Panther Creek Falls
I'd returned to Panther Creek Falls many times over the years, searching for a composition that would do more than simply frame the waterfall, but rather one that would pull you down to the water's edge and make you feel the mist on your skin. The challenge was always finding the right way to organize a scene this rich and layered, where fallen timber, moss-covered boulders, and cascading water all compete for attention.
On this visit, everything came together. The large cedar log sweeping diagonally through the right foreground became the key to the whole image, it draws the eye naturally toward the falls and gives the composition a sense of entry, as though you could step over it and wade right into the creek. The water descends in two stages, the upper cascade splitting over a basalt ledge before spreading into a broad, silken flow that moves directly toward the camera. A massive fallen log on the left, blanketed in moss and trailing ivy, anchors the opposite side of the frame and closes the scene into something that feels sheltered, almost hidden. I was thrilled to finally have the conditions I'd been waiting for soft, even light, the creek running full, and the kind of deep Pacific Northwest stillness that lets Velvia 50 do what it does best.
On this visit, everything came together. The large cedar log sweeping diagonally through the right foreground became the key to the whole image, it draws the eye naturally toward the falls and gives the composition a sense of entry, as though you could step over it and wade right into the creek. The water descends in two stages, the upper cascade splitting over a basalt ledge before spreading into a broad, silken flow that moves directly toward the camera. A massive fallen log on the left, blanketed in moss and trailing ivy, anchors the opposite side of the frame and closes the scene into something that feels sheltered, almost hidden. I was thrilled to finally have the conditions I'd been waiting for soft, even light, the creek running full, and the kind of deep Pacific Northwest stillness that lets Velvia 50 do what it does best.
Edition of 25
This photograph originates from a Fujichrome Velvia 50 transparency captured with a Noblex 135U. The original film was drum-scanned by Michael Strickland on a Heidelberg Tango drum scanner. The print is made on Hahnemühle Baryta Rag and is available in the sizes listed below.
Available sizes: 30", 40", 50", 60", 70" on the long side
Framing available. Artist's Proofs available on select sizes — inquire for details.
Works begin at $1,800. To inquire about pricing, availability, and framing for this piece — sales@johnshephard.com
Edition of 25
This photograph originates from a Fujichrome Velvia 50 transparency captured with a Noblex 135U. The original film was drum-scanned by Michael Strickland on a Heidelberg Tango drum scanner. The print is made on Hahnemühle Baryta Rag and is available in the sizes listed below.
Available sizes: 30", 40", 50", 60", 70" on the long side
Framing available. Artist's Proofs available on select sizes — inquire for details.
Works begin at $1,800. To inquire about pricing, availability, and framing for this piece — sales@johnshephard.com