Photography Guide to Glen Lake In Pitman, NJ 
New Jersey Photo Hot Spot

Nestled on the southern edge of Pitman, New Jersey, Glen Lake offers a surprising oasis for photographers seeking scenic beauty and peaceful moments. This small, yet picturesque lake provides a variety of photographic opportunities, from capturing the vibrant hues of a sunrise over the water to the photography of many species of plants, insects and animals.

It has special meaning for me, as this was my childhood hangout for fishing, row boating, and ice skating over 50 years ago.

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Location

Glen Lake is located in the heart of South Jersey in Gloucester County. It's about 50 miles south of the NJ state capitol in Trenton and less than a 30 minute drive from downtown Philadelphia.

You're probably wondering what to look for when it comes to finding the great photographic opportunities at Glen Lake. It's a small lake, easy to hike around, making it perfect for shooting photos at any angle. 

The park has several benches on both sides of the lake, perfect spots to rest and observe the wildlife and the plants and trees. The lake recently has been fitted with fountains and lights. Glen Lake was stocked for fishing. It's also rather shallow and often freezes over, providing a nice place for winter outdoor ice skating. I spent many hours in my youth gliding gracefully (well, maybe not gracefully) over the slippery,  frozen surface.

Located in the southwest corner of Pitman, Glen Lake is only about 1 mile from another lake worth visiting and photographing in Pitman, NJ. See my Alcyon Lake Photography.

Wildlife at Glen Lake

Although it's quite small-It's really more of a pond than a lake-there's ample opportunities to get some great wildlife photos.  The lake attracts a diverse range of birdlife. Early mornings and evenings are prime times to photograph ducks, and geese gliding gracefully across the water's surface.

Green Herons, like the one photographed above, are less likely to be seen in Pitman than their larger cousins, the blue heron. You can often find the blue herons wading motionless in the shallow water by the shoreline. The key to successfully photographing the heron and other birds is to use a super telephoto lens. Approach EXTREMELY slowly and remain as motionless when possible to avoid scaring them off.

Geese often build their nests on elevated ground near water, and they tend to return to the same location each year to give birth. This spot is right on the water's edge and there is ample room to circle wide so as not to disturb this parent goose.

I'm always amazed at how fast the goslings mature into geese.

Wildflower Symphony: The surrounding shoreline boasts a variety of wildflowers to photograph that bloom throughout the spring and summer months. Get down low and capture close-up details and your bound to find plenty of insects to capture.

It's all about timing when trying to photograph dragonflies and other fascinating insects.

Many photographers visiting the Glen Lake areas don' know about the surrounding areas near the lake that available. Cross Longmere Ave and you're in Glassboro. There's a small stream and a wood chip path that will lead you to another small wooded recreational area. Cross over Park Avenue and you'll be in yet another recreational area.

It's in that wooded area that I heard and subsequently photographed the Downy Woodpecker.

Landscape Photos at Glen Lake

Following the ever changing seasons, Glen Lake transforms throughout the year. Capture the vibrant foliage ablaze with color in autumn, a winter wonderland in the cold months, the magical mist rising from the water in spring, or the lush greenery reflecting the summer sun.

Often the best time to photograph the beauty of a snow storm is just as the storm ends when the clouds are breaking up.

In addition to photographing the actual lake, the various trees in the park give you an opportunity to practice your photo compositional skills.

Two picturesque water fountains add a touch of rustic charm to the landscape and a feel of energy. Try a few different angles with different compositions until you get one that just feels right.

In the photo above, I found a specific vantage point that would frame in the fountain with green luscious vegetation. 

You can often find beautiful scenes to photograph in the bleakness of winter and the photo above is an example of that. In the photo above I positioned myself at the northeast corner of the park so that I had a strong diagonal element in my composition.

Tips For Photographing Glen Lake

1. GOLDEN HOUR. If you arrive early in the morning or during the golden hour before sunset, you'll get flattering natural light.
   
2. REFLECTIONS.  When wind is absent, take advantage of the still water of the lake as a natural mirror, You'll get captivating reflections of the sky and foliage in the spring before the lily pads take over in the summer.
3. VANTAGE POINTS.  Experiment with different shooting angles and different lens focal lengths (zoom in and out). Get down low  and zoom out or zoom out for details shots.
4. WEATHER. Shoot in various weather conditions.  Overcast skies can be a photographer's friend, diffusing harsh sunlight and creating a soft, ethereal look. Rainy days can also offer interesting reflections and a sense of solitude. Blue skies with white puffy clouds are a good look.

Portrait Photography At Glen Lake

Coming from my perspective as a pro portrait photographer, the lake is a great place for shooting portraits. the numerous trees and not-so-far opposite shoreline make it a great environment for photographing kids, families and couples.

Glen Lake FAQ

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Glen Lake is not be a vast wilderness, but its tranquil beauty and charming atmosphere provide a wealth of photographic opportunities for you, no matter what your photographic skill level. 

I hope you enjoyed this virtual visit to Pitman's own Glen Lake and that I've inspired you to come visit and perhaps photograph this charming little pond. So grab your camera, explore the various viewpoints, and capture the magic of this hidden gem in Pitman, NJ!

See the related article below.

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