The beauty of Montauk Point is unparalleled
By Bonnie Ellman
Long Island is usually recognized for its suburban feel and closeness and convenience to New York City. Little do some people know that that the scenery of Long Island, combined with some of its charm, can make it a haven for both professional and amateur photographers.
If you’re looking for historical antiquity or coastal landscape, exploring Long Island can be exhilarating, especially for those who have a passion for photography.
“Long Island is extremely photogenic because there are such a wide variety of subjects to photograph….the only thing that is missing from the landscape are mountains and desert, besides those, Long Island has plenty of wildlife and architecture.” Bill Bowie, the Second Vice-President of the Syosset Camera Club says.
Although the summer months hold many things for Long Islanders, like the Jones Beach Festival and beautiful sunny skies, the fall can also be a time for photographers to blossom and take advantage of the cold, crisp weather and the changes in foliage, especially in areas that are heavy with nature and greenery. Whatever you are looking for when you bring your camera outside to take shots, keep these outings in mind on your next photographic venture:
The majestic driveway of Gary Melius' Oheka Castle
Oheka Castle –135 West Gate Drive, Woodbury, is a popular spot for wedding photographers and to hold elaborate events; The castle, now a luxury hotel, built by financier Otto Herman Kahn, is an elegant spot which not only includes the $11 Million dollar castle, but is on a 443 acre plot of land and gardens. Photographs of the estate have been featured in magazines such as Audi, Cigar Aficionado and Essence Magazine. For more information call (631) 659-1400 or visit their website: www.oheka.com
Planting Fields Arboretum Historic State Park and Coe Hall-1935 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, is a great spot for fall photography-The 409 acre landscape contains many greenhouses, lush lawns and woodland paths and should provide the perfect opportunity to take some shots of of the natural world. The arboretum also has a 65-room Tudor Mansion on its estate, so a photographer can take advantage of having a locale where there is both natural and man-made beauty. For more information call (516) 922-9200.
Teddy Roosevelt's home, Sagamore Hill
President Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill Estate– 20 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay, is a natural park that combines both history and nature and is listed on the historic register by The New York State Department of Interior. The Sagamore Estate was Theodore Roosevelt’s home up until the time that he died. The history buff would find this spot both interesting for photographs and for the pure historical value of the site including the Victorian Mansion on Sagamore Hill’s grounds. The park is open to the public Monday through Friday. For more information call (516) 922-4788 or visit the Nassau County Park District’s website at www.nps.gov
Cold Spring Harbor Marina- in Cold Spring Harbor, is a beautiful place even if you have to bring a jacket with you in the colder months. Although Cold Spring Harbor has a smaller marina than most Long Island spots it is incredibly picturesque and embodies a quaint charm. Fall is a wonderful season to visit CSH, as there are many trees and evidence of the the changing foliage. For more information call
Historic Town of Northport– Make your visit to Northport a day trip! Not only is the town of Northport overlooking the water, but it is also filled with quaint victorian houses and charming scenery. The town of Northport also has a farmer’s market as well, which is sure to have many fruits and vegetables specific to the fall season.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration– 1303 Round Swamp Road, Bethpage – if you’re interested in photographing historical places (besides all the other ones on this list, that is), the Bethpage Village Restoration is the perfect place to do so. The Restoration, built in 1963, is an exact replication of the way villages were in the 1800’s and there are plenty of old buildings and farmhouses to photograph. For more information call (516) 572-8400.
Steppingstone Park and Marina-38 Steppingstone Lane, Great Neck, has views looking towards the NYC skyline from the Island, a marina, gardens and statues. Although it is not huge, Steppingstone Park is a lovely place to take some shots which not only include the majesty of Long Island, but is also convenient if you want to get some scenic shots of the New York City skyline. For more information on Steppingstone Park and The Great Neck Park District you can call (516) 820-2690 or visit the Great Neck Park District online at www.gnpd.com.
The Nassau County Museum of Art Grounds and Sculpture Garden– 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn, is not only an art museum, formerly known as Clayton, but actually has both formal and outdoor sculpture gardens. Both of these amenities can be equally convenient for the regular photographer. Although the gardens contain some statues the outdoor sculpture garden offers bright, colorful and unique pieces which are scattered throughout the Museum grounds. For more information call (516) 484-9337 or visit www.nassaumuseum.com
The Montauk Point Lighthouse– Montauk, Southampton. The Montauk Lighthouse is one of Long Island’s premiere destinations for beautiful original photography. The Hamptons have always showcased Long Island’s beauty and the historical lighthouse is one point of reference for photographers who want to catch a glimpse of traditional Long Island. The lighthouse has been around since 1976, when its construction began and is a popular destination for scenic weddings. For more information call (631) 668-2546 or visit www.montauklighthouse.com for hours and tours.
Roslyn Duck Pond– Roslyn, is a delightful place (even in the fall) to take scenic pictures of both the wooded landscape and water fowl who inhabit it all year long. Situated in the heart of Roslyn, the duck pond has been around for the last 300 years and is relatively close to old historic Victorian homes which surround it. The duck pond is a serene place to take some shots and to explore the wilderness that lives on Long Island.
The castle at Sands Point
Sands Point Castle– 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington: This castle is located in the beautiful Sands point preserve, the grounds of the castle make a perfect venue for the avid photographer. Situated on the preserve and the grounds, the castle is quite a spectacle, along with the many trailways and woodland paths . The preserve hours are 9:00 AM to 6:30 daily, there is a $2 walk-in charge and it is $5.00 per car. There is no charge for the castle on Wednesdays. For more information call (516) 571-7901.
Hecksher Park and Museum– 2 Prime Ave Huntington, -Hecksher Park is a beautiful Town park in the middle of Huntington. Not to be confused with Hecksher State Park in East Islip, the park in Huntington has a pond, fountain, garden and walking path. The park also has a museum on its grounds. For more information visit the Town on Huntington’s website at http://town.huntington.ny.us/
Old Westbury Gardens– 71 Old Westbury Gardens,Westbury , built in 1906, The Gardens have over 200 acres of Gardens, Woodland Parks, ponds and lakes. For more information call (516) 333-0048 or visit www.oldwestburygardens.com
Chelsea Mansion/Benjamin Moore Estate – Muttontown, The former home of Alexandra and Benjamin Moore is located on the Northern end of the Muttontown preserve. This mansion, also a popular spot to have a destination weddings is set on 550 acres. For more information call (516) 571-8551 or visit their website www.chelseamansion.com
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