February Featured Photographer: Franc Palaia

Date Published: February 14, 2020

What is your name and where can people find your work?

My name is Franc Palaia and you can find my work at www.FrancPalaia.com.

Describe your perfect staycation in Dutchess, or your idea of a fun weekend in the County.

My idea of a fun weekend in the county would be planning out a road trip on a nice sunny weekend where my family and I can discover little known historic sites in the area, like the Hoyt House in Staatsburg. Or I love a nice birdwatcher walk at the Southlands Riding Farm in Rhinebeck, or walking the Wilderstein Historic Site's hiking trail which hugs the Hudson River and allows the visitor to enjoy the Mansion's Calvert Vaux designed grounds.

What equipment do you use in your photography?

I use a basic Canon EOS Rebel T3i digital camera and many times I use my Samsung Android Notebook Plus cellphone camera because the lens quality is very high. The phone gives me a different perspective in compositions, and I like the tweaking features that are offered that my Canon doesn't have.  I don't like to carry a lot of equipment and I keep a tripod in my car but I hardly ever use it.

What is your favorite place to photograph in Dutchess and why?

Choosing a favorite is such a tough question because so many parts of the county are photogenic.  I tend to look for out of the way places, odd combinations of objects as well as classic views of unique architecture. I also like open vistas!

Do you have somewhere on your list that you want to photograph in Dutchess, but haven’t gotten there yet?

I haven't been to the top of the Mount Beacon Fire Tower yet, but from what I understand you can see four states from there!

Give us a few photography tips!

I suggest that in order to get interesting and original photos a photographer should be inquisitive, curious, adventurous, daring and try to go off the beaten path. If you do this, you will most likely be pleasantly surprised as to what you will discover.