New Member/Shenandoah Suggestions?

[justin2209]

So....

This is my first post on this forum. I have been reading it for about 3 weeks and finally decided to post. :D

I am about to get my anniversary present, a new Canon Digital Rebel XT w/ kit lens. I'm pretty excited about getting to use it for the first time. I have had many point and shoot digitals but this is my first SLR.

Anyway, I'm heading to the Shenandoah for my anniversary and I was wondering if any of you had suggestions on places to shoot. We are entering the park at the Swift Run Gap Entrance and didn't really want to drive all over the park looking for something good to take pictures of.

I'm open to all suggestions about anything. :p

Sorry if this wasn't the right place to post this. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Dchemist]

Welcome and enjoy the park. The park is very linear and the road sits on top of a ridge and the views are spectacular and there are lots of places to pull-off and stop. If I were going again, I would take time to drive out of the park into the valley and visit some of the small towns. Many are older and restored and should be photographically and historically very interesting. Good luck, Dennis

[justin2209]

Thanks for the tips Dennis.

I guess I should also point out that I'm staying in Harrisonburg. I was also hoping I could talk the wife into a field trip to the University of VA. I've heard that's a great place to take some pictures.

[bpiper7]

You're not going to have any trouble finding places to shoot. You might get a hiking guide to the Shenandoah Park and find a few trail heads with overlooks close by if you're not too into hiking. It'll get you off the crowded overlooks. There are tons of guides.

UVA is a very pretty campus you'll find lot's of shots there too. and the foliage is just going to get better over the next few weeks.

[Mike R]

The mid day sun is a killer for shots from the overlooks but if you use GND or ND filters it will help. Be sure to be up there around sunset and bring a tripod. I have a sunset shot on my website to give you an idea of what you can get. I didn't see much wildlife except deer but did get some great butterfly shots. I'm planning on going back and want to take a couple of weeks to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Enjoy the trip

[justin2209]

Thank you all for your tips. I'm connected on the wireless up here now. I'll be headed to the park a little later. If I happen to get anything good I'll be sure to post it. :D