Niagara Falls, American Falls Night Scene from Ontario
[ This photograph is available as a Fine Art Poster. ]
Niagara Falls...so romantic, so stunning from either a scenic or ecological point of view. I had only been there once before this, on a grade school trip. I was too young to own a camera, way back then. Nowadays it seems like kids are born with digital cameras and cell phones in their hands.
Anyway, I finally returned. Crossed the Peace Bridge at Buffalo, successfully answered the no-nonsense Canadian customs agent's questions from my truck, and was allowed into Ontario.
I got there pretty late, it was a long drive and I'd started much later than I'd wanted to. Strung out from too much driving, it was a relief to check into the hotel and try to find some dinner in downtown Niagara Falls, Canada. Two restaurants had waiting lines, but we were too hungry to wait so we ambled along until we scored at a noisy TGIF's. The NHL hockey playoffs were on TV above the clientele (this is Canada, eh?), and I could catch the waiters discussing it as they rushed about on a busy Friday night.
After some much-needed (and overpriced) food and drink, we made our way down to the riverfront. Normally I would have rushed right down there without eating in order to get some photos, but as I was accompanied on this trip, I was all too glad to play the gentleman and use it as an excuse for some culinary sustenance. After all, it was dark already and it wouldn't get any darker. What's the hurry?
Down on the riverfront, I pondered how to get some acceptable shots. Sure, the falls were lit up by searchlights powerful enough to equal the electrical needs of a small town, but I was not experienced in shooting in that situation. I made a few test shots, then slid the camera mount onto the tripod for some serious stuff.
This image is a result of that. A three second exposure was required, and I am quite pleased with how it turned out. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (the separate, much narrower falls on the right) are lit up by the searchlights, reflected onto the river's surface below. Meanwhile, the buildings of downtown Niagara Falls, New York glow in the distance.
Photo location: Niagara Falls, New York, from Niagara Falls, Ontario.
This photograph is available as a Fine Art Poster.
