Waterfall, Middle Prong Trail Head

On a recent visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, off the main road on the west side of the park, past the Townsend exit, sits Tremont. I visit this area more often than I have in the past to photograph the water along the Middle Prong River. The paved road turns to gravel just past the Tremont Institute. Here the road follows the river all the way back until it dead ends. At this point you are at the Middle Prong Trail head. As you cross a metal bridge you are crossing Lynn Camp Prong. Here is the confluence of Lynn Camp Prong and Thunderhead Prong. The rush of the two prongs converging is pretty amazing.

Waterfall, Middle Prong Tail Head, Lynn Camp Prong,

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are three waterfalls situated along the Middle Prong Trail making this the most popular trail for waterfall photographers. On this particular day, I wanted to photograph the waterfall at the trail head itself. With a storm moving in, I could only capture a few perspectives. I especially like this perspective because of the contrast. The boulders seem dark and moody against the stark white water as it falls down the rocks. This was the wettest visit to the park I had ever encountered. However, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is expansive. So if it is raining at one end or side of the park, just drive to the other end or side and you just might find sunshine which I did several times. Back soon with a few more images from my trip. ENJOY!

Linking to Wow Us Wednesday

Waters in Tremont, GSMNP

The water was flowing fast and fierce on the Little River in Tremont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park when I visited in May. As I photographed this waterfall I wondered just what this setting would bring. As I viewed these images in my software, I kept coming back to 'out of worldly' feeling. I'm not sure but I think it's the large craggy rocks that leave me with this feeling.



I have been very busy with the magazine lately which has left little time to get outdoors. And the heat and rain added to that.

A very big holiday is coming up. Speaking of holidays, today is Canada Day, so I wanted to wish all of my Canadian friends a Happy Canada Day. Independence Day, or the 4th of July as we Americans tend to call it, is a few days away. Thinking of it conjures up memories of fireworks, flying the flag, and of course, there's hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, good ole apple pie and well, you get the picture. I will be taking some time off and plan to spend some time along the southwest coast of Michigan visiting the quaint beach towns there. Lighthouse viewing, sandy beaches and shopping are on the menu. I am especially looking forward to Saugatuck, an arts and crafts community right in the middle of the coast. Settling on a destination was easy when I checked the temperature gauge for July. Michigan will be much cooler. The heat index here in Louisville made it to 100 today. I refuse to wish for winter after the 'one that wouldn't go away' is finally behind us. Stay cool. ENJOY!

Little River, Tremont

On my recent trip to the mountains this week, I decided to drive the road that traverses the Little River in the Tremont section. Spending time photographing the water along this river is easy, as the river runs along the road all the way back to the end, where several trails pick up. I knew light could be a problem as the river in Tremont is wider allowing the shutter to bring in more light. I try to be mindful of composition when I photograph water, but several settings I chose didn't prove to be the best. There was just way too many rocks, boulders, trees, branches and rhododendrum bushes to contend with.



As for this first image, it shows a close up view of some boulders in the Little River, while the second image shows the full frame. I can tell you I would choose the close up. It's just a nicer feel when you view it. There's just a tad too much going on in the full frame shot. I am really liking the glossy feel of the water in these images. Photographing pools of water where it doesn't appear to be moving, but is, can be difficult to get just right.



Whether you are an amateur or a professional, photographing water is not easy. Here is what I learned this week. Don't take lighting for granted from one setting to the next even along the same river. Your composition will fair better if you have fewer subjects in the frame whether it be people or rocks and boulders doesn't matter. Overall I have to say having too much light coupled with a busy composition is not a good thing. Some photographers download their images at the scene and review them. Perhaps I should take up this practice at least when I'm photographing water of this nature. Strangely enough, I actually have an easier time photographing large waterfalls than I do images like these. Have a fantastic Memorial Day weekend all. ENJOY!