Natures Images

Cumberland Falls

2010-08-14T11:58:00.006-04:00

We took a short, quick trip up to the Cumberland Falls. Cumberland Falls is in Kentucky and it is a real nice one day trip from Chattanooga.

The waterfall offers a real opportunity for some waterfall photography. There are several good overlook areas for some nice views of the waterfall.

There is a lower view and upper view and one right at the falls (don't get wet).
We were very lucky the day we were there the water was pretty clear and there was a good flow of water. I decided to take a shot slowing down the water and making it appear soft.

Red Clay State Park

2010-06-27T15:18:00.009-04:00

We recently visited a state park nearby named Red Clay. Red Clay is a State Historic Park located in the southwest corner of Bradley County in Tennessee, just above the Tennessee-Georgia state line.
The park encompasses 263-acres and includes a natural landmark, the Blue Hole Spring, which arises from beneath a limestone ledge to form a deep pool that flows into a tributary of the Conasauga and Coosa River system, called Mill Creek. The spring was used by the Cherokee for their water supply during council meetings. Red Clay served as the seat of the Cherokee government from 1832 until the forced removal of the Cherokee in 1838. It was the site of the 11 general councils.

There is a monument in the park for the Cherokee, that houses the eternal flame of the Cherokee nation.

Chattanooga- Market Street Bridge

2010-05-02T21:05:00.004-04:00

I got a great photo opportunity recently. In
Chattanooga there are several bridges that cross the Tennessee River, one of those bridges is the Market Street Bridge.

The Market Street Bridge was built as a counter weight style draw bridge and once in awhile they open this bridge. I was lucky enough to find out when it was scheduled to open and I didn't miss the opportunity to get some great pictures.

The weather was not what we had hoped for, it was rainy and overcast. But we got a few nice shots and kept the camera dry.

Fort Mountain State Park

2010-04-04T15:12:00.005-04:00

We took a short trip last week to a new place we have never visited before. We had hoped for some spring flowers but the elevation was a bit too high and spring was not really in show.

We visited Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth, GA. The park is at an elevation of about 2,832 feet and spring has not quite made it to the top of this mountain yet. But we did find an interesting place.

At the top of this ridge stands an old fire tower, as seen in this photo, and a stone wall. The wall was built around 500AD, and the builders are not known with any certainty. There are many theories regarding who the original builders were but no one has made a concrete determination. It is thought either Native Americans built the wall or Price Madoc, a traveler from Wales may have built the wall on this mountain.

The photo of the firetower shown here, was taken in the afternoon and shows you how the trees have still not started to have any leaves or buds. We took the photo with the sun highlighting the front and at our backs. A good way to take advantage of natural light, the light at this time of day always makes for a decent photo.

Birds In the Snow Again

2010-03-02T11:28:00.003-05:00

Well, here it is the 1st of March and it is snowing again! It is hard to believe in Chattanooga that the snow is falling once again. We rarely get snow of any real amount in Soddy Daisy but this year has been exceptional.

Here are the birds wondering what in the world is going on "Snow in March"

Sure is good for a few nice pictures.

Cades Cove Excursion

2010-02-18T07:38:00.006-05:00

We just took a day trip over to Cades Cove, this is a part of the Smoky Mountains. Cades Cove is a gorgeous cove tucked away in the Smokies, where wildlife abounds and old cabins and barns are preserved.

We planned a little photo trip as we knew there was snow. We were not disappointed when we arrived, there was snow and it began to snow more while we were there. The day turned out perfect as the weather was not terribly cold, it was right around 25-31 degrees F.

Here is one of the pictures we took while on the loop around the cove. This is Carter Shields cabin, one of the most picturesque of all the cabins in the cove.

Winter Waterfall

2010-01-27T23:25:00.005-05:00

We took a great winter photo trip a couple of weeks ago. I am just now getting around to checking out my pictures. We took a great picture of a frozen waterfall and I just wanted to share the winter beauty with everyone.

This is Bald River Falls, it is located in the Cherokee National Forest near Tellico, TN. This falls is beautiful in winter, spring, summer or fall. It had been very cold for several days and then we got a blanket of snow.

Fall Photo Trips

2009-10-25T21:22:00.004-04:00

Fall is here and it is time to get out and enjoy the last few weeks before the cold sets in. Now is the time of year to get those great autumn color shots.

We usually head out to the North Carolina mountains to take some great fall pics but this year I think we are just going to stay here in the Chattanooga area and see if we can get some great fall color.

The color seems to be peaking now and if the rain holds off for a day or two we just might have some luck. If I get some good pics I will share a few of them here.

Clingmans Dome Trip

2009-09-26T21:34:00.006-04:00

We had a great experience last week. A visit to Clingmans Dome in the rain. I know that this may not sound very appealing but it was fantastic.

If you don't know where Clingman's Dome is located, it is in the Smoky Mountains National Park. It is over 6,000 feet in the air, a gorgeous vantage point for some spectacular landscape photos.

On this day, rainy, it was very foggy and wet. We walked to the top of the dome in fog, not sure if we would get any pictures at the top. But after a bit of huffing and puffing we reached the top. All I can say is it was a very rewarding sight.

We stood in the fog, looking around at a 360 degree view. All we saw was fog and signs with pictures of what we were suppose to see. We were disappointed, but only for about 5 minutes. I turned to my left and all of a sudden I saw a view I couldn't comprehend. Was it real, was it clouds?

The clouds were separating and the tips of several peaks of the surrounding mountains were poking through the fog, or clouds. I started shooting and the longer we stood there the more was revealed. The clouds had parted and there was sun shinning on cloud tops and then the fog or clouds settled in the valleys. It was truly awe inspiring.

Just being in the right place at the right time makes all the difference in your photos.

Summer Absence

2009-09-13T17:39:00.004-04:00

Well, I have had a very, very busy summer. I have not been able to attend to my blog or any other writing I enjoy. Now that fall is basically here maybe I will find time to write again. Especially now that our guests have departed and the home is much quieter and more my own.

We just took a little drive up to Cloudland Canyon yesterday and the evening was just gorgeous. Perfect temperture and a slight breeze we watched the sun set from the overlook. I will share the moment.

Beautiful Mornings

2009-05-21T14:28:00.002-04:00

The weather this week has just been gorgeous. This week each morning has been below 60 degrees to start out and the sun is shinning in a cloudless sky. I don't think you could ask for more perfect weather.

This morning I got up and took off with my camera. The birds were just chirping and carrying on in the green trees and the flowers are just blooming everywhere. This is the time of year when it is impossible to stay indoors.

If you own a camera you just have got to get out and walk through the park or even just your neighborhood and capture some of the beauty.

Flower Portraits

2009-05-07T12:42:00.004-04:00

I like to take flower portraits. I have found there are a few key elements to making a great flower portrait. You must have precise focus on the pistils and stamen of the flower and you must have a frame filled with the flower.

Use a tripod and a macro lens plus a plant clamp may be needed to ensure stability of your subject. The flower must be immobile.

Try to find a day with an overcast sky, this will make things much easier for the portrait.

I also found a new technique that can create a different type of look, an impressionist portrait. Take a look at this page and you will find an explanation of this technique.

Most important, have fun! http://www.squidoo.com/adviceonflowerphotography

Elusive Bluebird

2009-05-02T11:16:00.003-04:00

We have an Eastern Bluebird that nests in our front yard every year. We have a cute birdhouse we bought at a flea market, it looks like a hollow tree trunk, and the bluebird seems to have taken out a yearly lease on it.

There are 3 babies in the nest now but the hole is so small I can not get a picture of the babies. She is very protective of the nest so it is hard to get near.

I try to get a picture of her but she is very camera shy.

Little River Canyon

2009-04-15T16:46:00.005-04:00

We have been to DeSoto Falls numerous times but on our last trip we came upon a landscape photographers dream. We saw a sign for Little River Canyon and decided we should explore a new place instead of returning to DeSoto Falls again.

Lucky for us there had been lots of rain in the last 48 hours. The rain supplied the falls with lots of water, there were falls all around the canyon.

The road we took went along the rim of the canyon. There were a number of places to pull over and view the canyon and the falls, great spots to take beautiful photos, each stop provided an even more spectacular view than the previous. We stayed until sunset just amazed at how beautiful the canyon was and we plan to return this summer to take summer photos.

If you would like to see some of the photos please check this link http://Naturesglory.ifp3.com/site/#/gallery/landscapes/dsc02714-1/

Spring Birds

2009-03-27T21:44:00.004-04:00

The birds are enjoying the spring flowers as much as I am. We have a young weeping cherry tree in our front yard and as you can see this little titmouse is loving the spring blooms.

I really look forward to spring and all the birds and flowers, it gives lots of color to everything. I have been spending time sitting on the front porch with my camera in my lap waiting on an Eastern Blue Bird to come and pose. She has a nest in a birdhouse we have hanging in the front yard. The problem is, she is not very camera friendly. We have to play a waiting game each evening.

I come out onto the front porch and she flies away, across the street into a big tree. She sits in the tree or on the gutter of the house next door and watches me and waits. I sit in my chair on the front porch and wait on her to return to the birdhouse or my yard. Guess who wins.

Yep, I typically give up and go inside before she gives in and returns to the yard.

About five minutes after I go into the house, I look out of the window and she has returned to the front yard again.

One of these days I know I will win.

Flowers are a Bloomin

2009-03-17T19:34:00.004-04:00

Yes, the flowers are a bloomin! Spring is on it's way, lots of flowers are starting to bloom and it is time to get the camera out and start shooting.

I love the spring and I love to take flower photos. I have an article I wrote on flower photos please check it out at http://www.squidoo.com/adviceonflowerphotography there are a few tips on taking some nice flower photos.

Winter and Birds

2009-02-18T22:24:00.004-05:00

Winter is not the best time of year for landscape photography. In the winter, the skies in Tennessee are not appealing most of the time. The skies are quite often grey, and rather one dimensional. These skies leave a dull lifeless feel to most of the landscape images you try to capture.

But if you do not mind turning to another subject for your images, you can get some really nice bird photos. The winter months create a lack of good food for the birds so the birds need to come to our feeders to eat. We put feeders close to the house, on our deck, and the birds just flock to the feeders. Then we just wait for the right bird and click, we get some great bird photos without leaving the warmth of the kitchen.

Winter may not produce blue skies but it does produce birds on our deck ready to be photographed!

Snow Pictures

2009-02-14T20:07:00.003-05:00

Have you every tried to get some really good snow pictures?

I don't get a lot of snow where I live so I must travel to find enough snow for my pictures. The problem with needing to travel to get snow pictures is it can be rather difficult. It is a matter of timing and knowing where to find snow. It seems everytime there is snow forcasted nearby I am tied up with something else and I can not get away to take pictures. Then when I am free to travel to the nearest snow, I get there and the snow is melted or there is not enough to get any real interesting shots.

When I was up north visiting recently I did encounter plenty of snow. I had some fantastic fresh deep snow to work with. The problem was a matter of getting outside to get the photos. I had not come prepared for snow. I had my camera but I didn't have the proper transportation. You just can not drive on snow covered roads with a sports car. Rear wheel drive and a ground clearance of about 4 inches just doesn't get you very far in the snow.

It looks like the winter is almost over and I really have gotten only a very few snow pictures this year. Each year I vow I will do better and capture some great snow photos but each year I only get a very few.

Waterfall Pictures on My Birthday

2009-02-08T11:03:00.006-05:00

Well, today is my birthday. I don't know if I should be happy or sad, getting older is not much fun.

I had a great day yesterday celebrating my birthday. I went to Savage Gulf State Natural Area in Tennessee. I have never been there and I really enjoyed the trip.
We hiked about 1.5 miles to a waterfall. The hike was moderate, not difficult at all and it was such a pleasant day for a hike, the temperature was in the 60's and the sun was shinning. This was just the perfect kind of day for a hike in the woods. There was not a lot of wildlife to be seen, a woodpecker or two and one squirrel. There were very few fellow hikers so it was just a delightful and peaceful day for hiking.
When we arrived at the waterfall it was even better than expected. The setting was very tranquil, you can just picture a summer day and kids swimming in the pool around the falls.
Of course this was not a summer day, there was still ice behind the falls and over some of the rocks on one side of the falls.

I did have a great day taking pictures and just relaxing, so I really did enjoy my pre-birthday celebration.

Landscape Photos in Winter

2009-01-27T13:34:00.002-05:00

I have attempted for several weeks now to capture a great cityscape. It is very difficult to capture a cityscape in the winter with the gray skies. A blue sky is a rare sight in January here in Tennessee.

A landscape or cityscape photo is not very exciting when it is grey, all the colors are muted when it is overcast. If the sun is shinning on that rare day, I am always committed to doing something else and I can not get away to take a photo.

I just can't wait for a nice blue summer sky again!

I guess I need to settle for bird photos at this time of year.

Waterfall Pictures

2008-12-29T14:22:00.003-05:00

Wow, now is the time in Tennessee, to take photographs of waterfalls. Due to the rainfall we have been experiencing in the last few weeks the waterfalls are just roaring.

I have been out to two state parks this week and the water is just rushing over the falls. This is wonderful since all summer long the falls were pretty much dried up.

Now is the time to get out there and take some waterfall pics

Hummers Will Be Leaving Soon

2008-09-13T19:32:00.004-04:00

The hummingbirds are filling up on nectar and bugs and all the good stuff a hummer can get. They are getting ready for the migration from the north to the south. These tiny birds have got to put on some weight to make the journey south before the frost is on the ground.

I hate to see them go, they have been such great subjects to photograph and soon they will be gone for several months. I hope they remember me and my deck next season.

Snowflakes

2008-08-25T13:27:00.003-04:00

Have you ever tried to photograph a snowflake crystal? It is not always easy. I have become fascinated by the beauty of a snow crystal. I saw some gorgeous photos on the web and I want to be able to capture some photos like them.

Now all I need to do is wait for snowfall. It is only August so I have plenty of time to read up on the best approach.

Bombarded by Hummingbirds

2008-08-19T20:01:00.005-04:00

I now have so many hummingbirds at my feeder they are fighting each other. There are midair collisions at the feeder every 3 minutes.

They move so fast I can't get a good photo!

This is very entertaining to watch but I fear one of the little creatures is going to be severely injured. I assume they are all fattening up for the migration coming up in the fall but whatever the reason, I now have more hummingbirds than I can handle.

Always remember to watch what you wish for...

Hummingbirds Everywhere

2008-08-07T18:36:00.004-04:00

Well we now have a big red flower growing on our deck. I had planted these gladiolas months ago and they are just now blooming. I can't believe they turned out to be red. I had no idea what color they would be when I planted them.

The hummingbirds love them. We now have hummingbirds on the back deck every 20 minutes. I never realized what little pigs hummingbirds were. These little guys just suck all the nectar out of these new blooms like crazy.

Too bad I didn't have these flowers around weeks ago. We are getting some really great photos of the little guys. My husband set up the tripod and we got the hummingbirds buried in the blooms.

I Found My Hummingbird

2008-07-15T20:04:00.002-04:00

I have determined the reason I could not find my hummingbirds. I was not getting up early enough to see them.

I got up 3 days in a row just as the sun was coming up and all 3 days as I sat looking out the window at my kitchen table I saw my hummingbird!

I guess all this time I just wasn't early enough to see them.

Where Are My Hummingbirds?

2008-07-06T20:25:00.001-04:00

I just can not get a hummingbird to come to my flowers this year. I planted some red flowers that were guaranteed to attract hummingbirds months ago. The flowers have thrived, they look great, but not one hummingbird has been seen!

Last year we had numerous hummingbirds flying about the red flowers and the hanging feeder we had on the deck. I don't know what is wrong this year, I wish someone could tell how to get them back again, I want to take more pictures.

Bird Photos

2008-06-05T20:50:00.004-04:00

I have been practicing my bird photography. My husband loves to take pictures of the birds on our back deck. I often have a hard time getting him to eat breakfast as he is so engrossed in taking bird photos.

I like taking bird photos but I find them to be a challenge. Even though we have several bird feeders on the deck to keep the birds occupied they still fly off when you get ready to take their picture. Every time I pick up the camera they fly away.

Once in awhile I place a tripod in the window and leave the camera sitting there waiting for an opportunity to capture a unique bird. The birds seem to become accustomed to the camera in the window and ignore it. This approach seems to help but I really don't like leaving my camera in the window where it could be knocked over.

I really need to find better way to sneak up on the birds so they don't see me.

Flower Photos

2008-05-27T21:44:00.004-04:00

I really enjoy taking pictures of flowers. I have not decided which flower I enjoy the most but I enjoy roses a great deal.

There are several good places nearby that have a great variety of roses. I can get a wide selection to choose from and this makes it easier to get a real good shot.

To me a red rose seems to be the most difficult rose to capture. It is difficult to get the definition and the correct color. My red roses often come out to dark and they appear surreal. When I do get a good shot of a red rose I know I have had a great day.

Smoky Mountains Visit

2008-05-14T19:17:00.004-04:00

We just took a great short trip over to the Smokies this week. There is nothing I love more than a trip to the park.

The spring flowers were gorgeous and the weather was nice and cool. We got some pictures of the wildflowers along one of the various "quiet walks".
Have you ever noticed as you walk into the woods how everything else just slips away? There is peace and quiet and you just kind of slip into another dimension, no problems, no worries just you and nature. There is simply nothing better for the soul.

After we walked for about an hour or two in the woods I was ready to come back to reality feeling refreshed and ready to deal with life all over again. Plus, I got some great photos to take home and look over.

When you need a little quiet time, head out to the Smoky Mountains and take the time to venture into the woods, you will be surprised at how much better you feel when you leave.

Great Hiking and Photo Ops

2008-05-04T21:14:00.003-04:00

You just never know what you can find when you are not really looking for anything.
We stumbled upon a beautiful area for hiking less than 3 miles from our backyard. We were out checking out a place a neighbor told us about and found a new destination for hiking and taking great nature shots.

There is a rushing stream that you can hear as soon as you enter the protected area, way before you can see any water. The stream is cascading over huge bolders and river rocks at a tremedous rate of speed but then there are protected areas behind huge boulders (2 or more stories tall) that are perfectly tranquil and the water is crystal clear. Gorgeous spot to take photos.

The trail is wide but very rocky and it leads to a waterfall about 1.5 miles up the trail. We were unable to make the journey today as it was about 7 pm and too late to make the trip before sundown. But you can bet I will return as soon as possible to investigate the waterfall and take all the photos I want.

I just can't believe we have not found this little paradise before now. When I need a little alone time, a place to relax and contemplate life, this is where you are going to find me.

City Scapes

2008-05-02T21:00:00.002-04:00

I spent the afternoon waiting for the sun to set just so I could catch a nice cityscape. I really love the images of cities as the lights are just coming on and darkness is just beginning.

The weather was cool and breezy, but not cool enough for a sweater. Perfect! Just hanging out waiting for the perfect moment to take that shot. I had the old tripod stationed just right and the camera charged and ready as I waited for the right light.

The evening was perfect and I think I got a couple of great shots. But even if I didn't I had a wonderful time trying.

Spring Flowers

2008-04-23T08:22:00.002-04:00

There are some gorgeous spring flowers in bloom, blues and bright yellow everywhere. We took a little hike near a stream and I was amazed at the beautiful wildflowers I saw. Of course all the new blooms have the butterflies zipping all over everwhere!
I got busy with my camera shooting every flower I could spot. It is amazing how time flies when you are concentrating on the flowers and shooting pictures. We started out about 3pm and the next thing we knew it was after 6pm and time to head home.

I captured as many blooms as I could and took them home to look at the results. It is a lot more fun shooting the pictures than looking at them on the computer. I did post a couple to my website so I could share the beauty.

Watching the Birds

2008-04-17T21:43:00.003-04:00

It is Spring, the birds are just so happy. I step outside and all I can hear are the birds singing in the trees.
We have an Eastern Blue Bird nesting in our bird house just outside the front door. She is tending to her nest and we can watch her from the window.
The only problem is we can not sit on the front porch in the evening now. If we sit there she will chirp at us and stare until we leave. I sat there for over 20 minutes last evening waiting on her to go to her nest, she refused to go to the nest but she would not go away either.
Guess who gave in an left the porch.
I can't wait to see the babies when the leave the nest.

Great Waterfall Abrams Falls

2008-04-10T19:53:00.005-04:00

Well, I just returned from another great waterfall adventure. We went to Cades Cove, in the Smoky Mountains National Park, and hiked the entire 5 mile round trip trail to Abram Falls.

Yes, it was worth the uphill climb that took 4 hours. Along the way there is so much to keep your interest that you really don't have time to realize how hard you are working. The trail is considered a moderate trail, about half uphill and half downhill. The trail is very well defined so you can not get lost and as I mentioned there is a lot of nice opportunities to take photos.
This is the falls at the end of the 2.5 mile trek. It is a beautilful place to relax before heading back down the trail to the car.
The trek back somehow seems much longer than the trek to the falls. We brought a small snack for energy and lots of water. Without the water you will not make the long trip, so if you plan to go don't forget the water.

Waterfall Bald River Falls

2008-04-03T20:00:00.002-04:00

I had a great trip to Bald River Falls. I took my grandson on a little expedition to see his first real waterfall upclose. He brought along his little point and shoot Kodak disposable camera and we had a blast.
I think his pictures were better than mine, and I know he had more fun taking his pictures than I did.
Bald River Falls is a great trip for anyone wanting to take pictures of a waterfall.

Getting Started

2008-04-02T09:13:00.000-04:00

I am new to the world of blogging, but it seems like a fun way to get to talk about my passion. My passion is photography, taking pictures is so much fun and it is almost all I want to do. Now that I take digital images I don't feel so guilty about taking so many pictures. I can always delete the ones I don't like and I am not killing any trees in the process.

I hope to talk about the fun and adventures I have taking my images and share my images and adventures with others.