The Great Smoky Mountains are located in the heart of the southern
Appalachians along the border between western North Carolina and eastern
Tennessee. World famous for its scenic mountain ranges, diverse plant and
animal species, and wide-ranging atmospheric conditions, the region is a
target-rich environment for outdoor photographers and should be on any
landscape or wildlife shooter’s short list of locations to visit.
Weather
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and a wide variety
of conditions are always possible. With elevations ranging from 875 to over
6,600 feet, altitude can have a large effect on the weather. It’s possible to
experience a high of 80º F in the valley and a low of 35º F in the mountains on
the same day. Average temperatures range from highs in the 40s during the
winter to highs in the 90s during the summer. Being in close proximity to the
only temperate rain forest east of the Rocky Mountains means wet weather is
fairly common, with annual rainfall ranging from 55 to 85 inches. I always make
sure to bring adequate rain protection for both myself and my gear, and a warm
jacket is useful in the mountains after sunset, even during the summer months.
Best Times
The Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas offer scenic
opportunities in all seasons. From dogwoods blooming along scenic country lanes
in the spring, to snow-covered mountain ridges under stunning sunsets in the
winter, you’ll find great things to shoot at any time of the year. My favorite
times in the southern Appalachians are in the spring during the explosion of lowering
trees such as the dogwood and serviceberry, and during the fall color change
when the mountains are painted in the vibrant red and yellow colors of
autumn.
Photo Tips
When shooting in the Great Smoky Mountains, it’s necessary to be
prepared for the full range of photographic opportunities the area offers.
Depending on your preference, you could find yourself shooting vast mountain
ranges under dramatic skies, the region’s numerous waterfalls and mountain
streams or wildlife such as elk and black bears. With such a wide array of
possible subjects, you’ll find good use for lenses from both ends of the
spectrum. I frequently find myself shooting a small waterfall with a 15mm
ultrawide-angle lens and wildlife with a 300mm telephoto on the same day. If
you’re traveling light or planning to hike to more remote locations, a
wide-angle zoom lens such as a 17-35mm and a telephoto zoom like a 70-200mm
will give you the greatest flexibility in a reasonably small package. There are
a few other items that is also necessary for successful shoots in the area.
With an abundance of waterfalls and mountain streams, a tripod is essential for
the longer exposures, and a circular polarizer will be helpful in getting those
rich, saturated colors in the water and lush foliage. If big mountain landscapes
are your thing, you’ll find a graduated ND filter useful for controlling
exposures between the bright sunset skies and dark valley foregrounds.
Blake Fuller is a nature photographer, traveler and a contributor
to vacation-now.com. A vacation rental website that offers vacation rentals for
each and every traveler.
0 comments:
Post a Comment