Month-to-month for our Community Click section, we see dozens of photos from area shutterbugs. Our most frequently run photographers experiment with different styles and set new goals for themselves month to month. So when asked for the best photo spot on the Plateau, the real answer is a shrug and an inquiring “What kind of picture are you trying to take?”

That being said, in terms of sheer volume of entries, North Lake Tapps wins hands down. Why the popularity? We have some theories.

The north side of the lake is open to the public via the county park and perfectly situated for accomplishing a number of photo types.

Venture out on a clear day, and you’re treated to a straight-shot view of Mount Rainier, the bread and butter of landscape photos in Washington state. Even if the mountain is obscured, the shoreside trees and lake houses render the view breathtaking, summer or winter. Crystal clear glacier water reflects everything. It’s a beautiful effect on an average day and a real treat during the annual Independence Day fireworks display (not to mention the abundance of unauthorized displays that pepper the season, but catching one on camera requires a little luck).

The locale also accommodates more intimate depictions of nature, be it a raft of ducks on the water or the waterside forest as the light hits it just so.

Summer, now just behind us, is for action shots. Boaters flock to the water on sunny days (sometimes even overcast days) to cruise the lake; water skis and inner tubes are a common sight. They’re impressive shoreside, but the best shots of big wakes, sick jumps and (we’ll admit it) hilarious wipeouts can be had while shooting from the back of a speedboat. Just ask Janice Thomas. Every summer, the local photographer starts Christmas early and has her friends don Santa and Mrs. Claus costumes before riding the waves. The best shots are printed on gift cards and sold in stores around Bonney Lake and Lake Tapps.