ProfessionalFollow the arrow to happy. This photo represents my happy place. The lake represents calm, beauty, nature's medicine. I come here when I need to breathe. It's a place I visit to calm my soul, to reflect on life and on how lucky we are to have a place so beautiful right in our backyard. This is my happy place!

Amateur (ages 19 and up)I took this photograph on a cold October day in 2019 when my aunt came to visit. We didn’t know how much life was going to change in 6 months, but I was so grateful to have this to remember the peace I felt that day when I was feeling overwhelmed at my job in a hospital. I could take a moment looking at how the light reflects off the water and just breathe.

Amateur (ages 19 and up)Boat docks, town pier Otsego Lake, Cooperstown. Absolutely love to photograph this beautiful place we live, the lakes, nature, kayaking. Here's a beautiful photo taken recently of the boat docks Winter 2024.

Amateur (ages 19 and up)Our lake is a place of so many memories, many from our childhood. I reflect on my own joy on a hot summer day, playing and jumping off the dock at 5 mile point. My own children were captured in this scene on a gorgeous, warm September day in 2018. The lake was still warm after a long summer, and our dog enjoyed a dip too. I believe this photo ties is with the title “Reflections” because I reflect on natural innocence of childhood, connecting with nature with an unbridled freedom, finding joy in water play. I like to think of their laughter bouncing off the water, as new ideas and inventions take place. The clouds were dramatic this day and the blue of the sky mixed with clouds reflecting off the water mirror the children’s excitement and joy bouncing off the beautiful water of this lake. This lake carries so many echoes of joy and laughter from all people who enjoy it.

Amateur (ages 19 and up)We often think of Lake Otsego as a place to feel the sun and watch the beautiful sailboats, but winter is a different story. Standing on the shores of the lake with winds howling down across the water, and snow swirling around the tower, is a raw beauty that most visitors don\'t encounter. This photo was taken on a very cold day, standing at the headwaters of the lake and experiencing what Mother Nature provides. It is not only breathtaking, but it helps you appreciate the beauty of our area, despite the cold and wind. I love it!

Amateur (ages 19 and up)To me this shows the perfect "mirror" effect of the lake. It is an image that would have been able to be seen 400 years ago or yesterday. It is at the landing where the Indians came to meet. It shows how clean the water is and how stunning the clouds, but mostly it shows the integrity of keeping the lake as close to it's origins as possible and as clean as possible. There are days when there are no boats or people on the Lake and it is serene, quiet, mighty and safe. This photo makes me cry with gratitude.

Amateur (ages 19 and up)The glow of the sunset is accentuated through the dark clouds. There is a sense of tranquility despite the impending storm.