Watrous is home to endless photo opportunities
There's a small piece of paradise in Saskatchewan, about 100 kilometres east of Saskatoon. It's called Watrous and it is a well known tourist destination because of its close proximity to Manitou Beach and Little Manitou Lake. The lake is often compared to the Dead Sea and people come from all over to float in its incredibly buoyant waters.
Fawne Inkster, owner of Clix Photography, grew up in Watrous. Her parents own a farm just outside of town to the north, and this is where it all started for her.
"I love taking pictures of scenery, landscapes, animals and people too," she said. "But it all kind of started at my parent's farm, taking pictures there. My love for photography has grown from that and spread from there."
Inkster takes all kinds of photos for her business, from families to hockey clubs to dance clubs to weddings, graduations and anniversaries. She loves doing landscapes and wildlife shots as well, and Watrous has offered her more than enough opportunities to capture its beauty.
RVwest sat down with Inkster to find out where to go in Watrous for the best pictures and how to make sure you capture your memories with style.
Manitou Beach and Little Manitou Lake
Location
Just a five minute drive from Watrous, nestled in a beautiful valley, is Manitou Beach and Little Manitou Lake.
Photo op
After her parents' farm, this is one of Inkster's favourite places to take photos.
"My favourite view is actually driving down into this really pretty valley with trees on both sides and the lake up ahead in the distance," said Inkster. "It's amazing when you drive down there and the lake is just like glass. In the fall, it's amazing to see the rolling hills on the other side of the lake in their brilliant colours."
The lake has been compared to the Dead Sea because it has such a high salt content you can float in it. Inkster said absolutely anyone can float, even if they can't swim, and the lake is supposed to have natural healing and soothing properties.
Wellington Park can also be found at Manitou Beach. Again, it's surrounded by hills in a gorgeous valley where people can enjoy a picnic and a day out in nature. On the west end of the beach is Camp Easter Seal, which is a fully accessible camp for disabled persons. It sits on the grounds of the first provincial park in Saskatchewan. The chalet was a government initiated make-work project for men during the Great Depression. The beautiful stone structure became the centre of a resort for upscale clientele during the 1930s.
"Wellington Park is a tranquil and peaceful park, with a bubbling stream enrobed by trees and shrubs," said Inkster. "It’s a perfect place to have a picnic and capture photographs of the surrounding scenery and abundant wildlife. Great blue herons will visit the park in the early fall. The beautiful stone buildings and well-manicured grounds of Camp Easter Seal provide a breathtaking background for photos."
Photo tips
Make sure you pick a time of day when the sun is not too bright. Inskter likes taking photos here before noon or in the evening. Her favourite time is actually when it's overcast and cloudy.
"I generally don't need to use a tripod. Just envision what you want the picture to be and what you want it to say," she said.
Lake Diefenbaker
Location
Lake Diefenbaker is a little over an hour from Watrous, depending on where you go on the 800-square-kilometre lake.
Photo op
Inkster said this lake is close to the Douglas and Danielson provincial parks, nestled among beautiful rolling hills and sand cliffs. The lake is amazing for boating, water sports, fishing and swimming. There are also many different kinds of birds to photograph. There are several trails close by that will take you around junipers, cacti and sand dunes.
Photo tips
"If you're out doing water sports as a family and want to get some action shots, make sure to use a fast speed lens and take continuous shots," she said. "It enables you to get great reactions and capture the smiles and excitement on people's faces."
Inkster also recommends, if you're taking shots of birds, to be patient.
"Patience is number one for photographing birds," she said. "You have to be able to just sit and watch and wait for them to take off and land and join up with their little ones."
No matter what you are taking photos of in Watrous, Inkster said there's always something to see.
"Capturing the perfect smile, a twinkle in an eye, all in the perfect light takes patience but it's all worth it," Inkster said. "When taking photos of people, pay attention to their eyes and the emotions; the stories they hold are inspiring. Always have your camera ready, whether you're out for a walk or taking a drive. You never know what you will see."
