Watkins Glen State Park is an absolute gem nestled in the Finger Lakes region of New York. It is known for its stunning gorges, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking vistas. With (depending how you determine them) over 19 waterfalls within its mile and a half stretch, it’s a glorious opportunity to see what Mother Nature has to offer, sandwiched together with picturesque trails and dramatic rock formations. Whether you’re a pro photographer or someone who just wants a nice vacation shot, this park has something for everyone.
History and Significance of the Park
Established in 1906, Watkins Glen State Park has a rich history that goes back even further. The area was once home to the Seneca people, who revered the land for its natural beauty. The park became a popular tourist destination in the late 19th century and thanks to the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, many of the trails and stone bridges we enjoy today were built. It’s not just a pretty place, it’s a piece of American history and a testament to the importance of preserving natural wonders.
Unique Geological Features
The park’s geology is nothing short of a work of art, shaped over thousands of years by the relentless forces of water and time. And, just for the pedants out there, snow and ice are still water! The dramatic cliffs, smooth stone walls and deep gorges are a testament to this sculpting process. The layers of rock reveal the history of the Earth, with each stratum telling a story of ancient seas and volcanic activity. As you wander through the park, you’ll discover fascinating features like the Glen itself, where water has carved a stunning canyon that is both awe-inspiring and photo worthy.
Best Times to Visit for Landscape Photography
MrsFaceless had this location on her bucket list, having received several glowing recomendations. So we set about planning our visit to Watkins Glen State Park, thinking about autumn colours and the times for best light which can be the difference between a casual snapshot and an award-winning landscape photo. Timing is everything, as they say, especially when it comes to landscape photography!
Seasonal Considerations
Each season at Watkins Glen offers a unique palette for photography. Winter, although icy and cold, offers a serene beauty with snow-dusted rocks and frozen falls that are awe-inspiring (and great for a more ethereal vibe). Just remember that the Gorge Trail is shut, generally when the first snows fall. Cough. More on that later. Spring bursts forth with lush greens and vibrant wildflowers, perfect for capturing a fresh and rejuvenated landscape. Summer boasts full foliage and lively waterfalls, while fall, when we visited, transforms the park into a tapestry of reds, oranges and yellows. Plan your visit based on what kind of aesthetic you’re after!
Check Access Times And Dates…
When planning a photography roadtrip, it’s usual to check opening times, especially for a State Park. I had gone into some detail to see when trails are open as some trails will close for the winter. At Watkins Glen State Park the Gorge Trail has previously closed as the first snows of winter arrived in Upstate New York. That would normally be early to mid November. With this information we booked our hotel several weeks before our visit. To complicate matters, Watkins Glen would not be our first stop on this Autumnal tour, nor New York our first State.
…Then Check Again
So, after being off grid for some days photographing where there was little to no cell service, it came time to check the details of weather and conditions before we headed to Watkins Glen State Park. To our utter surprise, there was an announcement on the website that a decision had been taken to close The Gorge Trail on our first day there (Sunday 26th October, for the record). Arriving late at night to our hotel, we chatted with the owner who, shall we say, was less than happy with this decision, which effectively shortened their season by several weeks.
Improvise, Adapt, Overcome
We often talk about taking time to scout a location. Making fine adjustments to compositions can make big improvements to an photo and finding those perfect spots and angles takes time. Even visit a few times to get the best light, fewest people and general lay of the land. Well, all of that went out of the window. The plan was to spend three days in this area, but now we only had ONE day, with gates shutting at 6.15pm to shoot everything we wanted to on The Gorge Trail.
The Gorge Trail
The Gorge Trail is the park’s crown jewel, leading you through a winding path alongside stunning waterfalls and steep cliffs. With its iconic stone bridges and carefully constructed pathways, this trail makes landscape photography practically effortless. Every turn presents a new stunning view, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself stopping every few steps to snap a picture. Just remember to watch your step. It can be slippery as well as crowded. Don;t make yourself someone else’s photo!
Waterfalls and Their Accessibility
With 19 waterfalls to choose from, you might feel like a kid in a candy store! Most of the waterfalls can be easily accessed via the park’s trails, albeit 800+ stoen stairs, making it a relative breeze to get up close and personal. The most famous, Rainbow Falls, puts on quite the show. Hence that would be our starting point. After talking some more with our hotelier, we opted for an early morning start at the upper car park, which is slightly closer to Rainbow Falls. Hopefully we would get there before the crowds managed to climb up from the bottom end!
Capturing Scenic Landscapes in Autumn
Understanding Composition in Autumn Scenes
To ensure your photos stand out, composition is key when it comes to landscape photography. Use the rule of thirds to guide your framing, placing points of interest off-center for a more dynamic look. Leading lines, such as winding roads or rivers, can draw the viewer’s eye into the frame. Know your camera. Understand metering modes, ISO, aperture and shutter speed to gives your image a good exposure. Know how to get sharp photos. If you’re on a tripod think about bracketing exposures for hdr to gather all of the dynamic range information on your sensor. If taking a photo handheld then read up on the reciprocal rule.
Experiment
And don’t shy away from experimenting. Try shooting during different times of day to capture varied lighting. Changing orientation between portrait vs landscape allows for perfect framing of differing compositions. Remember, it’s not just about what you’re photographing, it’s how you photograph it to create dramatic landscape photographs!
Utilizing Natural Light
Natural lighting is like the magic wand of photography, so wave it at your subjects and make them transform! As already mentioned, early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hour, are ideal for capturing the enchanting glow on the landscape. Overcast days can be just as great, softening shadows and bringing out the colours. Just avoid harsh midday sun unless you enjoy blown out highlights and squinty faces. Keep an eye on the weather.
Textures and Details
Autumn brings new textures to the landscape as its surfaces start to dry and crinkle, highlighting details that might go unnoticed in other seasons. The contrast between the lush vegetation and that which is dying off for winter creates a stark contrast in texture as well as colour. Remember to get low and focus on those details. The small things often have the biggest impact!
Incorporating Surrounding Nature
The surrounding landscape is an essential part of the overall aesthetic with landscape photography. Watkins Glen State Park, and particularly The Gorge Trail, have jagged rocky features in abundance. Mix these with running water and man made structures like stone bridges and paths to bring the scene to the next level. Frame your shots to include these elements
Tips for Taking Stunning Autumn Images
Autumn portraits can be magical. But capturing that magic requires some nifty tricks.
Selecting the Right Backgrounds
When choosing backgrounds for autumn portraits, look for contrasting elements. The ruggedness of the stone bridge paired with the glow of golden foliage makes for a striking combination. Look around you for additional components as these can help your subject stand out against the landscape. Don’t shy away from experimenting. Sometimes the quirkiest locations yield the most memorable shots!
Adjusting Settings for Low Light
Shooting in a gorge means severely limited light and a gloomier results, which means you’ll need to adjust your camera settings accordingly. Increase your ISO to capture more light, but keep an eye out for noise. A wider aperture (smaller f-stop number) can help as well, allowing more light in while creating a lovely background blur. If you’re battling low light, don’t forget to balance with a slower shutter speed; just make sure your subjects are still for a moment.
Post-Processing Fall Photographs
After capturing that fall magic, it’s time to bring your photos to life in the editing room.
Paid Or Free Software
By all means, pay for the photo editing software of your choice. MrsFaceless and I use a mix of paid and free software from an old version of Photoshop, Topaz DeNoise, Photomatix, Darktable and Gimp. The majority of our editing is now done in Darktable.
Basic Editing Techniques
Once you’ve snapped that perfect shot, it’s time to give it a little TLC in post-processing. Start with basic adjustments. Tweak the exposure, contrast and white balance to make your photos sparkle. Cropping can also help you refine your composition, so don’t hesitate to trim the edges if it means a more impactful image.
Enhancing Colours and Contrast
Autumn photographs should not have muted colours. To give your images a new lease on life, increase the contrast (slightly) to accentuate the reds and golds. A little tweaking goes a long way. Just avoid the temptation to go overboard, or you might end up with a photo that looks like it belongs in a cartoon!
Creating a Fall Mood in Edits
To evoke that cozy, autumnal vibe, try adding a golden tone to your images. This will enhance the feeling that the natural fall colours brings. You may also want to play with a vignette effect to draw focus toward the center of your photograph.
Encouraging Conservation and Respect for Nature
Lastly, while you’re out there snapping away, remember that the beauty of Watkins Glen is best enjoyed responsibly. Stick to trails, respect wildlife and leave no trace behind. Your stunning photos not only capture the beauty of nature, but also serve as a reminder that we must protect these precious environments for future generations. So go ahead, unleash your inner photographer, but let’s keep those landscapes looking pristine!
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Visit
Planning Your Photography Trip
In conclusion, Watkins Glen State Park is a breathtaking destination for landscape photography, offering unique opportunities to capture nature’s wonders. To make the most of your Watkins Glen State Park adventure, plan ahead! Check for any park regulations regarding photography and be aware of seasonal changes that can affect both access and scenery. Remember to respect the natural environment while you enjoy your photography journey, ensuring that future generations can also experience the magic of Watkins Glen State Park. Arriving early will give you the best light and it might just snag you a peaceful moment before the crowds arrive. Because they will. And hey, pack a snack; your camera isn’t the only thing that needs fueling!