p.1 #1 · June in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina
I’m currently camped in North Carolina where I have been enjoying jaw-dropping vistas of ridges extending seemingly forever, a great variety of lovely waterfalls, and a gorgeous bloom of wild rhododendrons at 5,500 ft. elevation. I first visited this state in 2008 and it grabbed my heart from the beginning, and as I continue to explore and photograph here I’m becoming deeply connected to this landscape. This place and these images represent the passion that drives me in this life, and I hope you feel the inspiration! I am full of gratitude to be here, making compositions, feeding my soul ❤️
All the best,
Ross
Layer after layer, from the Appalachian Trail
Evening fog adds atmosphere to a wild rhododendron garden at 5,500 ft.
A spectacular gorge frames this falls, with lovely evening backlight
Setting sun over ridges, from NC looking toward TN
The mystical, spiritual, minimalistic vibe of flowing water makes me happy
A panorama of stacked layers, something I can never resist
This tree is a survivor, perhaps aided by its glorious daily view
Dusk closes out the day, viewed from the NC/TN border
p.1 #7 · June in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina
chad hites wrote:
Very pretty set! They are all excellent but the first image with its gradient from dark to light in B&W is superb! Thank you for posting these.
Thank you very much Chad! I do like that gradient effect also, and felt that black & white really enhanced this image.
p.1 #10 · June in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina
RoamingScott wrote:
One of my favorite places I’ve been for all the reasons these photos showcase. The color palate out there is unreal. Great set Ross.
Thanks Scott, I’m glad you have experienced the magic of NC!
p.1 #11 · June in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina
Ross Martin wrote:
Thanks Scott, I’m glad you have experienced the magic of NC!
If you are still in NC, I'd highly recommend going to Grandfather Mountain before you leave. If you're brave, there's a VERY cool ladder-based hike up to MacRae Peak that looks scarier than it is...my son did it when he was 4. Some insane photo opportunities along the way, and the color of the granite against the pine green and pink rhododendrons is spectacular.
p.1 #12 · June in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina
RoamingScott wrote:
If you are still in NC, I'd highly recommend going to Grandfather Mountain before you leave. If you're brave, there's a VERY cool ladder-based hike up to MacRae Peak that looks scarier than it is...my son did it when he was 4. Some insane photo opportunities along the way, and the color of the granite against the pine green and pink rhododendrons is spectacular.
Thanks! I went there yesterday evening but the gated fee section that I believe takes you to the area where you have that steep hike and a suspension bridge was closed. I may save it for next year, always good to leave wanting more.
I’m not sure if my fear of falling will kick in on that hike. For example, on the Angel’s Landing trail at Zion as I was starting to ascend the first steep section using the chains, I got hit with total fear & panic and I literally could not move, had to have some fellow hikers talk me down, so never was able to finish that famous route.
p.1 #13 · June in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina
Ross Martin wrote:
Thanks! I went there yesterday evening but the gated fee section that I believe takes you to the area where you have that steep hike and a suspension bridge was closed. I may save it for next year, always good to leave wanting more.
I’m not sure if my fear of falling will kick in on that hike. For example, on the Angel’s Landing trail at Zion as I was starting to ascend the first steep section using the chains, I got hit with total fear & panic and I literally could not move, had to have some fellow hikers talk me down, so never was able to finish that famous route....Show more →
Ah, discretion might be the better part of valor. If I'm remembering correctly, you can do it in two directions, to the left is the ladders and to the right is a more traditional hike up. Either way, if you only go part way, there's lots to see. Next year!
Angel's Landing is a gut check for sure. Did it once and that was enough for many lifetimes.
p.1 #19 · June in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina
Wonderful set of images, Ross. I'm enjoying your take on midwestern/eastern scenes after enjoying your out west pictures. Your images remind me that there's lots of good images waiting within reasonable driving distance of Ohio. Strangely, being a mountain picture person myself, I'm enjoying the cascading waterfall shot the most. Your muted processing (at least on my screen) makes for some lovely yellows.
p.1 #20 · June in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina
pbraymond wrote:
Wonderful set of images, Ross. I'm enjoying your take on midwestern/eastern scenes after enjoying your out west pictures. Your images remind me that there's lots of good images waiting within reasonable driving distance of Ohio. Strangely, being a mountain picture person myself, I'm enjoying the cascading waterfall shot the most. Your muted processing (at least on my screen) makes for some lovely yellows.
Hi Raymond! Your note is so encouraging to me, I appreciate you writing this. It's humbling to be allowed to travel and photograph the beauty in America - deeply soul satisfying for me - and if others can enjoy the results that makes it even better. I agree with you that there is much to photograph with Ohio as a home base! After 47 years living in the Pacific Northwest and many trips to the Southwest, I had no idea how much I would fall in love with the east and midwest.
