Granite Falls

Hiking along the Cedar Run trail at Skyline Drive, Virginia. USA. “Granite Falls” is a composite HDRi produced from separate foreground and background elements. Three long exposures (13 sec. mid.) @ 1 stop interval brackets comprised each component.

Blue Ridge Sunset

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Twig

Stony Man overlooking the Shenandoah Valley.

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The Way Home

A path to descend Stony Man Mountain.

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Stony Heights

At an elevation of 4011 ft., Stony Man offers spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley beneath and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. This hike was really easy compared to some others in the park. Three miles hike, round-trip, along a modest slope for some of the best scenery is well worth the effort. The HDR was produced from five exposures with a 2 ev. spacing. The images were merged and tonemapped using Photomatix Pro4. Final adjustments in Photoshop 5 and Lightroom 3.

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Cedar Run Falls

After several miles of downhill hiking, I arrived at one of the falls along the Cedar Run Circuit. By this time of the day, the clouds had begun to build so the lighting was pretty low. I could get an exposure of 1.3 seconds without a neutral density filter to blur the water. Even so, I attached the filter just to see what kind of difference it might make. With the filter in front of the lens the exposure jumped to 13 seconds. Although the 1.3 second exposure did just fine, the 13 second exposure was clearly better. Three shots with a 1 ev. spacing produced the HDRi.

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The Crag

Jagged cliffs of Stony Man loom over the Shenandoah Valley. Created from seven exposures with a 1 ev. spacing, the HDR image was merged and processed with Photomatix Pro 4. Final processing in Photoshop 5.

 
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Rolling Hills

Rolling Hills of the Shenandoah Mountains as viewed from Stony Man in Skyland, Virginia.

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White Oak Lower Falls

 I had no intention of hiking all the way to the White Oak Falls when I started out from the Hawksbill parking area along Skyline Drive. I figured I'd hike as long as the Cedar Run Falls and then make my way back. Once I arrived at Cedar Run, the water flow was a bit disappointing. I wasn't impressed at all so I had to decide whether or not to seek out better opportunities for a good shot. As a non-experienced hiker, it was obvious to me that there was great risk in continuing. It was my last day in the Shenandoah Mountains so I just couldn't pass up the chance. With little Gator-Aid left, a few energy bars, burning thighs and a long slog ahead, I knew I'd press myself to the limit going forward. I was right. In fact, I under-estimated how challenging it would turn out. This was the most physically difficult thing I have accomplished since a forced road march thirty years ago, during the Army years.

By the time I reached the valley, I was out of drink and exhausted. Half way finished and high and dry. What kind of an idiot am I, anyway? Morale seemed more bruised than body. Then came the realization that this trip was several months in planning and there was no time for remorse. The deed is done. Take pictures to ease the pain. So I did. 

Then a stroke of fortune happened upon me. I came across a fellow hiker/photographer whom I asked for pointers on the return hike. Joe was a real gentleman, fantastic photographer and experienced hiker. Joe, in his kindness, took out of his time and provision enough to share his water and knowledge, point me correctly back up hill and offer encouragement. What a great guy. If you've lost faith in your fellow American, you haven't met Joe.

Eventually, I reached the lower falls and breathed a sigh of relief. I had made it, finally.

Would I do it again? Yes, I would. I would do it again with a new found respect for mountains and hikers everywhere. 

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