Water

The Little Beaver Creek

Creekside Reserve, Beavercreek, Ohio "Water is the only drink for a wise man." - Henry David Thoreau A very early image in my portfolio, taken from "the early days" in my explorations. A peaceful late summer day saw me cycling out to the local patch of wet woods. The winding footpaths led me along this gorgeous creek. A handful of trails diverged off to allow a closer look at the water itself. This is one of the best spots to see the beauty of it all. The leaves were starting to change color and fallen off their respective trees. A strange looking clump formed here in the middle of the water, I presume due to clinging to a stone. I sought to create a long exposure shot as I had been as I moved along the nature reserve. This one in particular had a light, airy effect to the photo's feeling. For an early shot I still enjoy this image, even if I plainly placed this subject right in the middle of the frame. © 2016 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Little Beaver Creek

Creekside Reserve, Beavercreek, Ohio February 2nd is World Wetlands Day and wetlands happen to be my favorite environment to photograph in. The biodiversity year-round is certainly unique to these habitats. Fortunately I am situated right in the middle of the Beaver Creek wetland corridor. This is a very important corridor to preserve and protect and I am a proud member of the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association for this reason. Something keeps me coming back to this location! The lack of visitors makes for a peaceful trek alongside the Beaver Creek's flowing water. Along the winding footpaths you may see White Tailed Deer and there is a riparian habitat. Riparian environments are where water runoff becomes saturated in the ground producing "wet woods." Foraging wildlife can be seen in these wet woods such as coyote and red foxes. I am not too fond of the term "intimate landscapes" however it does make sense when using a telephoto lens to zoom in close. This is about showing off the inner details rather than some grand vista. © 2016 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Beaver Dam

Siebenthaler Fen, Beavercreek, Ohio © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Beaver Dam

Siebenthaler Fen, Beavercreek, Ohio "I walk. I look. I see. I stop. I photograph." - Leon Levinstein Often times, a potential photograph "leaps out" at me for its attention. This beaver dam was one such case as I had seen it on several visits before. Local naturalists at this wetland previously have mentioned how the dam would choke the water flow of the creek and considered what to do about it. I had been at the fen for the day photographing birds however had a sudden urge to capture an image of it. The lighting was just right and the dam was flowing very well on one side. A quick trip back to the car to get the wide angle lens and tripod for a long exposure was the new priority. Something of a timely photo, as this dam is no longer present at the location. © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Beaver Dam

Siebenthaler Fen, Beavercreek, Ohio © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Cedarcliff Falls

Indian Mound Reserve, Cedarville, Ohio This is a man-made waterfall that flows into massies creek, a tributary of the Little Miami River. I arrived when no one around and was so focused on crafting images that after a few minutes, I barely realized that some twenty hikers (I presume from a hiking club) were standing behind me talking and taking pictures. I used a polarizer filter and a long exposure to blur this man-made waterfall. Creating silky smooth water such as this is much more suited for fine art. Standing at the overlook and listening to the deafening roars is definitely a treat to see and hear. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Cedarcliff Falls

Indian Mound Reserve, Cedarville, Ohio This is a man-made waterfall that flows into massie creek, a tributary of the Little Miami River. Standing at the overlook and listening to the deafeaning roars, I barely realized that a hiking group was standing behind me taking in the sights as well. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Cedarcliff Falls

Indian Mound Reserve, Cedarville, Ohio "I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles." - Anne Frank Long exposure photography can be a joy to work with. Waterfalls become silky smooth evolutions from their looks with the naked eye. The images become elevated to fine art and conceptual imagery. This popular waterfall in my area has several overlooks to view it from. Images like this are made possible by a bridge crossing over Massie Creek. You are then able to line yourself up with the 'falls and the creek in the frame. It was as simple as using a small telephoto to zoom in to my liking. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Cedarcliff Falls

Indian Mound Reserve, Cedarville, Ohio "I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles." - Anne Frank Long exposure photography can be a joy to work with. Waterfalls become silky smooth evolutions from their looks with the naked eye. The images become elevated to fine art and conceptual imagery. This popular waterfall in my area has several overlooks to view it from. Images like this are made possible by a bridge crossing over Massie Creek. You are then able to line yourself up with the 'falls and the creek in the frame. It was as simple as using a small telephoto to zoom in to my liking. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Cedarcliff Falls

Indian Mound Reserve, Cedarville, Ohio This is a man-made waterfall that flows into massies creek, a tributary of the Little Miami River. Standing at the overlook and listening to the deafeaning roars, I barely realized that a hiking group was standing behind me taking in the sights as well. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Yellow Springs Creek

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio "But look how noble the world is, the lonely flowing waters, the secret-keeping stones, the flowing sky." - Robinson Jeffers This photo was taken on a beautiful late summer day, and was my first visit to the Glen. I was eagerly anticipating viewing the grand hills and immense scale of the nature preserve. Over a thousand acres with countless natural landmarks sprinkled throughout the entire landscape. In this image the major waterway and surrounding land is the subject. Yellow Springs Creek runs right along the preserve with several spurs into Birch Creek and to the actual springs themselves. There is a calm beauty to this photo that I cherish to this day. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Yellow Springs Creek

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio “Look! A trickle of water running through some dirt! I'd say our afternoon just got booked solid!” - Bill Watterson This is a late summer long exposure onlooking Birch Creek at Glen Helen Nature Preserve. The moss-covered rocks near the foreground became anchor points for the rest of the image. A polarizing filter was used to great effect to remove water reflections and make the water appear shallow as it is seen here. While this is a much calmer section of the creek, not too far down from this spot has some very rapidly flowing tides. Glen Helen has become a favorite photographic location and hiking spot for me over time. The nature preserve rewards you with repeat visits as there is a diverse amount of "attractions" and natural landmarks present throughout the area. Overall the hiking experience on its own can get fairly grueling at times however never seemed impossible. The people I have come across here are very friendly and so the location is well treated. Though I would highly recommend buying a $1 trail guide! You do not wanna get lost here as I have and you can seek out all the different natural features with ease. Overall, nature photographers, dog walkers, trail runners, and hikers alike can't go wrong visiting the Glen. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Cascades

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio "Run wild and free like a waterfall” - Anamika Misha This is a top-down view of the abutment to the Yellow Springs creek. I was seeking something different from the other "postcard-y" images I had seen online. I simply stood at the edge of the bridge crossing The Cascades just after sunset. Setting up my tripod facing straight down, I opted for a long exposure. This strange angle and choice of composition I believe is something to admire. Whenever I get the chance to challenge your eyes into making sense of a scene, I will do just that. I enjoy the use leading lines in how the rocks edge curves all the way from side to side as it moves up the right corner in the frame. It is simply amazing how images have the power to train and focus your eyes to move a certain way. I made sure to use a circular polarizing filter to knock out the reflections made in this wet damp rock. A wide angle lens was essential in showing off the flowing and loud water, while still giving a sense of place. When I begin to think I've seen it all.. What else could be out there? So limitless, so infinite. Adopt a humbling attitude to be willing to experience or learn something new. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Cascades

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio "There is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says, if you are flexible, falling will not hurt you!” - Mehmet Murat ildan This photo is an example of me retaking a similar image as done previously but in a different season. Compared to the first incarnation, more water seemed to be flowing out this time. The image is taken from a top-down perspective of a bridge right above the waterfall. I've seen many beautiful images from other photographers showing the elegant cascades viewed from a trailside looking towards it, however I opted to try something different here. Many curious people ask me how I get the water to appear silky smooth like it is shown. This is a technique typically called "long exposure." In essence, the exposure to take the image is drawn out more using a slower shutter speed. There is no right or wrong speed, as I try to match the shutter with the speed and size of the water which I'm photographing. Then I usually employ one or two filters such as a polarizer and a neutral-density to eliminate reflections and deepen the blurring effect, respectively. © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Cascades

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio "If I knew how to take a good photograph, I'd do it every time." - Robert Doiseau The Glen is home to a myriad of cascades and other flowing bodies of water. Some of the more well known examples are featured prominently on trail maps and signage. Other ones are tucked away, almost out of view but still heard. I enjoy photographing all of the waterfalls that I can. For the more popular sites like The Cascades, a top down approach from the bridge above provides a different perspective others may not consider. Feel free to think different and break the mold with your compositions. © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Cascades

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Cascades

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio "There is a waterfall in every dream. Cool and crystal clear, it falls gently on the sleeper, cleansing the mind and soothing the soul." - Virginia Alison A very popular and scenic destination in the Glen. "The Cascades" as known on the trail map is a stunning display of flowing water; a waterfall. This natural landmark is also a prime photographic opportunity within the nature preserve, as many point their lenses towards it. Looking beautiful in all seasons, I chose this warm sunny day to get a different take on the scene. The vibrant green foliage overtook the top part of the frame, as I was using a small telephoto lens to zoom in closer than the handrails and my feet could take me. From there it was as easy as using a filter or two and slowing the shutter to create the aesthetic of blurring the motion. © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Cascades

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Cascades

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio "If I knew how to take a good photograph, I'd do it every time." - Robert Doiseau The Glen is home to a myriad of cascades and other flowing bodies of water. Some of the more well known examples are featured prominently on trail maps and signage. Other ones are tucked away, almost out of view but still heard. I enjoy photographing all of the waterfalls that I can. For the more popular sites like The Cascades, a top down approach from the bridge above provides a different perspective others may not consider. Feel free to think different and break the mold with your compositions. © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Birch Creek Waterfall

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Birch Creek Waterfall

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Birch Creek Waterfall

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio "Many a calm river begins as a turbulent waterfall, yet none hurtles and foams all the way to the sea." - Mikhail Lermontov While many visitors to the Glen awe and glean towards the beautiful 'Cascades' waterfall under the bridge crossing, I found this out-of-the-way 'falls directly across the creek from that general area. The Cascades gets a lot of camera time based on poking around the internet, yet this smaller flow seems time have gone largely unnoticed. A small telephoto zoom lens was a must for this photographic moment. I initially attempted a wide angle but found the perspective to be way too encompassing for my vision of the scene. Eliminating distractions like the foreground creek allowed this waterfall to take center stage as seen here. The drop off for me is the best aspect of this waterway and like an old friend, I hope to visit it again someday. © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Birch Creek Waterfall

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio "Joys come from simple and natural things: mists over meadows, sunlight on leaves, the path of the moon over water." - Sigurd Olson It was a calm and beautiful June morning, and I set out once again to a personal favorite location to photograph any and all. My primary focus at the moment was landscapes, including some woodland shots of the green interior. Soon after noticing the several creeks flowing through the nature preserve. I set my camera and lens to work the scene. A natural location can never truly be exhausted of possibilities! I more than likely passed by this same small cascade more than a few times before on previous visits. The little waterfall is very small and unassuming, hidden below an uphill trail and out of earshot and sight. Upon spotting it this time, I eagerly made shots like this which have become some of my favorite long exposures to © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Birch Creek Waterfall

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Birch Creek Waterfall

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Birch Creek Waterfall

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio "If I knew how to take a good photograph, I'd do it every time." - Robert Doiseau The Glen is home to a myriad of cascades and other flowing bodies of water. Some of the more well known examples are featured prominently on trail maps and signage. Other ones are tucked away, almost out of view but still heard. I enjoy photographing all of the waterfalls that I can. For the more popular sites like The Cascades, a top down approach from the bridge above provides a different perspective others may not consider. Feel free to think different and break the mold with your compositions. © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Stillwater River

Aullwood Audubon Center, Dayton, Ohio © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Stillwater River

Aullwood Audubon Center, Dayton, Ohio "When settling down to take a batch of photos of the same subject, the first is almost always the worst, then they all get better from there." After a long and sweaty June day hiking around mixed woodlands, prairies and other natural features. Aullwood Audubon Center happens to be open only in the middle of the day all year. Sunrises and sunsets are out of the question most of the time. This was a bright and sunny day so exposing and metering for the light was tricky. So I treated this photo op as a scouting session. One of the first spots I visited that day was along Stillwater River right by the nature center building. The long day ended with me coming back to this same spot to real quickly before the location closed for the day. The sunlight still shone through the trees yet I managed this angled long exposure. Later in post processing I cropped it wider and upped the contrast a bit. An interesting perspective of a wide and small water stream. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio "Water, stories, the body, all the things we do, are mediums that hid and show what's hidden." - Rumi Extracting more smaller details from much larger subjects, here is an intimate landscape of the everflowing Clifton Gorge. My own personality type lends to seeing details others may not see by looking at the "big picture." So while I was soaking in the sights of the historical marvel and natural feature, this simple stone took my eyes and attention. The brown murky waters of the gorge created a nice selection of colors that complemented the brown stone as water moved around it. Shooting the image from the rail far away, a small telephoto zoom lens was effective in displaying the rock while filling the frame. A slower shutter speed created a long exposure as the water subtly moves around the stone on both sides. Another simple but effective nature photograph. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Narrows of Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio "For me, the camera is a sketchbook, an instrument of intuition and spontaneity." - Henri Cartier-Bresson A water landscape study, and with so much to see here. The flowing gorge waters of the narrows. The autumnal leaves that sprinkle the limestone gorge and cliffs. The still-green deciduous leaves at the top right and bottom left hinting the season. The hectic mix of colors and tones along with the rushing and gushing water made for a perfect storm (plus this was taken during a downpour). To close my eyes and imagine this gorge centuries ago at a earlier time for the Ohio valley. This may not look like much but this scenic landmark is older than you and me! Nature never rushes, yet everything gets done. One limiting downside of this nature preserve is the on-rails walking paths. I definitely understand the need to preserve this beautiful Ohioan treasure from harm, but my ego can get in the way. I simply want to get closer, I'm so drawn to really get down there. A rational mind takes over to tell me otherwise. Stay on the trails, be safe and enjoy from a distance. For the photography, work with what you are given. It will see you through. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio "Being an artist is the same everywhere - you either have the drive, or you don't." A very rainy day made the historical gorge's waters flow ever faster. Autumnal leaves and wet stained rocks surround the gorge's cliff-face. The deafening sounds are an awkward mix of calming and intense. The mist that was generated can be seen in the foggy look at the edge of the gorge and water. Generally the faster the water is moving, the whiter it will end up in the long exposure. Here you can see how the water as it squeezes in a narrow portion panther gorge is literally being pushed out. The speed that the gorge moves is asinine, and it never stops! While I abide by the rules of a nature preserve and stay on the fenced trails, one could wonder what it would feel like to cross an imaginary bridge across this sight. I have a deep affinity for waterways, and fortunately the Buckeye State is full of them. "Hunting" for waterfalls and photographing them in the best of light excites me to this day. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio "I firmly believe that nature can bring comfort to all who suffer.” - Anne Frank Natural history is abound at Clifton Gorge. Along the state protected preserve, you will find historical markers and signage that detail an earlier time for the gorge. A water grist mill called the Grinned Mill once stood on top of the gorge when discovered by settlers. To this day you can see the four stone slabs that were the foundation for the mill structure. Other notable events include Daniel Boone making a leap of faith across the gorge to escape some attacking Native Americans who settled the area near Clifton. A very rainy day made this photo appear foggy and strange. Fortunately many things can be corrected in post processing if need be. I upped the contrast slider just a bit to bring detail and color back to the upper right rocks. The clarity slider helped bring out more detail in the water as well. While I try not to rely on the computer to "save" an image, software can definitely enhance and improve the final result. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio "All the water that will ever be is, right now." - National Geographic The gentle swaying of water flows through the frame, yet it did not start that way. I had been out photographing the famous gorge in my county of the state for the first time. The morning was an absolute downpour, so I sat in my car for a while to wait and check the weather. The conditions looked absolutely dreadful with no end to the torrential rains in sight. This is a more intimate long exposure of a portion of the gorge, having already captured the look of the well-known "narrows" spot of the gorge. The photo doesn't quite capture my feelings at the time as I struggled to keep the gear and myself dry from the heavy rain. This day was one where I've never seen the waters move quite as fast since then. Hindsight was 20/20 when I got back home to see the results. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Narrows of Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful. We must carry it is or we find it not." - Ralph Waldo Emerson Seeing the Little Miami River Scenic River flow through multiple Ohio counties right into this massive gorge is a treat. The rushing waters and loud and impatient. Along the footpath are historical markers detailing the locations of Native American tribes that settled here and of a grist mill that was on top of the gorge. This entire preserve is a state natural landmark and rightfully so. This is a truly unique and special place that no other natural area in Southwest Ohio can compare to. This was taken on a absolutely miserable morning to say the least. I had to fare the heaviest of rain and downpours that simply did not let up. Using simple gallon plastic bags go shield my camera. I was still drenched by the end despite wearing waterproof gear. As much as inclement weather makes for the most dramatic images, the problem I have is that it disrupts my creative flow and thought processes. I get caught up more in keeping things dry rather than making a compelling capture. Despite that wet morning, this was one of several keepers from the trip. No doubt that inches of rain made the waters rush even faster. You may be thinking at this point that nature is my life, and you're right. I am admittedly a little obsessed but in a way nature gave me life as well. Nature grounds me, instead of escaping the trials and tribulations of life, I simply leave them behind for a while and I sort my head out. You simply cannot go about this way in a hustle and bustle of a city. © 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The Narrows of Clifton Gorge

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Clifton, Ohio A good look at the beautiful limestone shale from centuries ago. © 2019 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.