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Deep Creek Overlook, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Phil Varney Photography || Facebook || 500px
The intensity in this sunrise over Great Smoky Mountains National Park was unparalleled. Anyone who knows this overlook (Deep Creek) knows that it doesn't even face due east, but instead the left side of the frame is southeast and the right is southwest, towards Clingman's Dome; but still, the radiant color filled the sky! I thought the morning would have potential, since a front was moving through the next morning, while the early hours of the night were projected to be clear. I was woken up at some point in the night, and noticed the almost-full moon shining through a blanket of thin mid-elevation clouds - perfect for sunrise! Even an hour before the sun broke the horizon, the clouds were starting to show various hues of pink and purple. The clouds ended up displaying such an intense color that I had serious difficulty in post-processing to maintain realism in the scene - I hope it isn't too much!
The lingering fall leaves, especially the dark reds and oranges in the oaks, still provided some autumn colors to an otherwise past-peak scene. On my way here, I drove by the ever popular Oconaluftee Overlook, where an array of tripods was arrayed out before a leafless valley, even an hour before sunrise! I can't imagine the craziness that popular overlook experienced on this particular morning, as dozens of photographers jockeyed for what they deemed the best location...meanwhile, I had this entire overlook completely to myself!
Deep Creek Overlook, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Phil Varney Photography || Facebook || 500px
The intensity in this sunrise over Great Smoky Mountains National Park was unparalleled. Anyone who knows this overlook (Deep Creek) knows that it doesn't even face due east, but instead the left side of the frame is southeast and the right is southwest, towards Clingman's Dome; but still, the radiant color filled the sky! I thought the morning would have potential, since a front was moving through the next morning, while the early hours of the night were projected to be clear. I was woken up at some point in the night, and noticed the almost-full moon shining through a blanket of thin mid-elevation clouds - perfect for sunrise! Even an hour before the sun broke the horizon, the clouds were starting to show various hues of pink and purple. The clouds ended up displaying such an intense color that I had serious difficulty in post-processing to maintain realism in the scene - I hope it isn't too much!
The lingering fall leaves, especially the dark reds and oranges in the oaks, still provided some autumn colors to an otherwise past-peak scene. On my way here, I drove by the ever popular Oconaluftee Overlook, where an array of tripods was arrayed out before a leafless valley, even an hour before sunrise! I can't imagine the craziness that popular overlook experienced on this particular morning, as dozens of photographers jockeyed for what they deemed the best location...meanwhile, I had this entire overlook completely to myself!