Let's make NY a bit more interesting by building Hoodoos in our parks, or wherever you find rocks.
Photograph them and post those photos, as well as the location, here.
Please try to build a hoodoo whenever you get the chance... it can be a NYFalls thing... leaving our mark. Hopefully we can build a beautiful portfolio of amazing hoodoos.
Hoodoos
These anonymous rock piles are commonly found along stream beds and lake shores were abundant, movable rocks can be found. The creators are often unknown and rare are they seen being built. When found in groups of 3 or more, they are referred to as a "Hoodoo City."
Although amazing Hoodoos of 10 ft or more have been found in NY, Hoodoos tend to average 2-3 ft tall. They at least should be comprised of 3 stones.
Hoodoo along the Genesee River at St. Helena, August 2011.
Hoodoo-building tips
- pick a stable, peaceful spot. The amount of visitor traffic is not important, it's the type of visitor. Build it where people can appreciate it.
- Choose a stable base rock. It should be immovable.
- Although by nature, hoodoos are not permanent, build them where they will last at least a day.
- The first three rocks are key to stability. Choose them wisely.
- Place a rock, and then rotate it to level and stabilize it.
- Do not use mud or sand... mortar is cheating!
- You can use a small pebble to stabilize a layer. Use sparingly.
- Choose stones away from the immediate surroundings of your hoodoo. This adds to the mystique.
- Although the natural progression of the structure is to add smaller rocks on top or larger ones, shake things up and throw in a wide rock every once and a while.
- Top it off with a tiny pebble that not everyone will notice. Sometimes people draw a smiley on the "topper" pebble with a sharpie.
- Mix up the color of the rocks, washing dirty ones is a nice touch.
- Anonymity is key... don't let a lot of people see you build it.
Tannery Creek Hoodoo, June 2011.
Hoodoo photography tips
- Shoot long and wide open when shooting right on, to isolate the hoodoo from the background.
- Don't forget about the hoodoo's shadow.
- Include it in the foreground of a landscape.
Tinker Falls, June 2006.
Good luck and I hope to see some creative hoodoos soon.
It was a tough haul up the hill with 60lbs of rocks and 60lbs of camera gear...but worth it.
