Beaverwood Farm – Swan lake, NY

it was December 2024, and I was recovering from surgery. We decided a little escape from daily life was exactly what we needed, so we packed up and headed to one of our favorite places—the Catskills, New York. We’ve been coming up here for years, and every trip feels like pressing the reset button. There’s something about the quiet mountains and open space that clears your head.

On our way home that Sunday, I spotted a small farm on Google Maps that actually welcomed visitors—even in the off-season. Sounded perfect. When we arrived, I asked the owner if I could take some photos, and he happily agreed.

The place was beautiful—acres of snow-dusted fields, crisp winter air, and some of the friendliest animals I’ve ever met. The donkey was getting a little too friendly with my wife, the goats were competing for attention, and the Highland cows and bulls were lazily chewing hay while the sheep tried to nap in the corner.

I pulled out my Hasselblad 500C and started shooting on Ilford HP5 film. I was completely in the zone—probably went through three rolls, maybe more. The animals were natural posers, and I couldn’t stop smiling behind the camera. There’s something about shooting film in the cold that slows everything down in the best way—it forces you to really see the moment.

Fast-forward ten months later, after finally developing and scanning the rolls, I have to say this has become one of my favorite photo series. Maybe it’s because I love wildlife and animals, or maybe it’s just the memory of that quiet winter afternoon in the Catskills—snow on the ground, peace in the air, and a few new furry friends who knew exactly how to work the lens.

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in upstate New York, I can’t recommend exploring the Catskills enough. Bring a camera—film or digital—and see what you discover.