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

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

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

It is the best thing ever to have the NC Arboretum so close for a quick adventure. Between the seasonal change and all the constant hard work by the grounds crew, it is never the same on campus. It has been awhile since I shared any photos from the gardens, so I created a small collection of images from a few visits this summer. The art integrated into the landscape is so inspiring! The gardens and trails are always the perfect escape - and they make the best location for photo sessions.

I am looking forward to being a vendor at the Arboretum fall Plant Sale September 16-17. If you haven't gotten a chance to go to the plant sale there yet, mark your calendar and make sure to come visit. Do not miss out - SO many great plants and plant related goodness! If you can't make it those days, if you make it on campus, I have an assortment of cards, coasters, prints and more for sale at the shop in the Baker Center. I am happy to ship if not in the area or if you visit and don't want worry about transporting your photo art home. Contact me for more info.

Thanks for checking out my blog!

Photography: Camilla Calnan Photography

Location: NC Arboretum, Asheville, North Carolina