Each year I look forward to photographing the Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum! As the temperatures drop and the edit queue is full of weddings, portraits, corporate, commercial, events, and adventures, capturing Winter Lights has become the best holiday tradition. I am so glad I wrapped a session just in time to make the last hour of the preview night last week! It was a perfect night to walk through some of this year's displays and take it all in. It is spectacular! Each year has gotten better and this year is no exception so be sure to go check it out!

Visit the click here to visit the Winter Lights page on the NC Arboretum site for more information about tickets and event info. 

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Linville Falls Overlook Trail

After the most lovely engagement session in Linville, North Carolina, on a spectacular September afternoon, could not pass up a quick detour to Linville Falls. I love any chance I get to adventure in Linville, whether down in the gorge, up on the vistas, or in the adorable towns nearby. There was enough time for a little escape so I took off to sit by the upper falls for a bit, then hiked the rest of the the 1.6 mile in and back Erwin's View and Linville falls overlook trail. This trail first led me to the upper falls, a set of cascades surrounded by the most amazing stratified rock formations. Back up the steps and continuing up the hill led me to four different overlooks with views of the falls and wilderness areas below.

This iconic waterfall is rated one of the best waterfalls in North Carolina. The 90 foot drop makes for a dramatic sight as the water gushes through the stratified rock created by the Linville Fault. This fault is visible on the rock face the falls cut through. The never ending variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna in western North Carolina never ceases to amaze me. Each overlook's perspective was unique and worth the time to visit...wishing I had been able to stay longer. The rugged wilderness of the Linville Gorge forever calls me to come back soon to explore again.

The first signs of fall are starting to show and it is going to be a spectacular season! The bright red pops of early color from the red maple trees were impossible to ignore while trekking through a world of green. The sun illuminated the crimson leaves on the trail, making me stop in my tracks to attempt to capture that magical sight. I love that the forests will soon be painted in the colors of autumn and I cannot wait to try to to justice to it all through my lens. Here I stand at this beginning of yet another turning of the season, still in awe and ready to witness and photograph the beauty in the changes ahead.

If you get to visit the gorge or any natural place, remember to leave no trace - pack out what you bring with you and take only photos/video. Linville can be a very popular place especially on weekends, and if going to explore the gorge, many of the roads are best in a 4 wheel drive vehicle with lots of ground clearance - and patience for others out for adventures on the road or on the trail. Linville Gorge is a wilderness area, so not many trails are marked and if you go you need to be prepared in all the ways.

I hope you enjoy getting to join me on this mini adventure to some gorgeous views of Linville Falls. Get in touch if you would like to take a photo workshop/adventure, have questions about photo sessions, workshops, or ordering custom prints. Happy adventures!

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Linville Falls Overlook Trail

When the stars align, magical things happen. A lot of stars had to align to make a long standing dream for Bob Jordan’s debut album to become a reality. I am so grateful that things worked out for me to photograph Bob Jordan and the talented musicians that joined him in the studio recording his debut album. It is an honor to share some of his story, a selection of the photos, and pictures of a hard to get printed copy of the album, “If this Dream Stands”.

Bob is a singer-songwriter that dreamed of being John Lennon after seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show as a kid. He began writing these songs 10 years ago and it took meeting the right musicians to bring it to life. With the support of a group of talented musicians and the inspiring space to record, the dream became a reality with the album being released in August 2022. The album was recorded and mastered at Seclusion Hill Music in Asheville, North Carolina.

Bob’s folky-rock guitar led songs inspire memories of the great music of the 60’s with an updated yet nostalgic feel. I have really enjoyed listening to this album! It was such a pleasure to get to hear the early versions evolve into the mastered versions on the final versions. I cannot wait to get to see him perform later this year – December 4 at Whitehorse Black Mountain. Excited to see how it all evolves as his dream becomes reality!

If you want to check out his music or purchase for download click here or click here for the amazon link.

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Musician/Songwriter: Bob Jordan Music

Recording Studio/Location: Seclusion Hill, Asheville, NC

CD Printing/Distribution: CD Baby

The Asheville Symphony in the park 2022 is happening this evening, and I realize that I never shared the photos from last year's amazing performance. We are so lucky to have this awe-inspiring opportunity to see the symphony in the middle of downtown.

I hope you enjoy seeing a bit of the lovely evening from last year.  

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: McGuire Green, Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville, NC

Performers: Asheville Symphony

It is such an honor to tell you about Mountaineer Motor Tours, a historical tour company where you get to ride in a 1923 Model T. Heath, the owner, tour guide, and driver has worked hard getting ready for tours in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Heath, his wife, Sara, and their border collie, Kira, are just the best. I am thankful for such wonderful friends and clients that bring me in on the most amazing projects. I am ecstatic to share some of the photos from our recent shoot capturing the inaugural tour. It has been so much fun working with them along the way!

Heath has such a passion for history, automobiles, and Asheville, this is a perfect way for him to share what he loves with his guests. His attention to detail and inspiration shows on all levels. This unique experience will leave you wanting to learn more about the area and likely wanting to take another tour.

From the Mountaineer Motor Tours website: “Heath Towson is an Asheville Native – born and raised in the “Land of the Sky.” Driven by a love for history of the city and automobiles, he decided to create Mountaineer Motor Tours. He wanted to share Asheville by touring folks around in a vehicle that truly evoked the Golden Age of Asheville – the 1920s. Heath believes in historic preservation and currently serves on the board of the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County. He also serves as a weekend docent at the Estes-Winn Car museum in Grovewood Village.”

This is the perfect opportunity to learn about Asheville history while riding in a 100 year old car. I linked the website below for more info and to schedule your tour.

Tour/Model T: Mountaineer Motor tours

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: Grovewood Village and around Asheville, NC