BetterPhoto Q&A
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Aleksandra Miesak		Rad trip photo location Hi everyone, In less than a month I will be helping my best friend relocate to Boulder, CO from New Jersey. We will be driving the entire way and I want to know if anyone has any good photo spots that are on the way. The states that we're going through are: PA, OH, IN, IL, IO, NB and CO ( I hope I got the abbreviation right). We don't have too much spare time to wonder around but anything near major interstate would be awesome. Thanks so much for any input. To love this question, log in above 0 April 22, 2007

Bob Cammarata		It sounds like you are traversing I#70 most of the way. I central Ohio, a half-day detour to Hocking Hills State Park might warrant a visit. This place is really special...lots of caves, waterfalls and stuff but it can be a mob scene on weekends. I've been there twice, once in mid June and the other in February. The winter trip was awesome! Lots of cool icicles and frozen falls to shoot...(and much less crowded.) The plains states are pretty flat and un-interesting along the I#70 corridor west of Ohio but get it gets much more scenic as you approach the Rockies. To love this comment, log in above 0 April 22, 2007

- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery		Go to Phototraveler.com. They produce excellent travel guides for photographers, telling you how to find each place and the best time of day for shooting it. I own quite a few of their publications. To love this comment, log in above 0 April 22, 2007

Aleksandra Miesak		Thanks everyone. I did check out Phototraveler.com and I like it a lot. The problem is that they mostly have national parks areas or states that have major photo attractions. I'm looking more at that cool empty field in the moddle of nowhere Nebraska. Sometimes these speak louder than any shot of Grand Canyon (no offence, I still love the dessert). I'm just looking for something different. Maybe I just need to go for it and get lost somewhere in the farmlands fo America and will discover a great shot. Who knows... To love this comment, log in above 0 April 23, 2007

Irene Troy		Hi Aleksandra; if you have access (library would be my first choicer) to any old copies of Outdoor Photographer check them out. Every month they have a short feature on lesser known places to photograph. They list wildlife refuges; parks and other locations and include all sorts of helpful advice. I would also suggest going to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/ which is the page for the National Wildlife Refuge site. Here you can find information on any refuge anywhere in the USA. There are several great refuges along your route. Working backwards from Colorado: Nebraska: (NE not NB); North Platte outside of Scottsbluff; Boyer Chute outside of Fort Calhoun Iowa: (IA – BTW: I’m not trying to be obnoxious, just trying to help. If you put the wrong abbreviation into a search engine it will make you nuts!) Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Titonka Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge in Odessa Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge – McGregor Illinois: Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge – Havana (this is part of the Mississippi flyway which is very important to birds and is usually a terrific place to get bird images. Indiana: Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge – Oakland City (this is also part of the flyway) Ohio: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge/Cedar Point NWR – Oak Harbor. This is probably out of your way, but it is a great place if you get in the area BTW: one of my favorite things to do is to get “lost” searching for great images and new discoveries. Some of the best places are not on any map. If you have time, visit a local library or even a coffee shop and ask around. Nature stores and bird supply places are also great for getting local info. I hope this helps. Have a terrific trip! Irene To love this comment, log in above 0 April 23, 2007

- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery		Go to google and type in the name of the State followed by tourist information. You should find that states official website and they are more than happy to send you travel information including maps and attractions for free. Here is Nebraska's. http://www.visitnebraska.org/ To love this comment, log in above 0 April 23, 2007

Aleksandra Miesak		Thanks Irene and Dennis. This is huge help and now I know the state abbreviations HAHA... I'm going to check out all of your suggestions. I was also thinking that each state has a department of environmental preservation or protection which is usually full of state parks and preserves info. I don't want to make this road trip too structured because Jen is going to kick me out of the car in the middle of Ohio but I'm going to try squizing some photo ops along the way. I am so looking forward to this! Thanks everyone. To love this comment, log in above 0 April 23, 2007

Irene Troy		Another hint - obvious, but sometimes forgotten: stop at each state's tourist info center/welcome center when crossing borders. You should be able to get up-to-date info on state parks, refuges and other must see sites. To love this comment, log in above 0 April 23, 2007

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