A Walk in the Park

This turned out to be a good find, in more ways than one.  Harold Parker State Forest is close by but unexplored from our point of view.  The Massachusetts State Park is about 3300 acres with 35 miles of trails and 11 ponds.  Activities include camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, biking, swimming and more.   The park was founded in 1916 and named after Harold Parker who was the first chairman of the state’s Forest Commission.

Our first trip was a new venture.  It was a super day with bright midday sun and given we were in a forest, some heavy shading. Finding the balance of speed, light, and shutter were the photographic challenges.  This image was shot at f/11, 1/100 sec and ISO 400.  It was one of the last images and until I found it, I had thought the shoot was non-productive.  Thinking we have a good base setting when we go back.

Getting back to the opening statement of a good find in more aways than one, the big surprise in this shot was capturing the walker in exactly the right place.  She was hard to follow here given the combination of heavy shading and glare.  Another example of the camera seeing better than we do.

What I like about this shot is the reflection working with the heavy sheading and lighting to create a focal point.  Everything points to the walker.  The image had minimal retouch with some texture and clarity, as well as light touches when working the contrast and shading.  The spotlight effect is all natural.  Check it out on my website.  It looks even better as it’s enlarged.

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