Ohau Falls are found approximately 30 km north of the beautiful seaside township of Kaikoura.
You might think, "another waterfall". But, that's just it -- this place isn't just a placeholder for another waterfall. What makes this place special is the presence of colonies of baby seals -- the pool that has formed under the falls is a nursery and playground for these little critters. They make their way up from the ocean to play away from any natural predators (there are whales off the coast of Kaikoura) whilst mum and dad are out fishing and capturing meals. These beautiful little creatures are inquisitive, curious and just don't sit still. They are happy to come right up to you and give you cute glances which make you want to reach out and touch them.
I made this image under some interesting lighting conditions -- the image was made about an hour and-a-half prior to sunset. The falls and pool are nestled in a rainforest area; once the sun gets on the west of the mountain it gets dark, very quickly. I waded out into the water making sure I wasn't getting in the seals' way or intruding too much, to get a little extra reach in order to frame the scene as I had anticipated. I kept having to dry my circular polarizer as the splashes from the little ones doing their thing kept getting spray on the camera.
RAW blend for water and shadowed regions.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
2s f/11.0 at 40.0mm iso100
Very nice work H. Colours are pretty amazing and sounds like it was a great experience setting up the shot
I reckon you should compile your best shots into a waterfall travel compendium, wouldn't be that hard to do I imagine
That story gets all the positive brain chemicals going!
What a shangri la place.
Gorgeous shot.
I don't suppose you got any photo's of the 'little ones'?
Welcome back Humayun.
Cheers! Yes, you're right, it did seem like I was on another planet. It's not often you can get so close to wild creatures that don't want to eat you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ric
Beautiful H.
With that setting and the baby seals playing around you it must seem like you are on another planet.
Cheers
Troy,
Thanking you.
It sucks being back. :cryface:
Quote:
Originally Posted by troypiggo
Beautiful, lovely light and colours, dream-like.
Oh, and welcome back
Liz,
Cheers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Liz
3 beautifuls in a row H
Adam,
I was having a hard time setting up the shot. I just wanted to play!
One day, if I ever have the good fortune, I'd love to put a book together.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lacad01
Very nice work H. Colours are pretty amazing and sounds like it was a great experience setting up the shot
I reckon you should compile your best shots into a waterfall travel compendium, wouldn't be that hard to do I imagine
Molly,
It was even better in person!
I don't have any images of the pups as it was very, very dark where they were resting (well, they don't really rest, they keep fidgeting), and, I never shoot with a flash. I did, however, get a bit of video footage.
Quote:
Originally Posted by M54
That story gets all the positive brain chemicals going!
What a shangri la place.
Gorgeous shot.
I don't suppose you got any photo's of the 'little ones'?
Welcome back Humayun.
Thanks, matey! I will put a lot more effort into describing the scenes I capture from now on. That becomes really easy when the locations are spectacular -- the scenes do all the talking.
Quote:
Originally Posted by alexch
Very nice shot, Humayun and your story sets the mood right for viewing
Adrian,
Oh, don't get me wrong -- for me, no location is "just another waterfall", but, I know people who think like that. What set this apart was the wildlife.
Thanks for the kind words.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AdrianF
So what if its "just another waterfall" its another great picture and never tire of your photos.
Adrian
Michael,
Cheers!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tilt
Man that's a great shot Humayun, well captured.
Michael
David,
Cheers. And, you're not wrong -- I would love to go deep into the Blue Mountains; I'm sure there's equally as impressive waterfall and nature scenes hiding from the world.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidTrap
Very impressive H. Australia & NZ are blessed with some amazingly photogenic locations!
DT
Jen,
Thank you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jen
wow very nice H as i knew it would be
Thanks, all, for the very kind words. I'm most appreciative.
I'll add that to my list - I'll be there at the end of the month. Looks like a beautiful spot.
Currently in Central Otago, going on to Dunedin, Te Auanu/Milford, Glenorchy/Kinloch, then up the west coast and back over to Kaikours via Reefton, then back to C/church and home on 30 May.
Missed that one! Another cool waterfall shot of yours. Beautiful.
Odille,
I'm happy to hear that you were able to go on your trip. Hope you're having a blast.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Analog6
I'll add that to my list - I'll be there at the end of the month. Looks like a beautiful spot.
Currently in Central Otago, going on to Dunedin, Te Auanu/Milford, Glenorchy/Kinloch, then up the west coast and back over to Kaikours via Reefton, then back to C/church and home on 30 May.
