Where to capture winter photography on Long Island
Snow dusts the coats of two white-tailed deer at Smith Point County Park in Shirley on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015. Credit: Paul Peluso
Cold, damp, dark and dreary -- that may be a common perception of winter in the Northeast, but for many Long Island shutterbugs, that description couldn't be further from reality.
"Winter, like any other season, has its beautiful moments -- especially in the snow," says Vicki Jauron, 55, a professional photographer based in Babylon. "It takes a little extra effort to get things just right this time of year, but it's so worth it when you capture a great shot. I love winter photography."
As do many other Long Islanders. Winter can be inspirational and uplifting when viewed through a photographer's lens. From intriguing migrating visitors like snowy owls or seals, to moody landscapes, breathtaking dawns and snow-covered boughs, photo ops abound for those who seek them.
A SPECIAL QUALITY
Snapping a few pictures this time of year can be a boredom buster. It's also a chance to get close to nature, share time with friends and revel in that warm, fuzzy feeling you'll get from capturing the perfect shot. Not only are opportunities abundant and unique during the colder winter months, the results are sometimes spectacular -- with today's amazing digital cameras and their automatic settings, it's never been easier to get a good shot.
"What I notice," says Lou Buonomo, Jr., 52, an advanced amateur photographer from Commack "is how pure our light is during the winter. It can be a bit hazy here in summer, especially along the beaches, but our winter sunlight is exceptionally pure and the sun stays low in the sky during the morning and afternoon, providing better quality light for a longer period of time. That leads to crisp photos and some stunning results."
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Despite the advantages of digital photography, taking a great photo usually entails more than a simple point-and-shoot approach. Dressing for the elements has benefits beyond keeping you comfortable. "The warmer you are, the longer you can sit still, which is vital when trying to capture wildlife on film," says Diane Chatterton, 53, an experienced photographer who lives in Lindenhurst.
Buonomo recommends patience. "Whether shooting scenic landscapes or wildlife," he says, "learn how to work your camera settings, get yourself in position, and wait for the light to be right and your subject to come fully into position. You can't rush a great shot, so expect to invest some time before pressing the shutter button."
LIFE ON THE WILD SIDE
Photographing wildlife requires an adaptive approach. To get shots of a snowy owl at West End, Jones Beach last year, Chatterton crawled on her belly, using binoculars to see if the beautiful white bird was watching and advancing inch by inch when it turned away. Buonomo, meanwhile, secured a small log to a tripod, added a string of bright red sweetberries for color, and strategically placed peanuts to lure a downy woodpecker in for a close-up at Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor.
Intermediate photographer Paul Peluso, who by day is a real estate broker from Shirley, noted the time and place where a red fox came out each evening at Smith Point County Park in Shirley. He got into position early and was ready when the time was right. "I'm just beginning to learn a new camera," says Peluso, 49, who has been photographing a big white-tailed buck in the same area. "I'll tell you though, this winter photography has been a lot of fun and -- at worst -- most evenings I see a terrific sunset."
WHERE TO GO
Winter photo opportunities abound on Long Island. Head to your nearest lake for shots of ducks, hit the woods and fields for stunning snow scenes, shoot the nearest lighthouse or marina once ice begins to form.
For wildlife, beaches and parks provide easy access and offer everything from song birds, squirrels and foxes to owls, eagles, hawks, deer and seals.
Popular venues include:
WEST END, JONES BEACH STATE PARK, WANTAGH
Snowy owls, ducks, seals, shore birds and sea birds.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT SANCTUARY, OYSTER BAY
Song birds, shore birds
PETER J. SCHMITT MASSAPEQUA PRESERVE
Ducks, songbirds
SMITH POINT COUNTY PARK, SHIRLEY
Fox, deer, rabbits, shore birds
DUNE ROAD AND SHINNECOCK EAST COUNTY PARK, SOUTHAMPTON
Snowy owls, sea birds, shore birds, seals
ELIZABETH A. MORTON WILDLIFE REFUGE, SAG HARBOR
Songbirds, woodpeckers, shore birds, ducks ($4 vehicle fee)
FACEBOOK GROUP
Long Island Wildlife is an active public Facebook group where members post shots of birds, waterfowl and other animals and often where each was spotted: facebook.com/groups/LongIslandWildlife
