Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains
Many years ago, I came across a photograph of mountains, which captivated me by their serene beauty. Silhouettes of rolling hills, blue in fading light, mesmerized my mind. I was a boy and did not know the name of the place or where it was, but I carried the memory of this view over the years and eventually learned the name of it: the Blue Ridge Mountains. A few years ago, I visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and my childhood emotions woke up in response to the views I discovered there. This photograph echoes my old feeling of the place, and the lines of these ridges still feel my soul with joy.
Le Conte Creek, Snowfall, Great Smoky Mountains
These were the most extreme weather conditions I used my 4x5 in. My son and I started hiking up to the Rainbow Falls, expecting no more than a few drops of rain, but once we climbed high enough, light rain turned into snow. A lot of snow, yet still melting when touching the ground. We reached a bridge over the mountains stream and here decided to turn back. But before that, I quickly unpacked my camera and set up this composition.
At one second of exposure, I expected the falling snow to completely disappear. Instead, it left a lot of faint, long streaks across the image, predominantly visible in shadow areas. No complaints though, I like it that way.
Little River
Some moments and scenes define our perception of the place. This quiet landscape is my perception of Smokies: quiet, beautiful water stream, flowing through a lush green forest. I came there to be amazed by vistas, but found another kind of beauty instead. The one, that does not overload your senses with spectacular views, but soothes your spirit and sets your mind to a quiet state of harmony with the nature. It is not instantly recognizable: being the most visited park in the United States, Smokies might appear busy and way too touristy, which distracts from these subtle scenes. Do not be lazy, make few steps on the trail, and the place will reward you with some wonderful experience.
Fontana Lake
Fontana Lake is a reservoir impounded by Fontana Dam on the Little Tennessee River located in Graham and Swain counties in North Carolina. The lake forms part of the southern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the northern border of part of the Nantahala National Forest.
Morning Dreams
"The dreamy blue haze that ever hovers over the mountains softens all outlines, lends a mirage-like effect of great distance to objects that are but a few miles off, while those farther removed grow more and more intangible until finally the skyline blends with the sky itself." - Horace Kephart