It is the best when I have a chance to load up the dogs to hit the Blue Ridge parkway in the morning for an adventure before the afternoon sessions and meetings. Apparently, it was a great morning for the bear as well as we saw quite a few out and about. It is a great reminder to keep an eye out for wildlife when driving, biking, or hiking. They can appear out of nowhere and dart into the road often before you know what is happening. See pics of the juvenile bear at the end of this set - he came bounding out of the woods into the road, ambling across to the other side and I was so grateful I was going slow enough to stop for him. If you see bear, give them space, and definitely try to never get between a mama bear and her cubs. 

This adventure took me and my dogs up to Craggy Pinnacle off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is the perfect time to visit that area to see all the rhododendron and mountain laurel in bloom. The shocks of hot pinks against the palette of greens and blues bring me such joy and I'm excited to share these sights with you. 

Craggy has some of the most unique and dramatic trees along this short, moderate hike to the pinnacles. The first one you see in my photos is a black birch, weathered and shaped into this mystical, fairytale tree that you'll never forget once you see it in person. I've never been able to figure out what the next gnarled and twisted tree you find on this trail is, but it is also unlike any tree you'll see elsewhere. The twisted and warped magical painterly looking tree has always mystified me. 

The perspective from this area are always spectacular. The wide open views, framed by the exposed rock, historic rock walls, ridgelines with recognizable peaks in all directions, and being able to see the Blue Ridge Parkway winding around, past the visitor's center and around the bend just inspire me every single time I get up there. 

Cannot wait to share the next adventure soon!

Photographer: Camilla Calnan

Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

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

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