New Croton Dam
New Croton Dam is a massive Beaux-Arts stone dam completed in 1906, stretching across the Croton River in Westchester County and forming one of the largest masonry dams ever built in the United States. The spillway is the main draw for photographers, with water cascading over tiered granite in a wide, symmetrical curtain that rewards a slow shutter speed to smooth out the flow. Shoot from the base of the spillway looking up to emphasize the scale of the stonework, or pull back for a wide composition that captures the full width of the dam against the surrounding forest. Overcast days work particularly well here since the spillway sits in a partially shaded gorge and harsh sunlight creates difficult contrast. A wide angle lens suits the grand scale, though a short telephoto helps isolate the texture of the water against the stone. Parking is available near the dam and the walk to the overlook is short. (Cortlandt, New York, United States)
