Forest Path

Built in 1880 by Will Sparks, this cabin may in fact by one of the most photographed cabin in the national park system. there are several intriguing elements to be found here. The curved gravel path, the forest in the back, the trees out front creating a natural frame and backdrop for a truly beautiful property. Of course the forest service maintains the area, keeps the grass trimmed, the entire loop clear of rubbish that may be left behind by the tourist who frequent here. Easily one of the more picturesque cabins I have come across out in these misty mountains.

This is of course the Carter Shields cabin located in Cades Cove. It’s easy to see what drew me to take this photo. I personally am more taken with the John Oliver Cabin, but despite that, this is still an easy second for me. There are quite a few easily accessible properties at the cove, but this one just draws the eye. It was well worth the 6 hours I spent in the car that morning, leaving my home at 3am in order to arrive here an hour before sunrise. Though my efforts were thwarted, unaware that the loop is only accessible during daytime hours.

The edit here, as I am sure you can see if simplistic in nature. Though not without my usual bag of tricks, the pathway is a bit unkempt where it enters the frame, though I did a fine job of cleaning it up, streamlining it for you, the viewer. The important part of this is really the composition. Often you see people shooting this cabin from eye level, or between 5.5-6 feet. I opted to take the shot form a lower perspective, to let the cabin push up in the frame. Of course then I had to make sure the entire path was still visible, and the trees weren’t blocking the cabin itself. Ideally I would of centered the tree trunks and the cabin, with the path coming in from the corner, but that simply wasn’t possible in this case.

Until Next Time!

Aperture: f8
ISO: 400
SS: 1/40th
Focal: 27mm

Fujinon 16-55mm