I found a super spot for landscape photographers last Fall in Spearfish Canyon in South Dakota. Just a few minutes outside of Spearfish, you'll find a pristine, beautiful ancient canyon just right for you and your camera. If you are lucky enough to hit it at the peak of color, the Aspens will reward you with brilliant colors and the numerous waterfalls will give you endless photo ops. As I admitted in my earlier blog, I was supposed to be at a photography seminar but I came out west for photos, not theory. I soon realized that the seminar was theory....I needed tangibles. So I bolted early, checked in sometimes, and I did what I came out there for. Shoot photographs.
The late September weather was perfect with deep blue skies and warm temps. Early mornings were quiet and I pretty much had the canyon to myself during the perfect shooting times. Light in the canyon can be tricky though and sometimes shadows can make exposures challenging. Pay attention to the light.
Spearfish Creek runs the length of the canyon and along its route are several waterfalls. Short hikes from the road will present you with good angles and composition to capture quality falls photos. Make sure you take your tripod for lengthy timed exposures to get that silky water look.
Tripod shot. Nikon D810 ISO 64 f/29 8 sec exposure.
Tripod shot. Nikon D810 ISO 64 f/29 1/15 sec exposure.
Spearfish Canyon South Dakota Photographs
The canyon runs for about 20 miles and then levels out south of Spearfish. You can continue on to Deadwood for more photography possibilities or turn around and see the canyon from the other directions. I did both. There are numerous side roads that will take you into the Black Hills National Forest and covers some of the most fabulous country you'll ever see. This little secret of South Dakota's can be a wonderful side trip or a week long destination, your choice. I recommend this hidden treasure for anyone looking for quality landscapes and fall color. Thanks for reading my blog....check back for more photos and the stories behind them...Kev
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