Old Faithful

Old Faithful is one of the most iconic geothermal features on Earth, a cone geyser that shoots boiling water up to 185 feet into the air on a remarkably predictable schedule, giving you a rare chance to plan and compose your shot in advance. Check the predicted eruption times posted at the visitor center and arrive early to claim your position, as crowds gather quickly. A telephoto lens in the 70-200mm range lets you compress the steam column against the sky, while a wider lens captures the geyser in context with the surrounding boardwalk and thermal landscape. Early morning eruptions are the most dramatic, with low-angle light catching the steam and mist, and cold temperatures making the plume appear denser and more billowing. Shooting from the far side of the viewing area gives you a cleaner background with open sky rather than the crowded boardwalk. (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States)