Dave Johnston
Well-Known Member
Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park is arguably the most iconic location in West Virginia; every photographer must bag this autumn scene before their life is complete. Doesn't matter that nearly everyone's shot is the same, or that you have to interlock tripod legs and clone out scores of people in the foreground; this view is obligatory.
I had been there twice before, with less than optimal fall conditions, so my obligation had not been fulfilled. This time I was in the area on a weekday, and decided to take a chance. There were still at least 20 photographers, and scores of other tourists, crawling around at any given time, but it was a little more civilized than the weekend. The colors were just about at peak and it was mostly cloudy, which was good to avoid the harsh light that really doesn't work here. The classic shot is from further back on the edge of a retaining wall with tight framing, and I did dutifully take that, and I'll probably share it later. But I had in mind shooting the mill from below the waterfall in the foreground, and including the whole thing in a panorama. I have not seen this full width shot anywhere before, so it is at least a little bit of a unique take on the icon.
I also did take a number of other shots and different angles and composition, and from a hike down the creek away from the crowds. As I wade through them I'll post them here.
Comments and suggestions welcome.
Dave
I had been there twice before, with less than optimal fall conditions, so my obligation had not been fulfilled. This time I was in the area on a weekday, and decided to take a chance. There were still at least 20 photographers, and scores of other tourists, crawling around at any given time, but it was a little more civilized than the weekend. The colors were just about at peak and it was mostly cloudy, which was good to avoid the harsh light that really doesn't work here. The classic shot is from further back on the edge of a retaining wall with tight framing, and I did dutifully take that, and I'll probably share it later. But I had in mind shooting the mill from below the waterfall in the foreground, and including the whole thing in a panorama. I have not seen this full width shot anywhere before, so it is at least a little bit of a unique take on the icon.
I also did take a number of other shots and different angles and composition, and from a hike down the creek away from the crowds. As I wade through them I'll post them here.
Comments and suggestions welcome.
Dave
and you're right, every photography on the east coast should go there at least once.
