I came across a notice very last minute for a very cool event. I've wanted to get more involved socially with other photographers so I signed up to a Hamilton Meetup group for photographers. I made my way out to Albion Falls and was shocked by how many people showed up. Looking down the dangerously steep cliff side I saw legions of people of all ages lining the rocky shores. A nice formation of tripods, almost like a historical battle reenactment with cameras aimed at the falls.
A hush came over the crowd as the blue flood lights went on. You heard the peaceful sound of the falls, and the the cricket-like clicks of camera shutters. That could have also just been crickets. Everyone (including myself) went to town and started snapping away at the main event. I then started noticing all kind of interesting things to the sides, behind, and every direction of the falls. The lights created incredible shadows and shapes all over the place. I have taken nature shots so many times but this gave an entirely new perspective to the same old subjects.
I didn't do the socializing I had expected. But I got to do a lot of people watching. It was cool to see how excited others were by this. The falls themselves are always a beautiful sight but this small change made for such a different experience. There's something about glowing colourful light that is so mesmerizing. Likes others there I didn't do much talking, I just took in and looked for the angles.
Overall a really cool experience. Note to self, and others going to one of these in the future - bring a flashlight. The climb back up was pretty treacherous in the dark.
