The Great Smoky Mountain National Park calls to me in multiple ways. Its song can be heard and seen in the water, the trees, the multitude of wildflowers, the animals, the vistas and even the solitude if you are willing to work for it. (The work may involve a hike, a long drive on a seldom-used road or waking early when most everyone is sleeping.) My favorite times to visit are fall and spring, but the trip is rewarding any time of year. I went there a few weeks ago, as always, in search of that perfect photograph. Since my time was limited, I concentrated on the main road over the mountains (421), Cades Cove and White Oaks Sink.
Here are a few photos captured there.
Here are a few photos captured there.
Wildflowers are a strong draw to the Smokies in the spring. These yellow trilliums and fire pinks posed nicely together. They were hanging out together on the Chestnut Top Trail just outside Townsend.
Crested Dwarf Iris in always beautiful and the fresh raindrops seem to add magic to these already lovey blooms. This photo was captured on the Tremont Road.
The combination of blooming dogwood and cascades can take your breath away. The look and sound of the rushing water give strong movement while the dogwood adds a peaceful element to the scene. My goal was to capture this feeling.
This fern frond is in your face with a personality that screams, “Look at me!” It found me as I walked the path to White Oaks Sink.
The Gregg-Cable house viewed against a backdrop of morning fog and trees was an image asking to be photographed and I obliged. The flowering dogwood tree stands proudly beside the home in which Becky Cable died back in 1940 before it was moved to its present location.
Green is my favorite color. It seems so pure and represents life to me so I couldn’t pass up this leaf bathed in water droplets.
This delicate flower has at least a couple of common names: miterwort and bishop’s cap. The first time I saw it through a hand lens, I felt like I had discovered it for the first time. It made such an impression on me that I remember the exact location and the awe I felt as if it were yesterday. The individual blooms look like tiny snowflakes. I have attempted to capture this beauty multiple times over a number of years. This is my best attempt thus far so I am sharing this work in process.
Columbine, what more needs to be said? The unique shape and the glorious color take my breath away. Even the name is lovely. Don, thank you for sharing your take on how to photograph this gem. *
*We stayed at Mountaineer Campground in Townsend. Don and Carol Curry are great hosts. They both enjoy photography and sell their best photos in the campground office and on line. Don gave me some helpful hints about photographing columbine. Check out their website at http://www.wildlifetrailphotography.com
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