Description

They call it the “Grand Canyon of the East”—but to me, Letchworth State Park was another opportunity to photograph a magnificent set of waterfalls. Would I be able to capture the awesome power of the Upper Falls and the iconic iron railroad bridge arcing over the roaring cascade? Once I saw these falls and the rail bridge hovering above it my intention was clear: capture a photo that hadn’t been taken a thousand times before — a unique image of the waterfall crowned by this historic iron railroad bridge. But dreams don’t come easy. Getting the shot was no serene “walk in the park” as I was soon to find out.

I arrived with family in tow, juggling coolers, a camera bag, and listening to the restless barking of my sister-in-law’s excited dogs. The crowds were gathering as other excited families entered the picnic areas. I had a tight window — barely an hour — before our family picnic, and my wife reminded me not to vanish too long. The pressure was on. Luckily I have one superpower: the ability to tune out the chaos and focus in on my task.

As I ventured into the park, the sights overwhelmed me: the vibrant green hills, the thundering waterfall, and the sturdy bridge arching overhead. The mist from the falls hung in the air, a shimmering veil that fogged my lens fog just when I didn’t need it. Sounds of rushing water mingled with the chatter of the large crowds, while the earthy smell of overgrown plants blocking my view filled my nose. I tasted the faint salt of sweat as I maneuvered through, the sensation of damp grass brushing my legs.

Every step along the paved path was a gamble — slick uneven stone steps threatened to topple me as I barely paid attention to my footing while searching for those perfect spots to take my shots. My second obstacle — the overgrown plants topping the low stone wall that lined the path blocked those ideal compositions.

Eventually I spotted it: a gap through the overgrowth, a sliver of magic, just wide enough to frame the scene. I steadied my camera, tuning out the screaming kids, the clatter of shoes on the stone path, and my wife asking me to snap pictures of her and her daughter as they posed with knees out in that “young girl” pose we see so often now-a-days. My unique gift — multitasking through madness — kicked in. I fine-tuned my exposure just as a gust sent the mist straight at my lens. Disaster nearly struck. I shielded the glass with my body and wiped it clean just in time.

Then for one perfect instant, the world paused, the camera clicked, and I had it. This shot. THE shot.

The result was an amazing photo I hadn’t thought possible. My goal of capturing this incredible waterfall was fulfilled. When I showed this shot to my wife she was stunned. After perfecting the edits and posting a sample online for my friends and family they too were amazed. Never before had I received such glowing comments on one of my photos. Some even commenting that it looked like a photo you’d see on a puzzle. Mission accomplished.

I hope this image invokes the same feelings of awe and wonder I have when I see it. And for those who’ve visited this park I hope it brings back a fond memory of great times spent there with your family and friends.

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Production and Shipping Times: 5-7 Business Days
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Material Details:
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