Photography at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Jockey’s Ridge includes an exciting variety of plants, animals, and geology. It is the perfect location for landscape and nature photographers! This article has some tips to help you take stunning pictures during your time at the park.
Prepare Ahead for Harsh Conditions
A safe and rewarding trip to Jockey’s Ridge starts with careful preparation. The first thing is to choose the right time to visit. Afternoons at the park can be sweltering. Sand temperatures are regularly 30-40 degrees hotter than the air temperature.
Depending on the time of your visit, consider several items for safety and comfort:
A hat to shield you from the sun,
Several bottles of water to stay hydrated,
Sunglasses and sunscreen,
A long sleeve shirt to block out the sun,
Pants with zip on/off leggings,
Quality hiking boots.
Dune photography is similar to landscape photography. You have to pack the equipment you are sure you will need. Equipment can include:
Lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto,
A tripod,
Cable release,
Filters like a polarizer or graduated neutral density,
Extra batteries,
Extra SD cards,
A multi-tool.
And bring a garbage bag/blanket with you!
Camera care is imperative, and setting your bag in the sand can create some problems later. It is better to bring a garbage bag or blanket with you to place your equipment on to help keep your equipment safe.
Choosing Lenses for Jockey’s Ridge Photography
Wondering what lens you’ll need is a great question. My opinion is, “whatever you can carry.” If you have limited space, limit your lens choice to fewer lenses with better coverage. The dune landscape consists of endless sand, sky, and water. It’s natural to want to capture it all in one frame with a wide-angle lens. While there are plenty of times where this lens is a perfect choice, consider using a telephoto lens as well. A telephoto lens will allow you to photograph many of the animals that call the dunes home! If you still have room in your bag, bring a macro lens so you can capture the beautiful plants and smaller wildlife in the park.
What to Photograph
Jockey’s Ridge has a wide array of plants and animals worthy of having their picture taken. Keep your eye out when you are on the dunes for tracks. These tracks can occasionally lead you to an interesting bug, lizard, or maybe even a turtle. The prints and the animals that make them are most visible in the morning if you want to see them get here early!
Sunset is also a great time at the park! Not only is the temperature in the park far more comfortable, but the views from the top are second to none. The dunes are currently the tallest natural area on the island! They provide great views of the ocean, Roanoke Island, and the Sound. Sunset time is constantly changing. Be sure to look it up before you leave and plan on giving yourself about 30 minutes to hike up the dunes and set up.
Conclusion
Photography at Jockey’s Ridge is the perfect way to capture the magic this area has to offer. With some pre-planning, good timing, and minimal gear, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding dune photography adventure!
Written by Assistant Park Ranger Spencer Bost
Photo by APR Spencer Bost, Sunset over the Sound at Jockey’s Ridge
