By Steve Polston
This week is the best week to experience snow photography at Fort Harrison State Park on Indianapolis’ east side.
Last week’s gloppy, wet snow left the landscape looking like a see-through greeting card with snow on one side of trees and bare bark on the other. My mind was having a bit of a puzzle to see the same scene for acre after acre, only to see it in reverse when I turned my body around.
Another snow storm is coming, but as long as the park gates are open, why don’t you bring your camera and a sack lunch to experience some striking nature scenes?
On the day I visited there was no gate fee and the sign was posted that the park was open with no charge.
Many families off from school the day after the Super Bowl came to use the sledding hill and a few folks came to exercise; they were biking and jogging. The woodlands showed examples of double-track skis from cross-country lovers. Dog-walking friends enjoyed the place, too.
Ordinarily, I like to pass along some easy advice about photography in this column, but a very bright day with heavy snow cover provides more opportunities than snares.
My advice: You should probably carry your camera near your body to provide some warmth for the battery, though this brings the necessity to allow condensation to clear every time you bring the device from your pocket. Just put up with it and stop complaining.
And while your camera seems to attract moisture, remember that your body loses it. The key thing while winter hiking is to remain hydrated and remember that parks in winter don’t provide bathrooms – it’s a double curse, I know.
Wear warm but thin mittens that allow you to depress the shutter-trigger and gaiters around your legs to keep your pants dry. A walking stick is helpful, but if you stay on trails you will avoid trouble. In addition, good tread is necessary for some paved trails that may only be partially cleared. If you fall, help is not necessarily nearby.
You can see more of my photos here.
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