Finding things to photograph close to home

I was just visiting my Dad in Massachusetts. I had my cameras with me and am always looking for some photographic subjects without having to travel too far. There are loads of photo ops in New England but I was not going to go too far from home. Since it is springtime in New England, there are flowering trees and flowers everywhere. I found the beautiful bleeding hearts in my Dad's next door neighbors yard. Many people have flowers that are planted on the edges of their yards that are accessible without tresspassing. I found a travel guide in the house and found a write up on a park 15 miles away. It sounded promising so my Dad and I  set out to find Stanley Park in Westfield. Turns out it have some beautiful gardens, covered bridge, waterfalls, and an old mill. Another spot closer to home is Forest Park. It's only a few miles but we decided to drive over. Good idea since it started to rain. With rain jackets it was not too bad but my camera was getting wet so we drove around through the park and when we returned to where we started the rain had stopped. There are several ponds with ducks and Canada geese. The geese had babies so I tried to get some shots. The family I was photographing seemed to have a white goose who was playing interference from anyone who got too close. It came at me one time as I had my face to the viewfinder. I didn't get any shots that were too great, but I returned a day later and had more success. The day I was leaving was the first day of an annual festival called Long Meddow Days. There were some Civil War re-enactors, food and arts vendors. I always like to shoot some re-enactors. The challenge was the background of cars and funnel cake vendors. I tried to get low to cut out some of the distractions. All in all, it was a good visit and fun finding photographic subjects close to home.

Canada Goose with Goslings

Gazebo in Forest Park, Springfield

Covered Bridge in Stanley Park, Westfield

Bleeding Hearts

Egrets

Preening

Nest Building