Taytay Falls, Laguna

D A T E : APRIL 7, 2013
L O C A T I O N : BRGY. TAYTAY, MAJAYJAY, LAGUNA, LUZON, PHILIPPINES

C A M E R A : SONY NEX5N
L E N S : SONY E 10-18MM F/4
F I L T E R : 77MM B+W ND106
M O U N T : BENRO TRAVEL ANGEL A0695F
L I G H T : AMBIENT
S E T T I N G S : MANUAL MODE  F/8 | | ISO 100 - 400 | 1, 4, 30 SEC
P O S T - P R O C E S S I N G N O T E S : CURVES, CLONE, DODGE AND BURN, ON FOUR STACKED IMAGES

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The Taytay Falls in Majayjay, Laguna is probably one of the most challenging waterfalls to shoot. Not because it is remote; in fact, the trail leading to the cascades is already paved. Not because of the slippery basin surrounding the falls, which are again now concreted for the convenience of day trippers going to the falls. Not because it is ugly; for in fact, it is beautiful even with its diminutive size.

The challenge is due to the easy access provided by the conveniences of the place. The waterfall is packed to the rafters with weekenders wanting to let off some steam from the sultry weather our country is experiencing in the past few weeks. Seeing the numerous people enjoying the falls, I can understand why a few of my photographer friends from PiPho had already given up.

I, however, still tried to find a spot where fewer tourists hang. To further complicate matters, the light was uneven. So from there, I decided to take a total of four exposures. One for the foreground rock shelf, another for the water cascade, and two more for a silky smooth water basin sans people.

My hardship doesn’t end there however, now I have to piece all of those four images into one after I get back home.