Please note: This post was originally published in 2020, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it may also contain some outdated information. Please be sure to visit the CT DEEP website for the most current information.
2020 Post:
Disclosure: Nicole Bedard Photography is currently an Out and About Mom sponsor. No additional compensation was received for this post and all opinions expressed are 100% my own!
Hi everyone!
Do you like to multitask? I’m going to bet you said yes. Well then, I’ve got some great news for you! Today we are lucky enough to have a guest post from fellow mom and local photographer, Nicole Bedard. She’s giving us a tour of one of her favorite Connecticut parks. But that’s not all! She’s also got some great tips to get your little ones interested in outdoor photography (hello, perfect pandemic-friendly hobby!) PLUS a unique idea for a holiday gift!
Welcome, Nicole! We’re so glad you’re here!
Nicole Bedard is a professional brand photographer living in Rocky Hill, Connecticut with her husband and seven year old son. Nicole has been working in the photography industry for more than 10 years and she has been actively teaching her son photography techniques since he was three. Nicole’s photography career has led her to capture images for clients around the country and her work has been published in various magazines and publications. Nicole’s passion is working with small local businesses and entrepreneurs to enhance their branding. Nicole and her family enjoy spending time in Cape Cod during the summers, which she has been doing since she was a child. You can follow her on Facebook (@nicolebedardphotography), Instagram (@nbedardphotog), and on her blog at nicolebedardphotography.wordpress.com.
Hi Out and About Mom Community! I’m so happy to be here and share not only a hidden gem Connecticut state park, but some photography inspiration along the way.
I’m Nicole Bedard, a professional brand photographer based in Connecticut, and mom to an energetic seven year old boy. I’m a proud mom, and as you can imagine I was pretty excited when my son showed interest in photography at the age of three. Since then we are always looking for new places to explore and capture images. So pack your cameras and hiking boots as I take you on a little visual tour of Devil’s Hopyard State Park!
Devil’s Hopyard is a public recreation area located in East Haddam, Connecticut. This 1000 acre state park provides hiking, fishing, biking, picnicking and camping (not to mention a pretty mysterious history!). You can find a complete trail map here.
This park is open year round and we try to arrive early. They open at 8am, but we look to be there between 9-10, which from my experience allows us to explore with no one else around and the little parking lot across from the waterfall is empty. (See map below)
- The parking lot for the waterfall is on Foxtown Rd
- The parking lot closest to the Covered Bridge is the next entrance down from Foxtown Rd. It will have a sign for Devil’s Hopyard State Park.
It’s also important to note that you can easily walk to both sites no matter what parking lot you choose. If you plan on hiking, then you can gain access to trails via the covered bridge parking lot.
Once you are on foot, the trails around the waterfall and the covered bridge are kid-friendly. Even if you only want to explore these two sites and walk along the river path, it’s worth the drive down!
The first place my son and I go to is the waterfall. There are some great vantage points to take landscape and portrait images. If you are daring you can even climb down a few rocks and get closer to the water. There are opportunities to capture close up images of the rocks, water reflections and portraits of who you are exploring with.
As you follow the path you will find an open space and a lazy river which you can follow down to the covered bridge. (Good to know: There is also a port-a potty in this area, which is conveniently located at the parking lot for the covered bridge.)
Once at the covered bridge there are so many photography possibilities. There is a great portrait location at the opening of the bridge (have your children sit or stand in the middle of the bridge so the bridge creates a frame around them). If you follow the path on the other side of the bridge you will see locations for images with the bridge in the distance. See inspiration images below.
The path beyond the bridge is also the start of the Orange Trail Loop (see here for more details), which I wouldn’t recommend for a small child. You could, however, walk down to the open tree space and capture images of the forest and trees above. Beyond this point there are steep hills with roots, rocks and trees to maneuver around. If you do decide to hike the Orange Trail there is an amazing overlook at the half way point. Once we reached this point we turned around and walked back, the entire Orange Trail Loop is 2.2 miles.
Now, some tips for your budding photographer!
As a mom to a child who loves photography we are always discovering items to capture while on photo walks, road trips and just around the house. My little creative has his own point and shoot style camera, but if the children in your life use an iPhone, iPad or older point and shoot, these rules still apply.
- Hold your camera with two hands to ensure the sharpest image you can achieve given the environment.
- Always take more than one picture of the same item. The best part about digital is that you can take multiple images and choose the best one later.
- Change your body position around what you are capturing. Stand, Squat and even lay down if needed. Different angles produce different creative results.
Here is a fun game to play with your little photographer to spark their creativity while out on your next photo walk.
If you are looking for a resource to support your child’s creative curiosity, build on their love for photography or simply have them learn a new creative skill, then my upcoming Photography 101 for Little Creatives Online Workshop is worth checking out. This is a great experience gift idea and the workshop is now available for pre-order. The self paced course features on-location video tutorials, pdf’s and access to me to ask questions through a private members only group. A gift certificate is provided if you are presenting it as a gift. The workshop will be accessible on December 28th, 2020. The cart will be closed on Jan 8th, 2021. Here’s a link to find out more!
I hope this post inspires you to get outdoors and start capturing moments (and memories!) with your own little creatives.
Happy Holidays!
Devil‘s Hopyard State Park
366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT
Contact:
(860) 526-2336
deep.stateparks@ct.gov
Hours:
Monday – Sunday, 8am-8pm
Pricing:
FREE!
Details:
Stroller Friendly: A wearable baby carrier is a better option for your non-walkers.
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES
Restroom: Porta-potty available near parking lots
Baby Changing Station: NO
Parking: YES; The parking lot closest to the waterfall is on Fox Town Rd. Parking will be across the street from the falls.
Food for Sale: NO
Outside Food Allowed: YES
Cash Required: N/A
Age Recommendations: All ages!
Dress Code: N/A
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Discounts: N/A
Birthday Party Venue: N/A
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