The Opening Act

[Travis Rhoads]

Last fall I led a group from a local camera club up to the Great Smoky Mountains for fall color. ON many occasions I have arrived at Sparks Lane in anticipation of good light...and on many occasions I have walked away with less than I wanted to capture...if the light was good, the sky was empty, if there was anything in the sky, the light was bad. But on this trip, as we hiked into this location, as we came out of the trees the eastern horizon was clear and there were clouds over our shooting location. The group setup and as soon as the sun started to come up, we were witness to the best light show I have seen in the Smokies. It was wild, lasted for a while and everyone got to experience it and go home with good images on the memory cards.

This is just after the sun was breaking the horizon. "The Opening Act"

Sony A7R2 | Canon 17-40L | Lee 6 Stop | 60 Seconds, ISO 100, f/8
The Opening Act by Travis Rhoads, on Flickr

 

[BarryHamilton]

Delightful scene, with indeed lovely light. And that's an inviting country road.

 

[Travis Rhoads]

Delightful scene, with indeed lovely light. And that's an inviting country road.

Thank you Barry. Sparks Lane is a nice little road in Cades Cove in the park. Its a favorite for landscape photographers at sunrise.

 

[AlanLichty]

Nice - I have a couple of favorite places that leave me wishing for a color show like the one getting started here. The fall colors in the early light look delightful.

 

[Timmeh]

Hey Travis,

I really enjoy the road and fences leading to the trees, and the processing and settings all work really well. The darkness and relative lack of bright color on the right makes the leading lines a little less satisfying though because of the rich smooth clouds on the left. My eye follows the road and then jolts to the left to find the clouds.

Tim

 

[Tex Schneider]

Travis:

A lovely image that makes me want to go for a walk down that road. Nicely done.

Tex

 

[JimFox]

Hey Travis, i know this location and your take on it is wonderful. The clouds really gave you a show that morning!

Jim

 

[Travis Rhoads]

Nice - I have a couple of favorite places that leave me wishing for a color show like the one getting started here. The fall colors in the early light look delightful.

Thanks Alan. Some places leave us wanting, but we keep trying! The only aspect of life I am patient in...photography!

Hey Travis,

I really enjoy the road and fences leading to the trees, and the processing and settings all work really well. The darkness and relative lack of bright color on the right makes the leading lines a little less satisfying though because of the rich smooth clouds on the left. My eye follows the road and then jolts to the left to find the clouds.

Tim

Interesting feedback Tim, I had not really considered the darker right side being seen that way, so thanks for pointing that out.

Travis:

A lovely image that makes me want to go for a walk down that road. Nicely done.

Tex

Thanks Tex, a walk down that road requires good footwear...the little gravels are sharp!

Hey Travis, i know this location and your take on it is wonderful. The clouds really gave you a show that morning!

Jim

Thanks Jim...anyone that has seen my work will know this spot, its a favorite for sure. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Ryan10]

A classic wall hanger image. You've done some great work with that 17-40L.

 

[Jeffrey]

Lovely image, Travis. I've been there real early, too, and had to walk in because the road was still closed. Was worth it. Same for you!

 

[lightsgood]

Makes me want to b there Travis. Beautiful.

 

[Travis Rhoads]

A classic wall hanger image. You've done some great work with that 17-40L.

Thanks Ryan. Yes, the 17-40L got a lot of use, it is a very underrated lens. It has found a new home with a friend recently, so it will continue on!

Lovely image, Travis. I've been there real early, too, and had to walk in because the road was still closed. Was worth it. Same for you!

Thanks Jeffrey. Walking in is the best way, only way really. For me it started a couple years ago when we were planning our morning rendezvous in the hotel lobby, and over heard a 50+ person workshop making the same plans...it was at that time I told our small group that the only way to get there and get a spot, would be to walk in...you can imagine the surprise and shock of that group when they drove up to find us already there...now, it is the only way I go in.

Makes me want to b there Travis. Beautiful.

That is the best compliment of all..if it can put you there, or make you want to be there. Thanks!