Like a Local - Michael Yatsko

From hidden gems to classic experiences, our local friends are sharing their favorite ways to spend time in the Hershey Harrisburg Region. Part 6 of our “Like a Local” series features local photographer Michael Yatsko. While many of our insiders are focused on what to do in the region, Michael is focused (literally!) on sharing the region’s beauty through his love of traditional and aerial photography.

Michael’s Favorite Photo Spots

The Susquehanna River: By Michael’s unofficial count, about half of his images include the river.

The Rockville Bridge: The longest stone arch bridge in the nation is an engineering marvel and a train spotter’s dream as the tracks are active daily.

The Broad Street Market: The iconic market sign on the Stone Building watches over 3rd Street like an old friend.

Hershey Gardens: From the air and from the ground, Hershey Gardens bursts with color year-round.

Read on to learn more about Michael’s projects and insights on the region’s photo-worthy sights.  

More about Michael

Michael remembers getting his first film camera as a gift from his mother when he was about eight years old. From that young age, he loved the idea of capturing a moment in time to remember places he’d been.

Photography was a hobby for many years. Michael earned a degree in Anthropology. Through AmeriCorps he learned how to build houses and saved money to go back to school to become an educator. He loved teaching and he oved the students, but he admits that his mind was often wandering from the classroom to thoughts about planning his next photography shoot. That creative pull became too strong to ignore, so a few years ago photography became Michael’s full-time focus.  

As a professional photographer, he’s using his passion for freezing time through images not just to snap photos of his own adventures, but to capture images of Harrisburg and the surrounding area that offer new perspectives on landscapes and everyday images.

Getting His Start

Images of the Broad Street Market often pop up on Michael’s social feeds. He beautifully documents the historic building’s iconic sign on 3rd Street through the seasons, at morning light, or as dusk falls on the city. He feels connected to the market because it was one of the first places to embrace and report his work. He would occasionally set up tent in the courtyard as a vendor to help gain some traction for selling his work.

Requests & Revelations

Many of Michael’s photos show the City of Harrisburg from an aerial perspective. He’s up most days before the sun rises to “catch the light” from a sunrise over the Susquehanna River, City Island, and the Harrisburg skyline.

At festivals, fleas, and other local events where he’s a vendor, he’s happy to hear people say that his work gives them the opportunity to see the city they love in a way that can’t be captured from the ground.

People will often request images so that they can send them to family or friends who’ve moved away or maybe just haven’t had a chance to visit. Michael’s captures of vivid purple and pink sunset skies over the Capital City make their way to homes near and far.

Rivers & Rails

Michael has lived near the Susquehanna River most of his life. He remembers growing up in Wilkes Barre and exploring along the river with his cousins. With the water always close by, it’s been a natural muse for his photography. He loves to document the way it changes through dry seasons or after heavy rains – watching the way birds and other wildlife interact with its banks and currents.

Michael spent 16 years driving by the Rockville Bridge on his daily drive to the elementary school through his teaching years. If the Susquehanna River is in half of Michael’s photo library, the historic bridge earns several chapters as well. He says even with a drone, it’s hard to capture just how massive the structure is with a single photo.

Moon Shots and Memories

For Michael, choosing a favorite image isn’t about the photo’s subject, but rather an appreciation for the time and effort that went into the set up. To capture a full moon, he’ll plan for months to chart out the timing of the moon’s perfect position behind the Capitol dome and where he needs to be positioned when it’s time for the shutter to roll. When a shot like that is successful, there’s a pride that comes from a proven process.

For his customers, a favorite shot is something that has more of a personal connection. Like a request for a photo of the Capitol from someone who worked there for many years, or a photo of a loved one’s favorite restaurant. 

Through the Lens of a Host

Michael’s advice for visiting the region range from a trip to Hersheypark to scoping out live music events. You won’t be surprised to hear him suggest a stop at the Broad Street Market and then add on a visit to Midtown Scholar Bookstore just across the street. (Tip: the entrance to the bookstore is a great spot to snap your own photo of that famous Broad Street Market sign!) 

You can find Michael’s work online at Michael Yatski Photography. He is often a vendor at Harrisburg Artsfest (Memorial Day weekend) and Kipona (Labor Day weekend). Stay Apparel Co. in Hershey has a collection of about a dozen of Michale’s Hershey prints.