The Hidden Gem

With the human body comprised of positive and negative ions, it’s not surprising that standing near a waterfall will leave you feeling replenished. Over-exposure to positive ions can affect our magnetic field and drain our energy, making us feel tired and lethargic. However, water in motion, like that of a waterfall, produces abundant negative ions, creating energy and vitality.

It’s this release of negative ions that helps explain why it feels so good to walk in the woods, on a beach, or near a river. It’s the reason that breathing in the fresh air after it rains or inhaling clear air in the mountains feels so good. It’s this good feeling that continuously draws me back to waterfalls – a never-ending quest to photograph more of them. Whether it’s the negative ions or the immersion in mother nature – I constantly feel physically pulled towards waterfalls.

On this particular day, I was off-roading and hunting for interesting waterfalls when I came around the corner and stumbled upon this one. Waterfalls, one of my favourite things to photograph, are inherently unique and also allow me to apply artistic creativity in regards to the moving water. This waterfall was nicely tucked in the background, and it flowed down into the foreground on the right-hand corner of the image. I decided to compose this shot as a narrow vertical panorama because the waterfall needed to be dramatic. Fascinating to me, and the contrast I hoped to capture, was the striking difference between the power of rushing water at the top of the waterfall, and then following a 30 foot drop, was a calm, delicate, meandering stream.

The Hidden Gem reminds me that it is important to find these hidden treasures by exploring in nature, and spending time to recharge. It is much easier to find more energy when I get back-to-basics, consciously working to move further away from the hustle-and-bustle of the day-to-day grind. Taking time to be mindful, and adhering to the fundamental principles of simplistic living, I increase my ability to concentrate on clear, important ideas or activities.

I find new perspective in my pursuit of a simple, intentional life. Living simply includes adventures like being in the woods with my family with only the items we need to survive – and my cameras of course! I feel free, clear-minded, and liberated being able to explore wherever I’d like to and for as long as I want.