 Running a home-based photography business is an amazing dream. I get to create artworks that become an important part of my clients' lives. Just like anything in life, there are downfalls, though. When the commute to your job consists of walking across the hall, you don't get a lot of sunshine during the work week. I'm seriously lacking in Vitamin D and cabin fever can set in during the bleak midwinter. That's why I can't wait for spring to come so I can do some more outdoor sessions. I've been going out every few weeks this winter scouting locations I can't wait to shoot at once the 2 feet of snow on my lawn thaws! A few weeks ago (before the lovely blizzard whited out the landscape), I visited Lake Ronkonkoma for a personal project and realized what a great location it could be for a photo session with families and kids. The county park is located on Lake Shore Road, on the north side of the lake. As Long Island's largest lake, there is a huge number of portrait opportunity spots all along the lake front. The wildlife in the area is very used to the presence of people, so expect some close encounters with the ducks, geese and seagulls that call the lake their home. They'll be happy to get in the background of your photos!  The table area is another great spot, especially for a family group photo or some candid photos of a picnic lunch. The fields nearby offer a beautiful view. You can also capture some shots of family fun on the baseball field and basketball court. Finally, you can reward your kids for a job well done by spending some time at the playground.
Make sure dear old Dad stays firmly on shore, though. Those Lady of the Lake stories are probably myths, but better to be safe than sorry, right? ;) I hope you enjoyed this 2nd installment in my series of Best Long Island Photo Spots. Read the 1st installment in the series here. Contact me at [email protected] to schedule a photo session at your favorite Long Island location, and comment below if you have a great spot I should visit for my next installment!
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Long Island's Best Photo Spots Series: (No. 1) Stony Brook Grist Mill, Duck Pond and Avalon Park7/28/2015  Sometimes it feels great to get out of the studio to photograph babies and families in nature. That's why I offer on-location outdoor photography sessions in Suffolk County. My clients often ask me for suggestions on where to have their family shoot when the weather is too nice to be indoors. Here on my blog, I'll continue to update you on great Suffolk County, Long Island photo spots as I discover and shoot at these locations. The first in this series will highlight the Stony Brook Grist Mill, Duck Pond and Avalon Park. What's great about these places is that they are located right next to each other so they can easily be seen in one visit. They offer gorgeous views and a lot of opportunities for family activities. We'll start off at the Grist Mill which is located at 100 Harbor Road in Stony Brook. This historic place is both a museum and a working mill. It serves not only as a beautiful background for your images, but an educational experience! Behind the building is a great area where kids can sometimes see the mill doing its job, with water flowing from the pond across the street. When you're done at the mill, take a 30 second walk across Harbor Road to visit the duck pond! You're bound to get some great shots of your kids discovering the many animals who live there. There are beautiful vistas around the banks of the pond and you'll be able to include the ducks, swans and even the cormorants who live nearby in your photos. After that you can walk to the Avalon Park and Preserve, which is located directly behind the pond at 200 Harbor Rd, Stony Brook. Cross the bridge where you will find lots of places to sit for photo opportunities. Climb up the steps and follow signs to the labyrinth where kids can walk along the stone markings to the small pit in the center. Pile the family inside there for a great group shot. You'll also find there some large stones with a statue of Prometheus climbing. Kids will enjoy playing hide and seek throughout the high stones. Continue on the paths beyond for photos in the trails and meadows.   Remember that Avalon is a nature preserve. It's important to be respectful of the wildlife and to remember the old expression: "Take only photographs, leave only footprints." (A side note to my photographer friends: professionals need permission to shoot sessions at Avalon so please call the office at 631-689-0619 before you visit with your clients).  There it is, folks. I hope you enjoyed the first installment in my series of "Best Long Island Photo Spots".
Contact me at [email protected] to schedule a photo session at your favorite Long Island location! |
AuthorLaura Paesano 
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All images copyright 2024 Laura Pea Photography
Contact Laura here.
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