Niagara Falls, N.Y.- Gary Muth has spent his life taking photos in Niagara Falls State Park. He recently turned his photographs into a powerful book entitled "Free Niagara."

Niagara Falls seems to have a way of inspiring people.

From writers and presidents to newlyweds and artists, something about Niagara’s power and sheer beauty has attracted people to the world wonder for centuries.

Locally, many living in the Niagara USA region have grown close to Niagara Falls and the 400-acre state park and others, like Gary Muth have captured it in all of its splendor.

Muth, owner of The Portrait Gallery Niagara has been taking photos in and around Niagara Falls State Park at least twice a week for the better part of two decades.

Recently, he turned his collection of photos into a coffee table book entitled “Free Niagara.” The book is a stunning combination of photographs depicting Niagara Falls beauty throughout the year.

You can view and purchase his book at: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2623820

Here is a portion of a Q & A I had had with Gary Muth.

Question:  What is the photo you have taken that is your favorite.

Answer: The best photos are the ones that have a story or great memory to go with them. I just captured this image on a morning in October on the last island of the Three Sister’s Islands. A storm front was brewing in the distance and the dead water logged tree made a dramatic image. After the shot, I heard voices, I turned around to greet the Mayor of Niagara Falls walking by with a group of people. That was a special moment.

Question:  If you were to tell someone, 'When you come to Niagara Falls, you can't miss....' How would you end this sentence?

Answer: Great Lakes Gardens. I am always amazed that most people I talk to don’t know where the gardens are or that they are shaped after the Great Lakes .It seems like everyone takes the path directly to the falls and never walk in to the gardens. The gardens are always a great area for photographs.

Question:  What aspect of the park do you enjoy taking photos of the most?

Answer: It is always marked on my calendar to shoot the trilliums on Goat Island the first week of May.

Question: What season is your favorite in Niagara Falls State Park?

Answer: Winter, no doubt about it, there is something about mixing snow, water and ice that creates a powerful intensity to captivate the viewer.

Question: People often have a misconception that Niagara Falls is closed or isn’t as beautiful in the winter time, what would you tell them in regards to visiting the state park in the winter?

Answer: The ice trees on Goat Island are a favorite of mine. As you can see from the photo it is a winter wonderland. I would tell them not to miss this event, it occurs every year in January and February and sometimes in to March. The mist freezes on the trees and it is spectacular.

Visit the Portrait Gallery Niagara’s website at: www.theportraitgalleryniagara.com or find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Portrait.Gallery.Niagara

Stay tuned to the Niagara Falls USA Facebook Page where we will be running a contest to win one of Gary's books.

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