Silver Falls

This was a very rushed photograph that almost didn't happen. I was working about 90 mins from the falls and quitting time was about 2 hours before sunset.... hence the rush. In any other state I'd be about 45 minutes from the park, but this was Oregon and I needed gas.  For those of you that need the explanation, you still can't pump your own gas in Oregon and their speed limits pre-date the invention of the automobile. So, on arrival at the park you can imagine my dismay at seeing a tour bus in the parking lot. Just what I need, a bunch of people who like to call themselves photographers because they have a "nice" camera. Fortunately, they had chosen to visit a different waterfall in the park and I was left alone to photograph this one.... well, almost

At the falls, I'm greeted by a young couple taking selfies in front of the waterfall.  I was anxiously watching the sun setting behind the trees and my photograph opportunity disappearing with it but they showed no signs of leaving so I put on my best impatient face and stood there staring at them, being as passive aggressive as a teenager cleaning their room. Finally, it seemed they'd got the hint and they started moving.....towards me, smiling...ugh, I know where this is going. Before I know it, I have their cell phone in my hand and I'm taking pictures of them while the sun is completely disregarding the Oregon speed limits in it's descent behind the trees. My first attempt at their pictures needed a do over apparently, because they handed the phone back and returned to the waterfall. It was about this time that their phone "slipped" out of my hand and into the river....oopsie!

As luck would have it, they both rushed over to retrieve the waterlogged phone so I took the opportunity get my shot before I lost the light. Bonus consequence, they didn't ask me to take any more pictures of them either.... I love a happy ending!