The creeks are one of the things that make the Smoky Mountains great.
Tremont Creek, Smokey Mountain National Park by Richard Lewis 2014
Little River Gorge by Richard Lewis 2014
Dogwoods on Tremont Creek by Richard Lewis 2014
Dark Waters in the Smoky Mountains by Richard Lewis 2014
Waterfall by Tremont Creek by Richard Lewis 2014
My week in the Great Smoky Mountains was spent being overwhelmed by the beauty of the Dogwood blossoms and the Smoky Fog. However, another stunning aspect of this place was the water. While nothing can compete with my favorite local creeks like the Tohickon and Glen Onoko Falls, the abundant flowing creeks in the Smokies were beautiful to look at, photograph and just sit beside.
How I Did It – The technique of photographing flowing water uses a slow shutter speed, usually around 1 second, which may require a neutral density filter. A polarizing filter is also useful to control glare and reflection. Once you master the techniques to create images of beautiful silky flowing water, you will need to look at the rest of the scene you are creating. If the area surrounding the creek or the creek itself is full of unsightly debris or if the entire scene is compositionally challenging, you might need to find a better spot. Depending on your feelings about altering a photograph, removing less flattering things with a little “digital landscaping” might also be something worth considering. The difference between a really good photograph and a really great one is paying attention to the details and controlling the composition of the scene you are capturing.
Flowing water is something that has fascinated me since I first picked up a camera. In a previous post I talked more about my “love and fear” of water. Click here to see that post.
Enjoy
Visit my website to see more photographs of the Great Smoky Mountains
Click Here to learn to be more creative with your camera
Beautiful images and thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the compliment and I’m glad you find the tips helpful.
Beautiful work. Love the light up Tremont Creek, and the color in the foreground.
Thanks Ralph. I like that one too. It is a rule breaker being shot in sunlight without a polarizer. It all sort of worked.
WOW … I’m speechless … almost! These are stunning! The lighting and exposures are absolutely excellent. I guess the first may be my favorite. The detail in the water is perfect to show some action and the warm glow upstream is icing on the cake!
Thanks Denise, I’m speechless at your compliment. I really appreciate it. The first one is sort of my favorite too. I was just hanging out on a rock enjoying this little place on the creek with no intention of photographing it. Then the light changed ever so slightly from harsh direct sun to this. I guess it was a magical little cloud that happened to cover the sun just enough.
Rich, these images are exquisite. I feel as though I could reach out and touch the moss! Thanks for sharing your photos and camera tips.
My pleasure Linda. I’m glad yo enjoyed this post. I feel pretty lucky to have been able to spend a week in such a beautiful place.
These images are absolutely spectacular. I agree with Denise, just stunning. Landscape photography is not my strong suit and your talent for capturing the beautiful essence of nature inspires me.
Will we being seeing your landscape exhibit soon? Or maybe a 2015 calendar.
Thanks Lisa, I appreciate it. I am thinking seriously about both. I did have an exhibit last year at the Medford Art Center and am looking for another venue for this year. Until then you can visit my website to see the best of my work. Thanks again for your very kind words.
Really like the sense of movement in this series. The black and white is my favourite.