Bend, TX – Gorman Falls (HDR)

Apr28

I took the day off yesterday and took the 2 hour drive from Austin to go see the best waterfall in Texas! …Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park. I went with my friend Scott Goad. It was his first visit. The falls were fantastic as we have had a decent amount of rainfall this spring in Texas. I decided to bring an ND filter and try out some shots with it this day. I think they turned out ok and will get to them soon. I think the HDR might be better as it captures the dynamic range of the rocks. Those nooks and crannys come out fantastic with tone mapping! The moss is also wonderful! This is my favorite view of the falls. Luckily I didn’t bump into any snakes or scorpions on the 1 mile rocky trek to the falls…only saw a Jack Rabbit. First time ever! Those dudes are big! Enjoy your weekend!

I put a quick IPhone video up of the Falls on my FB site…Talke Photography

Bend, Texas – Gorman Falls (HDR)

May25

From the lower section of these stunning falls…here is an HDR that somehow doesn’t look like it belongs in Texas! I have only been here once as it is quite a drive from Austin…about 2+ hours. Then when you arrive…a 1.2 mile hike is ahead of you! Whew! But all worth it. Maybe I will get back there this summer!

Bend, Texas – Gorman Falls (HDR)

Sep10

One of my favorite shots from the lovely Gorman Falls in Bend, TX. The rocks and moss form what looks like a old mans silhouette. I didn’t not notice this until after I processed the photo. As soon as it cools down here and fall arrives into Texas, I plan to head back up there. It is a haul from Austin (3 hours)…but it is one amazing location!

Talke Photography Settings:

Camera: Nikon D300

Lens: Nikon 18-200 f/3.5-5.6

Setting: Aperture Mode

Focal Length: 82.0mm

ISO: 200

Exposure: HDR 5 exposures (+2 to -2)

Aperture: f/16

Gear: Tripod – Really Right Stuff Ball Head

Post Process: Adobe CS4, Photomatix, Viveza

Bend, TX – Gorman Falls (HDR)

Jul9

Here is another shot from the amazing Gorman Falls. This is the large section. Seeing it in a picture is one thing, but in real life…breathtaking!!! The little falls just trickling down are fantastic! Like a little piece of heaven in Texas. I thought this would be a perfect spot for portraits! Imagine this in your background for a photo. Nice! I’ll head back in the fall when it cools down. But I’d guess spring is the best time of year as the water is flowing nicely.

Talke Photography Settings:

Camera: Nikon D300

Lens: Nikon 12-24 f/4

Setting: Aperture Mode

Focal Length: 24.0mm

ISO: 200

Exposure: HDR 5 exposures (+2 to -2)

Aperture: f/22

Gear: Tripod

Post Process: Adobe CS4, Photomatix, Viveza

Bend, Texas – Gorman Falls (Infrared)

Jun5

Here is another shot from the amazingly beautiful Gorman Falls in Bend, TX. I did not get to shoot much Infrared this day, but this shot was my favorite. A closeup of one of the falls with a little tree action on the right. Infrared shots need trees. so I made sure the photo contained the growth to give it that IR special touch! When I look back at these pictures from this day, I am amazed that not many people in Austin know about this place or have even visited! It is out in nowhere land, but it is worth the 2 hour drive! I would assume, summer months may not be as pretty here as water levels are important. So if you are thinking of a visit…do it soon! I love the one part of the falls in the middle of the photo that looks like a old man’s profile! So cool! With the IR it could be the Winter Warlock!

Talke Photography Settings:

Camera: Nikon D70S (Converted to Infrared)
Infrared Conversion: D70S modified by LifePixel
Lens: Nikon 18-200 VR f/3.5-5.6
Setting: Aperture Mode
Focal Length: 29.0mm
ISO: 200
Exposure: 1/13 sec
Aperture: f/20
Gear: Tripod
Post Process: Adobe CS4, Viveza, Silver Efex Pro

Bend, TX – Gorman Falls (HDR)

May1

I took an AM off this past week and took an easy 90 minute drive (from Austin) up to Bend, TX. The target – Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park. I had never visited this spot, but had seen some photos and it looked wonderful! I knew an early visit might allow for nice light. So we arrived at 8:30 AM. Once you park you car, there is a 1.2 mile hike down a rocky trail. A few times we wondered if it was the correct path. Took us about 35 minutes and we finally arrived.

As you get close you can hear the falls…you walk down a mountain like path with ropes to help you walk down…then this is the view as you witness the falls for the first time! The early morning light was amazing! The falls were like nothing I have ever seen in Texas. I’d say, the most beautiful spot in Texas!!! Tough to beat! We set up and snapped many photos…then just down the hill (10 yards) the falls continue and you see an even more wonderful view!! A bigger falls with tricking water down the mountain side.

So I say to people living near Austin…go visit this unreal place! As it is in the middle of nowhere…it is not too busy. A quiet piece of heaven in Texas! I could imagine a great place for portraits, a picnic, or just to relax and enjoy the view! Hamilton Pool, Westcave Preserve, McKinney Falls…they don’t come close to Gorman Falls. I have a few more shots from here to post soon! Enjoy!

Talke Photography Settings: