Today I’m sifting through my entire collection of images as I assemble a slideshow that will play on a computer at my gallery. I came across the image above from six years ago. In 2005 Melissa and I moved to Georgia for a few months to help care for my ill father. While there we made two short trips to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Both trips were made in early spring of 2006. Having moved from the Rockies, where big views and dramatic peaks dominate the landscape, we didn’t expect to be overly impressed. How wrong we were.
We packed in a lot of hiking during our two visits. Though the trails are at low elevation compared to the Rockies, it seemed like every one of them went straight up for 3,000 or more vertical feet. What we call rivers in the West are but little streams in the Smokies. Waterfalls are everywhere and wildflowers bloom in profusion but most amazing of all, there are infinite shades of green. I know it is blasphemy to say this but living in Moab and seeing nothing but red rock day in and day out gets a little old at times. This photo, of a huge hillside covered in foliage bearing the vibrant early leaves of spring, was a welcome sight when I discovered it in Lightroom today. I don’t think I’ve ever shared this image publicly before and I hope you enjoy it.
This image is available as a fine art print, canvas gallery wrap or archival plaque in sizes up to 32″ x 48″. Please email me if you’d like to inquire about purchasing a print.
6 Responses to “Archive Dive: Spring Trees in the Smokies”
Russ Bishop says:
Wonderful soft light and subtle texture in this Bret. The Smokies are one of the many parks in the east that I need to visit.
Alberto Oliver says:
Extraordinary pic Bret, crisp, brilliant and makes you feel the fresh athmosphere of the moment. “Hemmablind” they use to say in Sweden when you no longer are able to feel amused because a sight that otherwise would be overwhelming for a tourist or someone that isnt familiar with it. I´ve lived long seasons in Stockholm and sometimes the skyline and architecture becomes just,,,so familiar hehe, so I understand what you mean when you talk about the red landscape in Moab.
I really enjoyed this one, so thanks for sharing
Regards
Bret Edge says:
Thanks for the comment, Alberto! Very interesting to know about “Hemmablind”. It’s good to know there is a term for my affliction.
Bret Edge says:
The Smokies really are quite beautiful, Russ. I’d love to visit in the fall some time. It’s interesting because out here in the West we get so used to photographing grand landscapes but in the Smokies, the focus is more on intimate landscapes. It’s an adjustment to go from one to the other.
Laura says:
Welcome to my side of the country
I enjoy your photography, as an east-coaster that has only experienced red rock once many years ago (& before my interest in photography!). While I’d definitely enjoy a visit to Moab, I wouldn’t trade in the “lushness” of the Appalachian Mountains. Glad you enjoyed your short time here.
Bret Edge says:
Thanks, Laura! I very much enjoyed hiking and photographing in the Smokies. I will get back there one of these years to photograph fall colors and maybe even spring wildflowers. Beauty is where you find it, and no matter where you live in the U.S. there’s a pretty landscape somewhere nearby.