Cowee Mountains Overlook sits astride MM430.7 about one-half mile from and, at 5950′ in elevation a mere sixty feet lower than Richland Balsam Overlook, the highest point on the entire run of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many of the cross-stitch ridges off the overlook run parallel to the angle of the setting sun, while others are perpendicular to the event. Those parallel allow the light to enter and warm their valleys with the late glow, while those perpendicular block the light creating repositories of cool blue. Sometimes there are clouds over the mountains that gather the last rays and reflect them in colors almost beyond belief.
A focal length of 202mm, the short end of medium telephotoland, gave me the angle-of-view I wanted with some magnification and compression. An aperture of f/20 provided depth-of-field from the camera-to-subject distance; and a shutter speed of 0.8 second at ISO 100 gave me an overall slightly lighter than medium exposure.
We are very blessed to have a travel-way like the BRP to show us the great Beauty of our Southern Highlands. These amazing public lands are ours only if we agree to be responsible for their preservation and protection.
The images of the sun setting over the ridges, like the images of moving water, are always a welcome sight. Thanks for capturing, sharing, and reminding us no matter how many times we go back, it is always new and refreshing. The only thing that remains the same is the voices of the mountains that are still calling.
Hi Nancy T. It’s always a treat to read what you have to share with us. I completely agree with you about sunsets and moving water. It seems to me that these two subjects, along, possibly, with growing/living things, encapsulates the world of Nature about as completely as possible. And I agree, too, that no matter how many times we witness these awesome sights, we never tire of seeing them or experiencing the power and enrichment they bring to our lives. They connect us to the earth and to life. They are the constant song that the mountains always sing. Walk in Beauty.
Don, this is a beautiful take on a theme, but with the wonderful twist of the cool and warm together. Thanks for explaining how it happens.
Hey Ray. Thanks, as always, for taking time from your busy schedule to share thoughts with us. Warm and cool tones are often found in the same late-light composition, but it is not necessarily common that they will be created in such a way as the tonalities in the current Image. That outcome was purely the gift of geology and geography; but being familiar with the landscape was certainly a big advantage. Once you know how the mechanics work you can look for the opportunities wherever you are. Have an excellent weekend and take care.
Many thanks to Both of You for sharing your thoughts and observations. In truth, this seems to be one of those simply crafted images with straightforward elements and relationships, but as we have now discussed, it turns out to be significantly more complex than that: knowing local geography and light mechanics are keys to a successful outcome. Of course, serendipity might work and should never be discounted, but being able to plan for successful outcomes can surely increase the chances of success. Hope you Both have excellent weeks and continue to enjoy the Beauty of spring.