March, White Mountains – In the White Mountains of New Hampshire, March marks the start of spring, but you would never know it with the amount of snow still in the backcountry. We have had cloudy days, cold days, warm days, rainy days and a few snowy days this month. I can honestly say I will be glad when I can officially put the snowshoes away this season.
When I first got into photography, seventeen years ago, I had envisioned hiking all over the White Mountains photographing endless sunrises and sunsets from mountain tops, but was given a reality check when I realized the New England photography market was, and still is, flooded with this type of imagery. I decided to make a change back then and focus on environmental subjects, and less mountain sunrise and sunset scenes. Today, I look at these five images and realize that one single decision I made many years ago put me on track.
This month I spent three days photographing environmental scenes of abandoned relics in Benton, Franconia and Thornton New Hampshire. Both the above and below scenes are classic examples that show the conflict between humans and nature. Personally I love the abandoned side of the White Mountains and the history, but the environmentalist in me is very aware of the impact we humans are having on the natural environment.
The abandoned relic above, possibly a 1920s International truck, remains near an old road that once traveled through Tunnel Brook Notch in Benton. The old road was closed in 1927 because of landslides. I wonder if this truck was ever driven across the old road before it was closed? Either way, cool piece of history!
I spent one warm March day exploring an area near Elbow Pond in Woodstock, and came across a cool yellow birch tree with a huge burl (above). Tree burls make great photo subjects and this one will be added to my forest disturbances image gallery. If you enjoy this type of photography you can view more images here.
To end the month, I made my monthly trek to the summit of Mt Tecumseh in Waterville Valley to document the illegal cutting happening on the summit. Though the sunrise (above) was short lived, it was spectacular while it lasted. Seeing the sunrise from a mountain top always seems to refresh my creative juices.
All of the above images can be licensed for publications by clicking on the image you are interested in. And you can view more images from the month of March here.
Happy image making..
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.