Journeys
Chasing Light in The Catskills
An Exhibition of Landscape Photography and Stories by Jane Haslam and Moe Lemire
I’m excited to announce that I have my first solo photography exhibition in The Catskills this Fall. The work is on show at the Pine Hill Community Center from 23rd August until 11th October. Pine Hill is conveniently close to Route 28, the Belleayre Ski Center and right in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. If you are planning a trip into The Catskills please call in. Better still why not mark you calendar and come along to the opening reception, I’d love to say hi to friends old and new.
Click here to find out more about Pine Hill CC
Opening Reception:
Saturday 23rd August 2025
2pm-4pm
Step into the beauty of the Catskill Mountains via the local knowledge of Tannersville based mountain guide Moe Lemire, and as seen through the lens of award winning Hudson Valley based, British landscape photographer Jane Haslam.
Jane and Moe have been chasing light together since January 2023, and what began as a simple client / hiker relationship very quickly developed into a fully formed friendship evolving beyond the miles they hiked together into a journey of personal exploration and discovery. Day hikes quickly turned into overnight backpacking trips to maximize locations as well as the available photography time when the light could potentially be at its best. In their shared time on the trail, they have found inspiration through each other’s commitment to honoring the landscape—Jane through her images, Moe through his stewardship and guiding.
These photographs capture the emotional depth of the Catskills across the ever changing seasons. From soft pastels to dramatic skies and the stark beauty of winter with silent sunrises that few ever see, these images reveal a deep connection to place and unrelenting pursuit of light. Each photograph is both a moment in time and a meditation on nature’s drama, inviting viewers to travel into the mountains to feel the stillness, power, and poetry of the Catskills.
In Journeys: Chasing Light in the Catskill Mountains, the photographs are more than scenic views—they are markers of moments that have been lived, challenges that have been accepted, and stories that are written in the mountain air.
Although I have a lot of favorite moments on my exploration of The Catskills these are two images that will long stay in my memory, fittingly they both feature prominently in the exhibition:
Alder Lake Sunset:
This enchanting photograph was captured in June 2025, right in the midst of an early Summer heatwave. It remains perhaps the easiest backpacking trip we’ve ever taken, with no elevation gain and very low mileage, a rare combination for such a rewarding experience. Despite its simplicity, the trip was absolutely magical in every way. A full moon rose high in the sky, and with no threat of rainfall, we happily camped without the rainfly. The dappled moonlight filtering softly through the trees created a serene and captivating atmosphere, whilst the night itself was alive with the gentle flicker of lightning bugs and the soothing croaks of bullfrogs along the lakeshore.
As the sun began to set we wandered slowly along the lakeshore looking for foreground interest, I hope you’ll agree that the canoe is perfect! The most fascinating effect though was that as the sun disappeared, warmer and cooler air mingled to created a few short lived localized clouds adding interest to an otherwise bland sky…. cue a happy dance, idyllic and peaceful moments that stay with you long after leaving the woods.
Tremper Mountain Sunrise:
This was another hot and humid trip undertaken in July 2024. It was to be my first time photographing the landscape from a dreaded fire tower, in fact my fear of fire towers is one of the stories in the exhibition. We also found a Timber Rattlesnake curled up near the shelter, just a little off the summit of the mountain. This unexpected encounter played a big part in our decision on where to camp overnight… basically choosing a spot as far away from that snake as possible! Overnight, however was amazing, who needs sleep anyway! - we had blue hour, golden hour, layers, clouds, inversion in the valleys and even a minor view of the aurora! To be honest I could have mounted an exhibition solely of images from this trip, there were so many jaw dropping moments, but in the end I chose the Tremper Mountain Sunrise because I always love an early morning bank of clouds, crepuscular rays and a layered landscape.
Finally let me introduce you to my partner in crime for this undertaking - Moe Lemire, a NY State registered guide, owner of Hike on Guides and all round lovely fella.
This image of Moe was taken shortly after sunrise on our first backpacking trip to Dibbles Quarry. Other than the technical know how I’m not taking credit for this at all - It was his suggestion that I take a short walk back along the trail, and he wasn’t wrong, the light was enchanting! I took some nice photographs looking at the sun with the silhouette of Kaaterskill High Peak in the distance, but once Moe placed himself on the edge of the quarry I knew I had a winner
That first overnight trip was a huge learning experience for us both!
Moe had chosen a manageable distance and elevation gain. We hiked the short distance up to Dibbles Quarry and set up camp, then carried on to Pecoy Notch for sunset, passing a small waterfall on the way. It was his first opportunity to assess my locational needs, see me at work as well as just how much equipment I deemed necessary to carry with me!
For me it was my first time hammock camping as opposed to tent camping - I loved it by the way - as well as a chance to evaluate how on earth I was going to carry all that heavy camera gear alongside my overnight essentials - that I loved a little less!
Following on from that first overnight we’ve hit our stride, the journey has continued on a monthly basis and in all seasons, my photography has developed in a way I never expected and we have both learnt so much. The more we chase the light, the more we want to do, I’ve found the perfect photography backpack which carries everything I need, distributes the weight, and is as comfortable as can be expected!
As the distances and elevation gains continue to increase, the challenges are coming thick and fast, testing both endurance and determination. I don’t know exactly what the next 12 months will bring, but for me, that uncertainty is the most exciting part of the journey. I’m really good at traveling hopefully and hope to embrace every new experience with enthusiasm and an open heart.
Thank you for your support and I hope that you’ve found this blog of interest. If you wish to show support for my endeavors and help caffeinate my future adventures please consider buying me a coffee at the link below
Many thanks