It was a crisp, cool morning when we all met up for our adventure to Lackawanna Park in Scranton, PA. I was behind the wheel of my truck, with Jong riding shotgun, while Jeff followed in his trusty SUV. We were excited, ready to capture some incredible shots and videos with our drones, and of course, just enjoy a peaceful day outdoors. As we cruised along the quiet roads leading to the park, we chatted about the best spots to shoot and the weather, which was just perfect for what we had in mind.
When we arrived at the park, it was like stepping into a painting. The lake glistened under the morning sun, so clear you could see the fish swimming beneath the surface. People were kayaking and casting fishing lines, giving the place a serene and lively energy all at once. Jeff and I wasted no time in setting up our drones, eager to get some aerial shots of the lake and the surrounding landscapes. It wasn’t long before the drones were buzzing overhead, capturing the beauty from above.
Now, I’ve flown my drone countless times, but that morning, I had a little scare. While getting some shots over the lake, my drone started drifting, and for a brief moment, I thought I had lost it for good! Luckily, I managed to bring it back without any damage, but that brief panic definitely got my heart racing. Jeff got a good laugh out of it, though!
As we wandered closer to the lake, we met two people sitting quietly with their fishing poles in hand—a middle-aged man and his elderly father. They had a calm, almost ritualistic energy about them. The son shared that they had been coming to that exact same spot every year since he was a kid. It was their special place, a tradition that they held onto, and it was nice to witness that kind of bond and dedication between them.
While Jong explored a bit farther along the shore, taking some stunning shots with his camera, Jeff and I spotted a couple of ducks waddling around near the water’s edge. I couldn’t resist taking some pictures of them; they were just so calm, moving in perfect harmony with the peaceful surroundings. It was one of those moments where nature seemed to slow down, and everything felt just right.
We spent the next few hours capturing the incredible landscapes that Lackawanna Park had to offer. The trees, with their leaves starting to hint at autumn, framed the lake perfectly, and the reflections on the water were something out of a dream. Jong found a few hidden spots that looked almost untouched, and we spent some time just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of it all.
By the time we packed up, we were all feeling pretty good about the shots we had captured. The day had given us exactly what we needed—a mix of adventure, peaceful moments, and a few surprises (like my drone mishap!). As we headed back to the cars, we all agreed we’d have to return soon, maybe even before the fall colors came in full force.
The drive back was filled with talk of the best shots of the day, ideas for future trips, and just the usual friendly banter. It was one of those days that reminded me why I love doing this—exploring, creating, and just enjoying the beauty around us with good friends.
Some pictures from the park
