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Well, Westchester residents, Ol’ Man Winter is certainly handing us a record number of white blankets to keep us all bundled up in our homes. Nevertheless, if we stay inside complaining, we miss a wonderful winter wonderland outside that can be explored and enjoyed by everyone.
I find nothing as serene as a walk in the snow covered woods or watching a babbling brook cascading in and out of snow capped stones. Moreover, I find the quiet, created by the sound dampening effect of the layer of snow, to be a soothing effect on my thoughts. That is, until a cute chickadee flutters down to see who has invaded its woods.
Our county is enriched with a magnitude of gratifying walking areas designed for resident explorers to enter the wonderland. The Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, The Teatown Lake Reservation and the Rockefeller State Park are only a few of the many places that I have found to be to congenial to walkers, cross country skiers, as well as those who enjoy snowshoeing. A walk along the Hudson River at Croton Point Park provides some terrific views and if one ventures down to George’s Island County Park there are Eagles to be viewed. An incredible sight to be cherished. The stream that wanders through the Sleepy Hollow cemetery or those that run along various bike paths in the county can also be a pleasing setting to find peace and quite in the out doors.
I personally like to bring along my Brownie, so I may capture some of the exceptional scenes to be discovered at these locations. By switching to my camera’s black and white mode, I can enhance the contrast of the scene to create dynamic winter images. It should note though; camera batteries can run down quickly in a cold climate, so by keeping the camera inside a coat next to a warm body is a way of prolonging the shooting capabilities of the camera. Of course, having an extra battery(s) is recommended for longer exposures to the weather.
So, let’s embrace the beauty of the snow. Dress warm and venture outside to connect with a pristine blanket of newly fallen snow and appreciate the tranquility that can be found in the experience.
Jerry Spette is a Salon Photographer and Membership Host with the Color Camera Club of Westchester and has exhibited at various Galleries in Westchester.
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