top of page
Writer's pictureDanielle Malone

Exploring the Artistic Vision: Behind the Lens of the February Photo for 2024's "Embark on a Year in Nature"

Location: Tanner Park, Copiague, New York

Date Taken: February 13, 2024


Winter Meets Summer


Adirondack Chairs overlooking the Great South Bay during Sunset after snowfall

Was this the first big snowfall we've had in three years?


Going to bed on the night of February 12th was interesting. They said we'd get snow, and even though I usually don't get a "snow day," I had a doctor's appointment the next day, so I knew I wouldn't have to worry about driving to work, whether it was just a light snow or a lot of it.


Looking out the window the next morning wasn't too impressive. It was still raining at 5 am, but then the snow started to fall. Slowly, the snow piled up, about 3-4 inches by 4 pm. I quickly shoveled the sidewalk and cleared the snow from my car, just in time to see the beautiful scenes left by Mother Nature.


Do you also feel calm watching the snow fall? Is there something special about seeing untouched white snow? That's what got me excited.


After a few minutes, I found myself at Tanner Park and realized I wasn't the only one there. There were a few other photographers out capturing the beauty after the storm. I had been to this park many years ago as a kid, but never with a camera, so I didn't know all the amazing views it had to offer. It wasn't surprising to see others there too.


I took this photo while trying not to get in the way of another photographer. He had his tripod set up and was clearly there first with a specific scene in mind. Where could I go to get the sunset without being in his shot? The chairs caught my eye. At first, they were just the right spot to set my gear and check out the scenery. Maybe even take a break after slipping on the ice a few times. By the way, even with snow boots, I almost fell a couple of times! Luckily, as I got closer to the chairs, the sun came out from behind the clouds, casting a golden light over the bay. The image of the sun shining on the bay and the chairs was too good to pass up; it ended up being my favorite of the day.


sunsetting on the bay with snowy coastline on the left and houses in the back.
The sun is almost kissing the Great South Bay as night is about to fall

As I walked along the water, the sun kept getting lower, getting ready to set for the night. I ended up taking about 100 photos during the two and a half hours I spent at the park. Many were similar, but I played around with the camera angle, shutter speed, and other settings, trying to capture the best of what Mother Nature had to offer.




When I got home and looked at the photos, I couldn't stop staring at the ones of the Adirondack chairs. I kept imagining the same scene without the snow, with more golden colors. The image really spoke to me, making me realize that while I like winter and find snow peaceful, I often wish for summer and warmer days. Maybe it was the cold fingers and the snow I still had to shovel when I got home that made me think that way? But I'm grateful that even in winter, living on Long Island, we have reminders of our connection to the water and the beach, no matter the season.


It's amazing how each season brings something unique, allowing for different photos to be shared. Some of you may have never seen snow, while others have seen more than I ever will. Sometimes I wish I was in the Caribbean or somewhere warmer where it's summer all year, but after taking this photo, I'll appreciate the long winter days knowing that summer will come again soon.


 

If you are interested in learning more about this photo, or any of my landscape photos, including how you can bring these images into your home or office, please contact me.


Not interested in taking this home, but still want to learn more about the images I take and the stories behind them?

Make sure to join my mailing list! You will be one of the first notified when new blogs like this are released and stay up to date with new collections I offer.

Don't worry, I hate getting emails to just deleted them so I'll be mindful and not send more than one a week, unless necessary.





Comments


bottom of page