Links
I have learned over the years that the pursuit of nature as a photographer can be, and usually is, a fairly solitary affair; and that, aside from my teaching activities, much of my time is spent alone chasing the light or the changing seasons around the countryside. So being able to create community at every opportunity is something I cherish, for we sustain ourselves ultimately by the quality of the connections and relationships we establish, not only with other photographers, but with all of those who, like us, are living the journey that is life and seeking to understand our place in the dance and to offer the best of who we are in the pursuit of that understanding.
The sites offered on this page are not intended to represent people and purposes that are identical to me and mine, rather to highlight what I consider to be the search for excellence in whatever the endeavor.
Twigs & Leaves Gallery
In 2007 John and Carrie Keith purchased the wonderful gallery in downtown Waynesville that had been established in 1998 by David Erickson and Kaaren Stoner. It is truly a place where "nature dances with art" and I am very pleased to be part of their family of artists. When you visit Waynesville, stop by the gallery and enjoy their extensive selection of art from the mountains.
Creek ‘n Woods Vacation Rentals
Tom and Sue Knapko have distilled the essence of what being in the hospitality business is all about: treat your guests even better than you would wish to be treated. And they have made of this credo an art form. That their guests return year after year tells their story more eloquently than anything I could say.
WaysSouth, Inc.
Let me state my belief simply, we don’t need more highways; we need a better plan for sustainable transportation in Appalachia and we need leaders with the vision and courage to implement such a plan. As an organization dedicated to such a process and result, WaysSouth has my vote for the kind of grassroots organization ideally suited to take us forward in ways that promote progress and preserve our heritage, as well as the beauty that cannot be replaced once it is destroyed.
Great Smoky Mountains Association
In 1953 GSMA was created as the first non-profit partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 2008 this wonderful organization contributed $1.84 million to fund the Park’s scientific, historic, and educational programs. Whenever you make a purchase in one of the Smokies’ visitor centers, you are contributing to the on-going work of GSMA. I encourage you to visit them often.
John C. Campbell Folk School
There are many excellent arts and crafts schools scattered across this country. What makes John C. Campbell Folk School special, in addition to its broad range of class offerings, is its unique approach to the learning process. This learning proceeds in a non-competitive atmosphere that celebrates the achievement of the individual on whatever level they happen to be. It is truly a community of shared interest and pursuit. I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach there for more than a decade, and it is I who has gained the most.
North American Nature Photography Association
In 1994 the North American Nature Photography Association was chartered as a non-profit corporation for promoting the interest of nature photography and nature photographers, both as art and science, and striving for not only excellence, but ethical conduct as well. I am proud to be a member.
Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association
At the regional level in the Southern Appalachians there are several nature photography organizations whose efforts are of extremely high quality. CNPA is just such a group. The CNPA regional structure has proven to be a wonderfully effective way to make a large geographic area work for a photographic community.
Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers
On the other side of the mountains, in the in the Tennessee Valley and Cumberland Plateau region, SANP has been effectively promoting nature photography for many years and the quality of its efforts is widely known.
Land of Waterfalls Camera Club
When Land of Waterfalls Camera Club was organized in 2006 in Transylvania County (Brevard) North Carolina, its goals were modest. That it has been successful beyond what it would have imagined is measure of the quality of its leaders and the hard work of its members.
Earthbound Light
There are photography websites and there are photography websites; and when I elect to create a link to another photographer's site, it is because I have the clear sense that that person shares my understanding of what epitomizes the journey that is the art and craft - the creative essence - of nature photography. Bob Johnson is such a photographer and his site is such a place.
Seawall Motel, Southwest Harbor, Maine
The beautiful coast of Maine has long been one of my favorite locations, and it became even moreso when I discovered Dave and Vickie Lloyd and their warm and cozy facility in Mount Desert Island's Southwest Harbor. Situated exactly at the Seawall Entrance to Acadia National Park, it's the perfect location to experience the loveliness and charm of MDI without the crowds of Bar Harbor; and the hospitality extended by the Lloyds goes way beyond inn-keeping. EarthSong Photography Workshops is pleased to call Seawall Motel its Down East Home, and we plan to visit as often as possible.
First Tee Mountain Golf
I have to confess that I don't play golf, but my friend Ron Clark does; and from his obvious passion for the game he's crafted an excellent business that offers a variety of golfing packages to some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in these mountains. If golf is your game, Ron Clark is your man, and First Tee Mountain Golf is the way to play.
