Falls along Sweet Creek, Oregon, USA

Oh, this is marvelous, Anita!
A wonderful shade of green, first of all;
and a superb angle and crop on that waterfall. Very unique and special shot.
I really agree with you about 1) tripods 2) the trials of taking photos as others wait for you. :-(
Hope you had a great visit with your sister. (Mine also lives in Oregon--Bend.)

Nice photo, Anita. I like how you composed it and like the flow. Also the colour is very pleasing even though I see it as blue, maximally turquoise on my monitor :) Have you tried even longer exposures?
In this case of photos you need a tripod almost always, I would say, and I also don't like to make others waiting for me while I take photos.
Hope you had a good time visiting you sister!

Beautiful shot - everything in motion.

Good for you -- this has your touch in its attention to the gentle line and the way color and line can work together.
I am completely in agreement that photography is best done in the company of ones self. Even, as you say, when people are more than happy to wait, I am always sure that they are getting frustrated: "isn't that the seventh photo you've made of the same thing?! Good heavens!" :-)

I expected to see a flower, but found what I first thought was a dramatic wave in the water. But I agree that it definitely has your personal empathic touch.
If I were you, I wouldn't focus on the tripod thing: In this case I find the 1/40 sec. to be the very best, you could choose. I am aware that many photographers like to depict flowing water with very long shutterspeed. But I just can't see how that represents the actual experience.
Splendid in cropping, angling, color and motion. So wild!

Anita, this is a departure for you! I think you have great composition, texture and color here. It is difficult to concentrate on your photography when traveling with friends and family. I am finding that workshops are the best way to get to awesome places and be totally immersed in the process. And the best light too!

Anita- I like the smooth water all around and then the little bit of sharp "frozen" water kicked up at upper right. Nicely done.

love the shot - a swirl of motion......the motion captured even better because you didn't have a tripod.....I understand not wanting to photograph with others - I feel the same way sometimes.....

Beautifully captured Anita!

stunning movement and fluidity

I first thought ‘Wrong URL, this is not Anita’s Photoblog’.
Well, I am glad it is yours! What a wonderful, virtuoso step into new photographic territory. Keep on walking!

Muy buena la sensación de movimiento del agua. Buen ángulo de enfoque.

Nice motion in this photo. The blues are wonderful.

Very nice. I love Sweet Creek.

MJ and I took attended a workshop last fall where a tripod was recommended. We both had never used one much, but after that workshop wondered how we could shoot without one! LOL It is now part of both our cameras! One you get used to it, you are hooked! Love the way you caught the motion of the water! Great shot.

Interesting wave like abstract

Impressive framing Anita, lovely shot, can definitely feel the fast flowing water and it's power. I agree with both of your statements. Once I started using a tripod, I never leave home without it now. I even adapted to using a shutter release too. I usually hike by myself which probably isn't a good idea. However, I can spend hours taking photos.

I know what you mean, Anita - the guilt of making the other person stand there while we try to get the perfect image is overwhelming at times!

Beautiful falls image you have here - you caught a nice eddy of water and the colors are luscious!

Oooooo.....I soooo love this image! Of course you already knew I would! :)

I'm in agreement with your assessments regarding the tripod AND shooting alone. Like your husband, my husband takes a lawn chair and reads or works crossword puzzles while I shoot. If I'm wandering in the woods we also take walkie-talkies, and I carry a whistle. That way he doesn't worry too much about me!

I also don't like having someone (usually my husband) telling me what to photograph! :)

You have captured fall with the texture and color of the leaves. I've just come in for a quick break after digging up my dahlia tubers, and your photos are a treat. We have similar plants, but you have such an eye for composition and light.