Mountain Swell

The sky had been cloudless, bland, giving off a constant harsh light for the last several days as the temperatures here in the Smokey’s begin to drop. Today was different, I left the house with a hope and a prayer, seeing thin wispy clouds developing to the west I decided to give some of my regular places a look, see if the light was right, and I am glad I did. This shot was from earlier in the shoot, waiting on full sunset to take hold, hoping for that evening fire in the skies to burn brightly overhead. Today was indeed a good day.

While I was up atop those windy peaks a group of photographers descended upon my location, and as I have said before, welcome them to your spot, chat with them, make a new friend if even for a moment. The life of a landscape photographer can be a bit boring while you’re out on location waiting for your next shot. I’ve developed a habit of shooting the same scene over and over just to pass the time listening to my shutter noises. [Yes, it really can be that boring waiting for your perfect light.] So I was overjoyed to have a group of photographers to chat with during my stay.

I understand some people get jealous of their spots, but there’s really no need. Stop for a moment, chat with these new friends you’ve made. Perhaps they know a location you can go and see, perhaps you can give them an idea of their next adventure. Whatever the case may be, it breaks up the moments between shots wonderfully. If nothing else, you can talk about gear with your new friends [really, I have seldom met a photographer who isn’t overjoyed with gear talk]. At the end of the day, say your farewells and while you may not bring a photo home, at least you brought a new experience to share.

Until Next Time!

Aperture: f9
ISO: 320
SS: 1/30th
Focal: 27mm

Fujinon 16-55mm