Quakertown Falls, Lawrence County

Driving down the road who would have thought there was a 40-ft waterfall right over the berm? This waterfall was shown to me a few weeks back by other photographers who are much more familiar with the area then I am. I’m glad they did. I went back the next week with another photographer friend of mine. We drove past the falls several times before we found it again.  This is Quakertown Falls. Parking is on the side of the road and there are a few short but steep trails leading down to the base of the falls. There is also a short abandoned railroad bridge that you can cross to get to the other side of the area.

The light was harsh on the day we went back. Even with my 10 stop ND filter it was tough depending on how the light came through the trees. I was determined to come up with some shots that the group the week before didn’t make. It’s a tough place to photograph. There are three drop offs of water including the big 40-ft drop. This is for me the classic Pennsylvania landscape. Fallen trees, logs, bark, and debris. Speaking of debris, since this is very hidden from the road above it looks like a good spot for teenage partiers looking to drink on a Friday night. Beer cans and plastic bags are everywhere. It’s a good idea to bring a trash bad with you just to clean up a little bit.

This is still a neat place and I do like it very much. I think it’s best to hit this spot early in the morning before the sun hits it and spills it’s light every which direction. Not to mention beating the locals here who just want to come hang out by the falls.

This one was processed a little bit differently. I wanted to bring out the secludedness of the area and also the textures of the rocks, logs, and foliage in the area. It’s a long exposure, 250 seconds, F11, ISO 160.