The Roaring Beast
This photograph was taken on a winter morning in early 2023, following a week of intense rainfall. It captures the powerful Fervenza do Belelle waterfall in Neda (A Coruña), roaring at an intensity rarely seen throughout the year.
Technical Details:
Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV
Lens: Irix Blackstone 15mm F2.4
Filter: Irix Edge Polarizer
Settings: ISO 400 - F16 - 1/2s
Tripod: Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 + XPRO Ball Head
Post-Processing:
The editing process was fairly straightforward and followed my usual workflow. However, the biggest challenge in post-production was meticulously scanning the entire image to remove every single water droplet that had landed on my lens. Additionally, I had to carefully balance the mist generated by the waterfall’s spray to ensure it didn’t overpower the scene and diminish the presence of the cascading water.
Challenges & Difficulties:
This waterfall rarely flows with such intensity, and I had seen many photographs of it before—some of them even taken by myself on previous visits. Having lived nearby, I had explored this location countless times, even before I started photography.
However, this time I wanted something different. My goal was to get as close as possible, capturing an immersive foreground that reflected the overwhelming humidity in the air while also showcasing the sheer power of the waterfall. I wanted the thunderous roar of the falling water to be felt through the image.
To achieve this, I descended almost to the base of the waterfall. The moment I got close, I was met with an endless barrage of water droplets launched directly at me and my gear. Within seconds, both my camera and I were completely soaked.
Shooting under these conditions was a serious challenge. I had to work in a precise rhythm—cleaning the front element of my lens, keeping it covered, and then uncovering it only at the exact moment of capturing the image. This careful timing ensured that the lens stayed dry for just long enough to take a clean shot without being covered in thousands of water droplets.
Another difficulty was finding the right exposure. I wanted a silky effect on the water while still maintaining some texture, but the low light of the early morning made this balance tricky.
Despite all these obstacles (and almost catching a cold in the process!), I managed to capture a photograph that I am truly proud of.