camera. It later went to Marflex for repair.

The photo was taken not that long after the introduction of Fujichrome Velvia. We did not have the reciprocity information that we later had for the film. And I only had the camera for a short time and did not have a good understanding of using the camera movements. I guessed the exposure of this at f45 and took 2 shots. This one which was correct at 6 seconds and the second that was at 12 seconds.

I was very lucky that the conditons were overcast (to hold the exposure) and water was at about its maximum. People that know the location tell me that it is frequently very bright in the hollow or misty. Additionally by later in the summer the water is down to about a trickle.

With all the conditions and camera problems, it is very gratifying that this perennial best seller is so well received by the public at art shows and is probably my 4 best selling photograph. As the image is printed larger it becomes quite impressive. And at a size of 24" x 30" the photo has the size and scope to allow the viewer to appreciate and feel that they were here at the time that the image was taken.

Rich