“And when you see light like this, trust me, it’s like a strawberry sundae with sprinkles.”
― Joe McNally, The Moment It Clicks: Photography Secrets from One of the World’s Top Shooters
The theme park, Carowinds, has been a special place for me since childhood. While a young child, I couldn’t wait for my parents to take me to Carowinds for a day of adventure. As an older child (sixteen), I began my first job there. It was an amazing place to work as a teenager. I worked for several seasons and made friendships that last to this day. Now, my son, Jeremy, is finishing his fourth summer working at the theme park. It has, indeed, been a special place.
As an employee, Jeremy is provided with several free passes each season. He always offers some of his passes to me. This season, I was able to visit him at the park one day in July. I found myself chasing light throughout the park. The light in each of the images are what made the scene something interesting to photograph.
Jeremy is a supervisor and trainer of lifeguards at the water park. The afternoon of my visit, my eye was drawn first to the afternoon light shining through the tube slides. I spent some time in the area in order to capture both the sun star and a rider of the slide.
As I was leaving the water park to enter the main park of the theme park, my eye was drawn to the light as it hit the fountain.
I always enjoy photographing the swings at Carowinds and at fairs. Since I am not able to take a tripod into Carowinds, I used my Playtpod Pro. The Platypod Pro acts as a tripod when placed on the ground or other stable base. It worked beautifully for capturing this image.
The best display of light was one of complete serendipity. I rode the Skytower in order to get an overall view of the park. I wanted to see if I could get some ideas for my next shot. While on the Skytower, I noticed that a rainbow had formed in one area of the park. As soon as I was back on the ground, I raced to the area of the park where I had seen the rainbow. As I raised the camera to my eye to capture the rainbow, the rider from one of the rides entered my viewfinder! I was beyond thrilled when my chosen shutter speed was adequate to freeze her in flight.
Extraordinary light made each of these images. I look forward to next year when I will again get the opportunity to chase light at Carowinds!
Great photos, all of them Mary.
Thanks so much, Dan!