Local photographer wins in NW exposure photo contest

Local photographer Emily Rehn won in the East of the Cascades category in the Northwest Exposure Photo Contest held by the Washington Trails Association. 

The annual contest "celebrates outdoor photography and the community of hikers that explore Washington's trails," the WTA website says.

Winners' photos are featured on their website and in their 2024 calendar with categories including trailscapes, hikers in action, trail family, flora and fauna, Instagram, and East of the Cascades.

Rehn's black-and-white photo captures the local Devil's Punchbowl landmark with the seasonal waterfall called Martin Falls.

"She had photographed this landscape before, but this time the lighting and the clouds were special and reminded her of a scene from a fairytale," the WTA website reads. She "wanted to show the contrast she was seeing in real life, which led her to convert the image to a black and white version, allowing the landscape to shine."

"You can't take a good photo if you're not out there," Rehn said, "and you never know when it will happen. I went that day not knowing what I would see and I was lucky to capture a shot of the waterfall during the spring runoff."

The WTA "mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands," their website states, going on to say that "exploring nature is good for people's hearts, minds and bodies, and that hiking is a powerful way for everyone to connect with Washington's natural wonders. ...

"It is vitally important for everyone to have the opportunity to access the outdoors, and we are committed to reducing barriers to hiking trails and lands."

More information on the WTA is available at wta.org. Their app highlights trails around the state in detail from how to access the trails, the best times to hike, hiking times and distances, and much more.

The group did major maintenance of the Candy Point Trail in Coulee Dam several years ago.