FrOGS -The Great Swamp

The Great Swamp covers 6,000 acres in Putnam and Dutchess County -- it is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in NY state. My sister and I frequently kayak there and each spring, that is our first kayak destination because its loaded with wildlife which you can get up close to. Even Walt Disney found the swamp this year! The natural beauty of the swamp made it a perfect location for a photo-shoot of Tiana (Jennifer Hudson) as the princess from "The Princess and the Frog". 

Friends of the Great Swamp (FrOGS) is an all- volunteer not-for-profit group of friends and neighbors dedicated to preserving and protecting this unique and valuable resource through research, education and community action.Each year in Pawling, FrOGS host the "Great Swamp Art Show and Celebration" at the Thomas Memorial Center, Christ Church - usually in October. The event is free and focuses on the Great Swamp. My mom, sister and I went to the event this year and got a few nice shots of the raptors.

LANACONING SILK MILL, MD

A few weekends ago, Rick and I drove to Maryland and met up with some photographer friends to photograph in the last intact Silk Mill in the US.  In the 1950's, employees went on strike, and as a result, the mill was closed by the company.   What was most interesting about the mill is that its machinery, company records and workers’ personal effects have pretty much remained unchanged from the time that the factory ceased operations in 1957.  The mill was purchased in 1978.   Herb Crawford is the current owner who has been struggling with keeping up with the repairs.  The building is in dire need of a new roof.  As a means to get the funds to fund the roof repairs, Herb has been allowing photographers to visit the mill on weekends to take photographs.   Rick and I only photographed for one session for 4 hours but we came away with some interesting, unique photos.