Cades Cove Excursion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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