From the Designers' DarkroomSubscribe Now

Nature Photography – Mountain Biking in New Jersey

It’s the winter and the landscape is drab because there isn’t any beautiful white snow lining the trails just yet. Nature photography needs to be meticulously planned; it’s wise to know the weather report and the lay-of-the-land. Also, scout the area for remarkable hidden finds that could potentially land a beautiful shot.

Scenery will change dramatically because of available light and available color (think flowers and growth here), so I recommend visiting a favorite location in different conditions. Rain from earlier in the day can add saturation to your scene’s colors or a ray of light from the sun can add just the right amount of flair to your photo. You will eventually get what you were looking for with patience and persistence.

Mountain Biking in New Jersey

I was not so lucky yesterday, and that’s OK. Chalk it up to another condition that I know doesn’t work for a particular location – at least for the exact vision I had. Nature photography can be finicky like that. It’s January and the temperature is close to 60 degrees here in New Jersey. Crazy right? It felt right to get on the bike and go for one last ride before it is too cold.

So, I packed my camera and my backup mountain bike; the primary has a flat and I really need to change the tires because the treads are down to the bone. My ride started out okay – but proceeded to get progressively worse. The backup Cannondale doesn’t have clipless pedals that I’ve grown to love, and the ground is as slick as a banana peel. Mud is everywhere and I’m having a hard time keeping the bike stable through the rivets of mud, especially with a pack on my back.

In the end, the four mile loop seemed like eternity, but it was worth every grunt, thorn prick, and following day saddle pain. This next shot is a result of a much needed break midway through the ride.

A Cannondale F3 rests on a tree looking up towards the trail.

Speak Your Mind

*