Pine Barrens Photography
Capturing the Enigmatic Beauty of the New Jersey Pinelands With Photography

While the New Jersey Pinelands might not be the first place that comes to mind for photography enthusiasts, it boasts a hidden wealth of stunning landscapes perfect for capturing with your camera, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. Nature lovers like myself and fellow photographer Richard Lewis find endless inspiration in the Pine Barrens' unique beauty. With a bit of guidance, you too can create captivating images of this special place.

I shot the typical pinelands photo below on a hike of the popular BATONA Trail, which gets its clever name from the phrase "back to nature."    BAck-TO-NAture trail.

Vistas like this one that I photographed recently, stretching across the vast wooded expanse of the Pine Barrens, might seem daunting to some city dwellers. But for photographers like me, they ignite a sense of peace and tranquility, beckoning us to explore and capture their beauty.

Unlike the manicured landscapes of city parks, the Pine Barrens offer a raw and untamed beauty. The gnarled branches of pitch pines cast dramatic shadows across sandy trails, while carpets of emerald green moss cloak ancient tree stumps. Photographers can revel in the play of light filtering through the canopy, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor or illuminating the dewdrops clinging to spiderwebs.

Even the soft diffused light during a rainstorm can be good for photographing certain areas of the pinelands.

The Jersey Pine Barrens area is known for more that its abundant pine trees and sandy soil. It's also known for its marsh areas, small streams, ponds, and flooded cranberry bogs. This makes for an abundant number of photographic subjects. Don't hesitate to lace up your hiking boots and explore trails that lead to scenic vistas, tranquil ponds, and ancient ruins waiting to be immortalized through your lens.

I shot the image below with a Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera and a 24-105mm lens zoomed out to a 32mm focal length.

The New Jersey Pinelands, often overshadowed by the bright lights of Atlantic City, hold a secret world for photographers. This vast expanse of twisted pines, cranberry bogs, and glistening waterways offers a unique landscape unlike any other in the Northeast. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your photographic journey, the Pine Barrens brim with opportunities to capture captivating images.

Franklin Nature Preserve Photos

The Franklin Nature Preserve at Piney Hollow is one of the best hot spots in the New Jersey Pinelands if you want to photograph the wildlife of the area. It's located in Franklin Township between the Black Horse Pike (Rt. 322) and Rt. 40, between Buena and Collings Lakes.

A good zoom lens will give you the versatility you need to capture subject both near and far. For these photos, I used an 18-150mm lens mounted to a Canon mirrorless R7.

I took this frog portrait at Piney Hollow and it was one of many frogs that were posing for me in the various ponds and puddles at Piney Hollow.

From elusive birds of prey, to frogs, turtles, and deer, to delicate wildflowers, the Pine Barrens teem with a diverse array of wildlife waiting to be photographed. Bring along a telephoto lens and stay alert for fleeting moments of natural beauty – a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead, a white-tailed deer grazing in a sun-dappled clearing, or a carnivorous pitcher plant glistening with morning dew.

You'll need to practice patience and respect for the creatures that call this piney wilderness home, and you'll be rewarded with stunning images that capture the essence of the Pine Barrens' natural splendor.

For a very complete list of all species in the Pinelands you can copy and past this page in a new browser tab:  http://www.pineypower.com/animals.htm

While you're in the area, one of the hotspots for enjoyable photo excursions is on the boundary of the Pinelands National Preserve in Heislerville NJ, the East Point Lighthouse.

I shot the image above with a Canon EOS R7  mirrorless camera and an 18-150mm lens zoomed out to an 18mm focal length.

Pine Barrens/Pinelands Frquently Asked Questions

How To Photograph The Pinelands

Photographing the Pine Barrens is not in itself challenging. You'll need a camera with a decent lens and you'll need to employ good compositional technique combined with favorable lighting conditions.

Planning ahead will make your photo excursion more rewarding in two ways. You have more photographic success and you'll not waste so much time going down dead ends.

If you want a complete guide on how, what, and when to take your own stunning images of the Pine Barrens, you're in for a treat. The video below is long, but its fascinating to watch and an extremely helpful guide on photographing the pinelands of New Jersey. Just jump ahead to the 7:50 make if you want to avoid the introductions and get to the useful information and tips on photographing the Pine Barrens.

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Pine Barrens Photography Summary

The Pine Barrens are a photographer's paradise for capturing more than just woodlands. Explore the vibrant ecosystems of cedar swamps teeming with life, or capture the serenity of cranberry bogs reflecting the fiery hues of sunrise.

So, ditch the crowds and venture into a unique New Jersey photography location,  the mysterious beauty of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. With a camera in hand and a sense of adventure, you're sure to capture the magic of this hidden gem.

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