Bull Creek Valley backs up to the Elk Mountains below Elk Pasture Gap and Craven Gap; but it actually refers to the last buffalo (eastern bison) bull seen in the area, which was hunted in 1799 by Joseph Rice. From Tanbark Ridge the view into the valley and eastward can produce some of the most amazing sunrises anywhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
A focal length of 36mm, the very long extreme of wide-angleland, gave me the angle-of-view I wanted, with almost no compression and little distortion. An aperture of f/14, from the camera-to-subject distance provided adequate depth-of-field. With a shutter speed of 0.8 of a second at ISO 100, I minimized vibration and created a slightly darker-than-medium exposure. Of course, I was also using a cable release with a two second delay.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, as it passes through the Elk Mountains on its way to the Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell traverses some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in eastern North America. Our public lands are a sacred realm which we must be willing to preserve and protect for ourselves and thosecwho come behind us.
A really spectacular sunset photo. The clouds really make it.
Hey Bob, I hope this kinds you safe and well in Knoxville or Chicago, or both. I agree with you completely: this Image is primarily about clouds. When I arrived at the Parkway that morning and saw the clouds over Bull Creek Valley, there was an immediate smile that came to my face and I could see immediately that it was all a matter of how thick were the clouds on the horizon itself. Fortunately there was enough of a gap between the land and the cloudforms that the sun could rise within it. I really appreciate your kind words. Walk in Beauty.
The details of the sunrise layering through the clouds and the distinctive dark contrast of the ridges creates a stunning view. Thanks for always being such a caring and Patient teacher. You are one of the best.
Hi Chuck, it’s great to hear from you! I hope all is well. I had a very real concern that the mountain layers were going to be too dark for the separation in them to be seen, so I waited as long as I dared for the light to increase so that the ridges could be seen distinctly. Of course, that then began to be a bit of a problem on the “light” end, and I began to be concerned about blowing out the sky. In other words, it became a matter of “timing,” and that’s where practice comes in. Hope our paths may cross somewhere down the road.
Don, I’m glad to be back. I hit a roadblock accessing your weekly image a few weeks ago, but now things seem to back on track. Thanks for this delightful image. I like the strong edge on the right and, of course, the main attraction in the sky. Hope you’re well.
Hey Ray; it’s great to hear from you! I have been wondering what had become of your cheerful presence. I hope all is well and you are safe. Happy New Year! I think there have been some problems with Word Press recently, so the snafu has probably been on my end. At any rate, it’s good to have you returned. I’m glad you mentioned the right edge of the frame. The choice, as I’m sure you know, was whether to include the tree as a framing device to also add a bit of depth. I’m not always a great fan of framing devices, but in this instance the additional depth was enough to encourage its use. Always good to have you with me. I’ll send you a separate email about the adventure I’m about to undertake. Take good care and be well.
What a beautiful site to wake up to! I can smell the coffee coming from the valley as the world is saying good morning. This is a very tranquil scene and quite a contrast from Florida. Thank you for sharing. Be save.
Hey Nancy T. What a wonderful story to accompany this Image. I hope you have had a wonderful adventure in the Sunshine State. I’m looking forward to talking very soon. I can only imagine the world of Florida, and that makes me very glad to be in North Carolina. Take very good care of yourself and be well. Travel safely and Walk in Beauty.
Thanks Everyone for taking the time to join me for this Image. The clock is slowly winding down on the Image for the Asking and as it does, I continue to appreciate all of the joy that all of you continually add to my life with you words and comments. I am grateful to all of you for being who you are. Take very good care in the New Year.