Morning in the Smokies
Fall and spring are my two favorite seasons in the mountains. Those color fades, gorgeous unpredictable weather, the sights, the smells, but most of all, the fog. Rather the fog that collects down in the valley, the view from above is truly breathtaking. While in many places these same events unfold, the mountains give us the ability to travel above this inversion and watch as the suns morning light begins to paint the world. A thing of true beauty, incomprehensible, astonishing, and truly serene. That’s just Morning in the Smokies.
No part of my had intended to go out yesterday morning, but then I, as I do every morning, checked the weather. Realizing that this inversion was likely happening, I had to give it a shot. I had to see if I would be able to race up into the mountains and capture this shot. I had so many options laid out on the table, but only a handful of those were viable. So I did what any photographer would do, I took a gamble on where I thought the best viewing would be. My first option was almost good enough, I was almost willing to settle, but it wasn’t what I wanted, not quite. So I saddled back up, and pressed on, finding a place that is often ignored by photographers and setup shop.
I had no idea whether this scene, or composition would pay off before the morning light turned harsh. The scant few clouds in the sky didn’t give me much encouragement. But patience, and a trademark stubbornness guided the way for me. Even as I saw my gamble was paying off, another photographer appeared next to me, regaling me with stories of how the light was even better elsewhere, but his recommendation was to return to where I started where the composition wasn’t as clean. No my friend, this morning I stay, and wait. An important lesson for many of you, don’t make snap judgements in the fleeting moments of sunrise, or sunset, you don’t really have the time. Arrive early, set your composition, and give it your best shot.
Until Next Time!
Aperture: f8
ISO: 250
SS: 1/60th
Focal: 27mm
Fujinon 16-55mm
