The intimate focal range–between wide and telephoto–is often the most challenging for me.  And the most rewarding.  I don’t naturally see in this way:  to remove the sky and leading line elements, but also to not punch in so close that the scene becomes abstract, without any indicators of place.  I don’t know if I’ve achieved an intimate frame with this photograph, but I’m satisfied nonetheless!

This is Bull Sluice rapid along the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River.  The rapid is rated IV+ and is located at the end of Section III / beginning of Section IV along the Chattooga.  I was working this general area with a client a few years back when I started to dial in on this particular composition.  The heavy flow has cut some beautiful key holes along the rock that forms Bull Sluice rapid.  I wanted to focus the visual story on the heavy flow and the resultant cut in the rock.  No sky, no trees.  Nothing to distract from the flow of the Chattooga River and the rock it flows over and around.  I’ve been playing with this composition now for about three years. 

Camera:  Nikon D850
Lens:  Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 @31mm
Tripod:  Really Right Stuff TVC-33

Date taken:  March 19, 2024
Settings:  f14, 1/5 second, iso 125