After my first trip to New York City, I find myself wanting to return soon to keep exploring. I stayed in Manhattan, visited a friend in Brooklyn, walked from one end of Central Park to the other, saw some of Chelsea, took trains, ate a massive Katz corned beef, enjoyed LOTS of authentic Korean food, enjoyed so many great meals, and caught a few glimpses of other neighborhoods on my way in and out of town, I now have a bigger list of must-see places for when I get back up that way including Grand Central Station, Ellis Island, Natural History Museum and the Met, Broadway for a show, and so much more! I must admit that for my first visit, I fulfilled my goal to ‘experience’ the city.

One of my main agendas in ‘the city’ was to take in as much of the magic of Fredrick Law Olmstead’s FIRST landscape architect project. He and Calvert Vaux designed Central Park to be a ‘democratic greenspace in a growing metropolis’. This 843-acre park is such a unique experience with its beautiful winding pathways that circle around the reservoir and lake, the natural and curated gardens, an awe-inspiring array of historic trees, stonework, arches, and structures created with an artisan touch, and so many sculptures. I spent an entire day of my visit taking as much of it in as I could, traversing from one end to the other. Reeling in the sights kept me walking and seeing art along my way back to my hotel.

Somehow in Central Park, the jacket I saw with ‘It was all a dream’ on it then the squirrel posing for me alongside Dr. Seuss-like trees summed up the feeling of this magical place! Those three moments happened one after the other. I’m excited to share some of this awesome trip with you all!

When I found myself in the park alongside Museum Mile, I emerged from the huge gates to find myself looking at the magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum. I could not resist the call to enter that magnificent building. The Guggenheim Museum in New York has always been somewhere I wanted to see, not just for the art, but to experience being in that building. The architecture is one of a kind and a work of art unto itself. The art was spectacular- pieces on display from Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Manet, and amazing current exhibitions by Alex Katz ‘Gathering’ and Nick Cave ‘Forothermore’ (woah – that is some deeply moving and intriguing work – check him out!) .

Did you know that Asheville’s Biltmore Estate and NC Arboretum were also Fredrick Law Olmstead projects? I loved getting to see this special place – and am honored to help support this legacy by being a community partner of the NC Arboretum. These non-Asheville area photos actually do relate to our area and ultimately, it is all connected no matter where we end up. Have you been to NYC? If so, what are your favorite places to explore?

I am so excited to finally share some of my trip to NYC to wrap up the end of 2022 and start 2023.

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: all over New York City

I loved being Anne and Eddie’s wedding photographer for their early spring Weaver House wedding in Weaverville, North Carolina. This fun couple is nothing short of amazing and it has been an honor to photograph them! Every moment of their day was so special – the love letters they sent each other before the ceremony, the bride’s first look with her mom, their heartfelt ceremony surrounded by their favorite people, the wedding feast, dance floor filled with joyous dancing all night, old and new friends and family celebrating together, and ending with a beautiful sparkler exit. It couldn’t have been a more beautiful day to celebrate these two!

They had perfect weather for their outdoor garden ceremony on an early spring day at the Weaver House. This venue is a magical place tucked behind a fence on Main street. Once you enter, you would never guess you are in town. The garden is stunning with an Asian inspired floating stone path to the gazebo surrounded by bamboo. They chose the perfect place for their big day.

Congratulations, Anne and Eddie! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!!

Photographer: Camilla Calnan Photography

Venue: Weaver House - Alexandra Herman (planner)

Hair: Jessica McGill (friend of bride)

Make-up: AnaRie

DJ: BombBasic 

Flowers: SweetLeaf Floral (Charleston, SC based; friend of the bride)

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