We don't get the beautiful fall colors like other areas, and what we do get is short-lived. Most often, winds blow the leaves away about the time they reach peak color. Therefore, locals watch the leaf color reports and head out to Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota for leaf-peeking. This image was taken on October 1, 2025 at the Four-Mile Dam on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. I had to do a little rock-scrambling to get down to the water and would like to have gotten the shot straight on, but didn't feel like wading in the creek.
Taken with a Nikon D850; lens @ 24mm; ISO 50; f/22; 1/3 sec. using a tripod. I used the low ISO and high f stop so I could decrease the exposure time to produce blur in the water as I didn't have an ND filter with me. Processed in Photoshop Adobe Camera Raw for basics and two actions from Greater than Gatsby to add vibrance and contrast.
4 comments posted
Teresa Hofer
Oops.. meant to say "increase the exposure time" Posted: 11/04/2025 03:36:38
Laurie McShane
This is just lovely, and how fortunate for you to have captured it highlighted with the short lived fall colors. I actually think that the sideview enhances it, making it even more interesting. You caught the flow of the water just right - quite detailed at the top and by the time it hits the bottom, it's a dreamy blur. Nice! Posted: 11/04/2025 20:32:14
Teresa Hofer
Thank you, Laurie. I appreciate your comments very much! Posted: 11/05/2025 03:35:03
Kathleen Colligan
The photo captures a stunning sense of motion, with the silky water rushing toward the viewer, drawing the eye into the frame. The vibrant background-rich with color and texture-adds depth and contrast, enhancing the overall beauty of the composition. It's a well-balanced shot that combines movement and atmosphere with a strong visual payoff Posted: 11/05/2025 20:15:46
