In 2014, I wrote a blog post called The Photographer’s Guide to Saratoga Springs, NY, featuring photos I’ve taken in my hometown. I’ve decided to expand on that and now share some photos I’ve taken in the greater Albany area.
Before you read, please note that this is not a comprehensive guide to everything there is to see in New York’s Capital Region. Having spent most of my life here, however, I have a pretty good idea of what I think are some of the best photo spots.
Let’s start way up north. Lake George is about an hour north of Albany, but still considered by many to be part of the Capital District. It’s a popular summer destination, but there’s plenty to see there all year long. Last fall, my friend Barb and I attended the Adirondack Nationals Car Show.
Fall is simply a wonderful time to visit Lake George and the rest of the Adirondacks.
In February, Lake George has a winter carnival, complete with snowmobiling and ice hockey on the lake
Heading down south a ways, Glens Falls is a city with a lot of charm. I just love the architecture of the buildings on Glen St.
The Hyde Museum is both an historic home with a unique indoor courtyard and a collection of artwork.
Moreau Lake State Park a little bit further south offers a nice area to hike, swim, or kayak.
In the winter, visitors to the park can warm up in the charming warming hut, which features information about the history of the area.
Over near the Great Sacandaga Lake you can find a number of nice waterfalls to photograph. Above is Tenant Creek Falls near Hope, and below is Beecher Creek Falls near Edinburg.
Th Capital Region is host to a number of fairs every year. In Ballston Spa, the Saratoga County Fair offers rides, yummy food, and all the other things you’d expect from a fair.
A friend of mine in my local photography club once organized a meetup in Waterford, where I photographed this bridge to Peebles Island. Sometimes the best photo spots are the ones that haven’t been photographed to death!
The Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge, or the Twin Bridges, links Saratoga County with Albany County. Just make sure you’re not the one driving when you’re taking a photo (and clean your windshield!).
Albany, our state’s capital is certainly not to be missed if you enjoy architectural photography.
The New York State Museum is housed in this uniquely modern building at the end of the Empire State Plaza.
From the Corning Tower, you can see down to the Capitol Building and The Egg.
And, above, here it is from ground level.
Take a tour of the Capitol building, learn some history, and take a few photos. Above, is the press room, and below the intricately carved columns of the staircase.
Albany is also home to a number of places of worship. My friend Barb and I visited the All Saints Cathedral to admire its beautiful architecture.
Just past Albany, John Boyd Thacher State Park offers a beautiful natural setting to explore.
There are many waterfalls to photograph in the Schenectady-Albany, Troy area. A few I’ve photographed include Barberville Falls in Poestenkill (above) and Cohoes Falls just outside Troy (below).
I’ve always been fond of the Nott Memorial at Union College in Schenectady (above).
Just outside Rotterdam, more waterfalls await you at the Plotterkill Preserve. Make sure to bring your tripod and neutral density filter to allow for long exposures!
In the fall, a ride on the Saratoga and North Creek Railroad gives you a great opportunity to photograph fall foliage.
There’s one notable location I’ve left out so far in this guide, and that is my hometown of Saratoga Springs. As I mentioned above, I’ve already covered that locale in depth in my previous post, so why don’t you head on over there and check it out:
All photos in this post are © copyright Samantha Decker. Please inquire for licensing rates.
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