Onyx Cataracts
Elijah B.
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Within the constraints of a square frame, I build a world that is separate from our own, one full of motion—a stark contrast from our bleak everyday lives. I transport the viewer so they can view the picture as if they were actually there—the thundering, roaring water tumbling over jagged rocks. Falling water is a beauty in itself, and this piece reflects both the delicate, smooth aspects of a drop of water, and the might it is presented with, after going through miles of fierce riverbeds and enduring the elements.
The title that I give this piece is, "Onyx Cataracts." This name is heavily influenced by the falls' stark contrast between the light and the dark, and its mesmerizing, almost gemlike qualities. Onyx is naturally found in caves, and I found this title fitting because of the falls' close geographical proximity to an array of volcanic caves.
Photographs are meant to be read and analyzed and interpreted in many different ways. Examining this photograph is almost like peeling off the layers of an onion. The more you examine it, the more you 'peel off the layers,' and the more depth and action you will see. What catches the eye immediately is the water rushing over the stone, closest to the image, how it splashes merrily over the rock, giving it a glittering look. You then notice the main cataracts in the background, equally powerful. They add the necessary depth to the picture, and again, enhance its movement.
Taking this picture was challenging. First, I climbed over loose boulders. I then made a steep ascent across a steep shale face of the rock. Perching on a tree branch that was hanging out over a small outcropping of the waterfall, I lowered the upper half of my body, putting half of my camera in water, to get the desired effect of water falling over the scene. The end result was what made all that effort worthwhile, and I am proud to share this piece with the public.
Although rather new to the photography community, I hope that I can bring my love of photography and nature to the world, and help conserve these beautiful areas in their pristine states, for generations to come. Although I am shooting on my iPhone camera (13mm f2.4), this is not going to stop me from achieving my goals of becoming a professional photographer, explorer, and a steward of the environment.
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As image makers, we appreciate things for their aesthetics. I enjoy photography because I am a visual person. I appreciate colors, shapes, and lines around me, which I spin into images that are equally enjoyable. I enjoy sharing this love for things around me with other people: it brings me joy.
