 |
| Jelly Mill Falls Dummerston Vermont |
Weekend of May 17-19
Every year, as winter starts
to break, I begin to worry about my annual spring Waterfall Workshop. Will there be enough spring run-off and
rainfall to fill my favorite local waterfalls and will anyone sign-up to join
me as I revile in our early spring’s greatest attraction, our spectacular falling
waters.
The Flow
 |
| Dummerston Falls |
This year a sparse
winter snowfall has led to a sluggish run-off, but that has been thoroughly
off-set by heavy and persistent spring rains. With my workshop just two weeks
from now, I have begun scouting regional waterfalls, old favorites like
Chesterfield Gorge and Pond Brook Falls as well as locations which will be new
for this year’s workshop, such as Jelly Mill Falls in Dummerston Vermont. So far, the water has been strong, but every
year is different. Heavy water flow can
be dramatic but can also overwhelm the detail in some falls. Seasons with slower flow provide the
opportunity to appreciate sinuous patterns in the falls as the water weaves
over and around the underlying rock. Conditions are looking great, but it is always
about getting the most from whatever nature provides.
The Victims
My second worry is
whether anyone will show up for the workshop.
I have never advertised my classes and workshops but have gotten the
word out through Facebook and my blogs.
 |
| Chesterfield Gorge Upper Cascade |
I set a limit on my workshops of no more than 7-8 participants. Sometimes I have fewer, often due to last
minute cancellations, but I don’t take it personally. I would enjoy shooting the falls even if I
had only one participant. It is always a
great excuse to spend time exploring the falling waters and that one person would
get a lot of attention! That said, this
year I have room for a couple more photographers and they are welcome to get in
touch. Here is the plan.
 |
| Frye's Measure Mill Wilton NH |
 |
| Lower Purgatory Falls, Wilton NH |
We will gather Friday
evening, May 17th, around my dining room table, for a chance to meet everyone,
and review our plans. It will be my opportunity to assess the varying levels of
photographic experience among the participants and consider how everyone can be
accommodated. I will discuss key elements of the photography of flowing
water, including the importance of a sturdy tripod, a cable release and, of
course, a polarizing filter. We will also have a chance to plan
Saturday’s schedule.
 |
| Garwin Falls, Wilton NH |
All day Saturday,
and Sunday morning, we will explore some of our region’s most dramatic
waterfalls, I typically devote much of Saturday to the marvelous group of falls
in Wilton New Hampshire. Wilton has a wonderful collection of waterfalls all
conveniently located, including Purgatory Falls, Tucker Falls the dramatic series
of cascade at Garwin Falls. Saturday evening, we will gather again around
my dining room table for pizza and discussion of the day’s experiences. We will
also have a chance for review and gently critique many of the images from the
day’s shooting and plan Sunday morning’s explorations.
 |
| Stickney Brook Dummersto Vt |
Sunday morning, we will
gather again for more falling waters. We will begin with waterfalls
in Chesterfield. Then, for the first
time, we will venture over to Vermont exploring the falls in Dummerston and, if
time permits, the waterfall in the quintessential New England village of Green
River. I will let you all escape, by
noon, exhausted but with a camera full of wonderful waterfall images.
 |
| Pond Brook Falls Chesterfield NH |
It should be an exciting
weekend and I’m looking forward to sharing many of my favorite spots and
techniques.
The entire program
including snacks and an informal dinner will be $195. Please get in touch
if you want to get on the list for this year’s workshop, or if you have any
questions. In the meantime, I will be
spending my days gleefully scouting the falls.
Jeff Newcomer
www.partridgebrookreflections.com
www.partridgebrookreflections.com
jeffn49@myfairpoint.net
603-363-8338