Ross Landing has to be one of the most peaceful places in Chattanooga. Sitting on the Tennessee River with the Chattanooga Aquarium at your back makes for a pleasant evening. One day a while back, we had gone to the aquarium and then happened to be near the landing around sunset. Of course, I wanted to get shots of the sunset, but not much could match the inviting atmosphere and friendly people we an into while visiting.
Candid shots are by far my favorite in the portraiture realm. People’s expressions and body language are not prepared and people do not try to act the way they want other people to see them. Often times, that is completely different from how they really appear when their guard is down. I took this candid while my youngest was wading through the “Tennessee” river that flows in front of the Tennessee Aquarium. She is my thinker and often times, I catch her pondering what I can only believe she thinks are the woes of the world.
My children and I were hiking up Goforth Creek at the end of the summer. It runs into the Ocoee River and for the first several hundred yards, has some really good waterfalls. After that, it levels out and has just some small shallow rapids with the occasional cascade. This was one point where all three of us were wading. I saw how clear the water was just before entering this shallow area. It was so clear that the depth of the water is deceiving.
On the North end of Market Square in Knoxville, Tennessee, sits one location of the Tennessee Valley Authority. In front of that building is a waterfall and this large silver statue that is really reflective. I tried several different angles and really like this one with the water fountain reflecting in the statue.
When you don’t get to go exploring in a state park until just before it closes, time is everything. Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee closes at sunset. All the warnings are to make sure you are off the trails an hour before sunset so that you do not get locked in. The hike from the parking area to Emory Gap Falls is about 1.5 miles, so that makes about a 3 mile round trip. I thought I had plenty of time as I was hiking to the falls, but realized I was quickly loosing time. When I finished shooting this, I had about 20 minutes to make the return trip. Luckily I made it just in time.
Seven tribes from one nation began a long journey from here that became known as the trail of tears. In 2005, members of the Cherokee Tribe created this waterfall in remembrance of that journey. It begins with seven fountains, seen here, that flow into a narrow channel and then down a series of steps, eventually ending in a pool. This is just one of the Ghosts of the Trails of Tears shots that I took.
This little pond is located at the end of S. Thomas Drive where it intersects Front Beach Road. It is a rather busy area, but this little pond seems to be neglected. I took a few minutes to walk out to the little building. I would not recommend that, it was not very stable. I got a few shots of Pompanos, the restaurant sitting along the edge of the pond.
Several days ago, I walked outside after it had rained. There was just enough water left to bead up on the trim of the van. Landscapes are great, but I’m really getting into some of these other realms of photography.
I drove out Tennessee 62 a couple times from Oak Ridge to Wartburg. I was timed it just right once to make it by this little lake near sunset. I found a little drive into the field, parked and run up the road. I was hoping no one would challenge me for stopping where I did. I was not comfortable with where I stopped, so I made just a few quick shots.
Finally, more than one day in a row of acceptable sunsets. Hopefully this trend will continue for several months. This is a small stream that crosses Salacoa Road. I cheated and never got out of the car for this one. If I have time one day, I’m going to get into the stream for a few photos. The closer I can get to the water, the better the reflections.
