Size: 7.5” x 7.5” on 8.5” x 11” JonCone Studio Type 5 Paper

Signed & stamped in verso

I didn’t set out to do a study on Vernal Falls, but I’ve often stopped along the trail to photograph it. Read about Vernal Falls Study No. 1 first, then come back here.

It’s autumn and the Merced River is at its lowest flow. Waterfalls are reduced to near ribbons of water, revealing rich tonalities in the rock faces. It’s quite interesting to visit the same location, over many years and seasons to see its variances. When I photographed this I loved the subtle, almost delicate effect the water displayed. To emphasize that, I used a red #25 filter to darken the green foliage and further add contrast to the rock face by absorbing any blue light. The study of a single subject is an old concept in art and there’s a coming home feel to returning to a place you’ve photographed before. Not knowing what you’ll discover or what will be revealed.

Location: Mist Trail, Yosemite Valley

Technical Info: Hasselblad, Kodak T-Max 100 BW film, Zeiss 50mm, Red #25, developed in Kodak X-tol 1:1.