Photo above: Barn across the Snohomish River from Lowell Park
I meet a photographer several nights ago while I was out hunting sunsets. I had scouted out a very nice grassy area along the banks of an overlook park. I had my tripod set-up and pointed at the Mountains. My camera and I waiting for that special moment when the sun would cast a warm glow on their snowy white caps. As I stood there I noticed a fellow in a wheel chair crossing the busy lanes of traffic. He was too far away for me to see that he had a camera in his lap. As he crossed at the same spot in the road I had earilier I thought “he’s taking a real risk crossing there. The street is sloping uphill, the driver visability low and traffic heavy” As he struggled across the lane I turned back to my camera figuring he must be on the way to a bus stop, or?
After a few more tweaks to my lens and lost in thought I looked up to see that fellow directly behind me on the sidewalk. He looked at me, smiled and said “I’m looking to take pictures of a photographers backside” then he chuckled. He had crossed the busy lane of traffic on the same hunt that I had. He was in hopes of finding that spot where he could grab a shot of the mountain sunset. But, he couldn’t leave the concret to cross to where I was.
While the disabilities act has given people with wheelchairs more access to the world, there are still big barriers for them. My new friend went down the sidewalk to scout a spot, but I’m afraid he didn’t find one. After several trips up and down the lane he took a few photos and headed back the way he came.
So, my lesson learned. I can’t help everyone but if I notice a spot that might be accessible for wheelchair photographers – I promise to menton it in the post.
One such spot is the Lowell Riverfront Park. With paved trails along the river this photo walk is doable for photographers in wheel chairs. While fishermen have cleared nice spots in the undergrowth near the river banks for the non-disabled, there are a few spots where the trees are cleared and a photographer can grab a photo from the paved lane.
The Lowell Riverfront Park just south of Everett. Don’t be confused, there are two Lowell parks to find the one near the riverfront use this map. The park trail parking lot starts midway through the trail. If you go east you will end up at the boat launch and can wander out to get an on-the-river photograph. At low tide, the mud flats are very interesting and can fill your photo walk time.
Going northwest on the trail, you’ll find the old mill at the farthest end and numerious spots to photograph along the shore. While not many spots are accessable for the wheelchair user, you will find spots of beauty to photograph from the paved trail, including a small pond, water fowl and river views.
A great time to go is in the evening as the sun is setting. The colors over the river can highlight the foliage and add depth to the scene.
What you’ll need:
- A Tripod
- Shutter release cable
- Camera and extra memory cards
- Misquito replent and a light weight long sleeve shirt
- Walkstool
