November Featured Photographer: Jane Haslam

Date Published: October 27, 2020

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

Hi I’m Jane, I have a rather lovely English accent and have my own photography studio and gallery located in the Village of Pawling

You can find me online at www.janehaslamphotography.com also on Facebook as Jane Haslam Photography and Instagram as @jane_haslam_photography

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

My perfect Dutchess County weekend would involve a trip to the Harlem Valley and centered around the village of Pawling in Eastern Dutchess County. The Village itself is a great destination. It has its own train station on the Harlem Valley line, which is out of Grand Central in NYC, and is also easily accessible from rte 22. Friday night would involve dinner and a drink in the beer garden of either O’Connors or the Tap House both in the center of the village.

On Saturday I’d take a leisurely morning to explore the village. There’s a farmers market on the village green usually with live music in the village gazebo as well as art galleries and shops to browse. Brunch would be from either Sunflour Bakery or Pawling Bread Company who both have some excellent choices and homemade treats. As Pawling is a trail town, (the Appalachian Trail winds its way through the northern part of Pawling) my afternoon would be spent walking on the trail. There are three different trailheads in the town to suit any mood. A four-mile walk around Nuclear Lake is great for Fall leaf-peeping. For something more strenuous I could park at the Dover Oak trailhead and climb steeply for a mile up to Cat Rocks, this is an overlook with a view north and south in the Harlem Valley as well as east into ct. The Dover Oak, which is over 300 years old also has the distinction of being the largest on the whole AT. My last option would be to park at the small lot on rte 22 next to the Appalachian Trail railway station and take a short stroll into the Great Swamp. The boardwalk is about 3/4-mile-long and provides easy access into this important area. Dinner on Saturday night would be at McKinney and Doyle, though be sure to make a reservation as it can get extremely busy. 

On Sunday I’d venture further into the Harlem Valley, taking rte 22 north from Pawling, through Dover, Amenia and on to the village of Millerton where I would stop at the village diner for breakfast before exploring the rest of the village and its retail opportunities. I’d then continue the drive north on rte 22 to a majestic view of the southern Taconic ridgeline, particularly beautiful in the fall.  After reaching the border with neighboring Columbia County I’d turn west and head into the heart of eastern Dutchess County. My first stop would be Thompson Pond at Pine Plains, at the base of Stissing mountain. There is an easy walk around the Pond, it’s also a great area for birdwatching and smashing views of the adjacent mountainside. After Pine Plains my journey would continue through some beautiful farming country to Millbrook winery for a lazy afternoon of tasting, food trucks, and live music. Before winding my way back through more farmland into Pawling.

What equipment do you use in your photography? 

I use Nikon DSLR cameras and lenses, with my main body being a full-frame D810. I have a range of lenses from 18mm up to 500mm and also use a Vanguard tripod and Lee filters for longer exposures

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

I absolutely love Brace mountain which is also the highest point in Dutchess County at 2311ft. It’s a challenging hike from either trailhead but incredibly rewarding. From the NY trailhead, you climb sharply past a lovely seasonal waterfall before reaching the South Taconic Trail and the final trek to a bald summit where the views are phenomenal. The whole Taconic ridgeline reminds me of my home back in England and I love the luxury of a 360 degree completely open view

 

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

One area I have yet to properly explore is Stissing Mountain in Pine Plains. I’ve set off to climb it on a number of occasions but always ended up diverting to the Taconics for a longer and more challenging hike. I’m also curious about Ferncliff Forest located north of Rhinebeck in northwestern Dutchess County

Give us a few photography tips:

• Photography is truly an art form for everyone these days so in the words of a well-known slogan “just do it.” You only get the picture if you make the effort to go out and get it!
• Slow down - Stop and look at the viewfinder before you take the picture, take the time to get it how you want. Look at the light source, what is it, where is it, how does it impact your subject? Do you need to move? -  a couple of steps to left or right could make a big difference to the composition as could a change of angle to a higher or lower viewpoint.
• Consider the time of day, shooting at either end of the day can make a big difference to the mood of your images.
• Most of all just get out there, make art, and enjoy yourself!