Nature photography
Nature photography and observation is the fastest growing form of outdoor recreation.
In a recent national survey on outdoor recreation by the U.S. Forest Service, viewing and photographing nature — be it flowers, landscapes or birds
“It says there is quite a pattern here that we are looking at,” said Ken Cordell, a pioneering scientist with the U.S. Forest Service Research and Development Branch in Athens, Ga. “The interest in nature viewing and photographing is a big deal.”
Despite leading theories that Americans are more distanced from nature than ever, the survey data shows otherwise, Cordell said.
“They may not always want to climb out into the wilderness, but I think people are very, very curious about nature,” Cordell said.
Beverly Slone, an avid nature photographer in Waynesville, has witnessed the trend play out in her hiking club, the Leisure Hikers of Haywood County. Over the past two years, more and more of the hikers have been toting newly purchased digital cameras on their outings.
“The majority of them now bring a camera and stop and take pictures,” Slone said. Slone attributes the growing ranks of picture-takers in the hiking club to the rise of digital cameras.
“They are small and easy to carry with you when you hike,” Slone said. “You don’t have to mess with film. You can delete what you don’t like, and it doesn’t cost as much. You don’t have all that developing.”
Cordell agree the ease of digital cameras could be behind the rise in nature observation and photography, as opposed to say rock climbing or backpacking.
“It’s easy to gear up for. You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment — a $99 digital camera and a set of binoculars,” Cordell said.
For some, taking pictures is simply a way to document an outing. For others, the photography itself is the outing. Photography brings you closer to nature and your subjects, whether it’s a tree, an elk or an insect — more so than simply hiking, said Bob Grytten, an outdoor photographer who leads a club in Haywood County called the Lens Luggers.
“Looking at some of these very small critters like an inch worm, looking through a long lens and seeing something that up close, you can almost see that there’s a personality there and a series of things happening that don’t look like they were put together by accident,” Grytten said. “When I first saw that, that’s where my connection to nature came on real strong.”
Grytten said nature photography provides him with emotional fulfillment and a sense of enlightenment.
For Slone, nature photography was a pastime long before hiking became part of her repertoire.
“I used to drive around looking for things to take pictures of,” Sloan said. She looked for natural scenes, interesting trees, a roadside flower — whatever caught her eye. Photography gave meaning to otherwise arbitrary expeditions.
“You’ve got more purpose to it and you have something to take home and look at,” Slone said.
Five great places for photos
Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
At over 6,500 feet, you are at eye level with distant ridges, atop the third highest mountain east of the Rockies. But it’s not just the elevation that makes it a great photo sight. The mountains facing south have a particularly striking topography. While there is a lookout tower on top, some of the best photos are from the parking lot.
Directions: Located off U.S. 441 in the Smokies on the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. At Newfound Gap, a spur road leads another seven miles to the top. From Maggie Valley, take U.S. 19 to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow the Parkway to it terminus and turn left onto U.S. 441. From Cherokee, take U.S. 441 into the park and keep going.
Cataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
It’s hard to go wrong when photographing the elk herd grazing in the meadows of Cataloochee. The animals are generally guaranteed to appear at dawn and dusk. If you’re an early riser go at dawn, however. In the evening, the sun has often set behind the mountain by the time the elk appear and your photos will be dark. In the morning, the angle of the sun is more likely to illuminate the valley. On the way in or out, stop at the roadside overlook for a photo of the entire valley.
Directions: From Maggie Valley, head west on U.S. 19. Turn left onto U.S. 276. Just before you reach Interstate 40 and just after a gas station on your left, turn left onto Cove Creek Road and follow the signs for 11 miles along winding roads up over the Cataloochee Divide and into the valley.
Waterfall circuit
The Cashiers and Highlands area is riddle with waterfalls as they plunge off the plateau. A driving tour will take you past the doorstep of Lower Cullasaja Falls, Upper Cullasaja Falls, Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Directions: From Cashiers, head west on U.S. 64 towards Highlands. Turn right at the traffic light at junction of U.S. 64 and N.C. 28 heading toward Franklin. Continue for 2.8 miles. Bridal Veil Falls is on right. Continue for 0.9 miles. After passing the Dry Falls sign, turn left into parking lot. Go down a stone staircase to Dry Falls, which roars overhead. Exit parking lot to left. Continue 3.3 miles and pull off to left onto gravel for a view of Upper Cullasaja Falls. Continue for 2.4 miles. Pull off to left for view of Lower Cullasaja Falls.
Devils Courthouse, Blue Ridge Parkway
This one requires a short walk that is very steep but paved. At the top, a stone wall surrounds a rock outcrop with sheer, plunging cliffs and near panoramic views. From the parking area below Devils Courthouse, you can get a striking photo of the rocky protrusion above.
Directions: Located between miles 422 and 423 on the Parkway. From Waynesville, take U.S. 276 south until you reach the parkway. Turn right onto the parkway and pay attention to the wooden posts along the roadside that mark off the miles. From Sylva, take U.S. 23-74 north to the parkway. At the top of the on-ramp turn left, and follow the mile markers.
Oconaluftee Indian Village, Cherokee
Costumed, historical guides are engaged in traditional Cherokee pastimes. Get photos of Cherokee weaving with a finger loom, using a blowgun, making a dugout canoe or performing traditional dances.
Directions: Located in the center of Cherokee just off U.S. 441. From the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, turn up Drama Road. Admission is $15. 866.554.4557.
