Grouping of three metal bear prints in simple black frames
CategoriesLifestyle by

Bringing the Wild Indoors: Enhancing Home Decor with Wildlife Prints

For nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, decorating your home with stunning landscape prints of the Smoky Mountains is a natural choice. The rolling peaks, misty valleys, and vibrant sunrises captured in these images bring a sense of peace and timeless beauty to any space. But what about those smaller corners, accent walls, or cozy nooks that need a little extra charm? Or that landscape centerpiece that needs complementary pictures? That’s where wildlife prints come in—perfect companions to your landscapes. Think of an adorable black bear cub in a tree, your favorite owl perched on a branch, or a graceful deer in a meadow—these smaller-scale prints can tie your love for the Smokies into every room of your home.

Why Wildlife Prints Work with Landscape Photography

Wildlife prints are more than just decorative fillers; they tell a story. Pairing a Smoky Mountain vista with a close-up of a mammal or a favorite bird creates a cohesive narrative. The landscapes set the scene, while the wildlife brings it to life, reflecting the vibrant ecosystem. For those who find joy in the sights of birds, bears, deer, and other wildlife, these prints offer a way to showcase your favorite creatures in a sophisticated style.

Smaller wildlife prints are ideal for filling spaces where a large landscape might overwhelm—like above a side table, in a hallway, or as part of a gallery wall. Their scale allows for flexibility, letting you mix and match species and scenes to suit your taste. Imagine a metal print of a foggy Cades Cove morning as the centerpiece over your living room couch, flanked by smaller metal prints of bear cubs and a whitetail deer. The result? A balanced, nature-inspired look.

Living room couch with sunrise image flanked by two wildlife images behind it
The Magic of Metal Prints: Float Mounts and Beyond

When it comes to displaying your wildlife and landscape photography, metal prints offer a modern, sleek solution. At our online store, we specialize in two standout options: metal prints with float mounts and standalone metal prints. Both bring unique advantages to your decor, especially for those seeking a polished, ready-to-display look without the fuss of traditional framing.

Metal Prints with Float Mounts

Our metal prints with float mounts are a game-changer for effortless elegance. These prints are infused directly onto a lightweight aluminum sheet that has a white base coat. They are finished with a float mount on the back, meaning they arrive ready to hang straight out of the box. No mat, no frame, no hassle. The float mount creates a subtle shadow effect, making the print appear to hover off the wall, adding depth and a contemporary flair to your space. This option is perfect for a bold wildlife shot like a bald eagle where the vivid colors and fine details pop against the metallic surface. Plus, the larger image area (no mat or frame to shrink the picture) ensures your favorite wildlife takes center stage.

Metal print with float mount handing above a shelf
Standalone Metal Prints

If you prefer a bit more customization, our standalone metal prints are just as impressive. These glossy, durable prints can be easily slipped into a simple frame of your choosing—no glass or mat required. The lack of glass eliminates distortion, letting the full depth and clarity of the image shine through uninterrupted. Like their float-mounted counterparts, standalone metal prints offer a larger image size compared to traditional matted prints, maximizing the impact of every detail. They’re a great choice for smaller wildlife images you want to frame and cluster together, creating a dynamic display that complements your larger landscapes.

Grouping of three metal bear prints in simple black frames
Benefits of Metal Prints Over Traditional Options

Why choose metal over classic paper prints with mats and frames? For starters, metal prints are built to last. The aluminum surface resists fading, moisture, and wear—perfect for homes where nature-inspired decor needs to stand the test of time. The absence of glass means no worrying about distortion or breakage, and the clean, frameless look feels fresh and modern.

The larger image size is another major perk. Traditional prints often lose valuable space to mats and frames, shrinking the artwork itself. With metal prints, you get more of what you love—whether it’s the mysterious eyes of an owl or the expanse of a Smoky Mountain sunrise. This makes them especially striking for wildlife shots, where every detail counts, and for landscapes, where the full scope of the scene can breathe.

Inspiration for Your Space

Picture this: In your bedroom, a metal print of a Cades Cove foggy morning brightening the space above your bed. Smaller float-mounted metal prints of a sleeping mother bear and her curious cubs flank each side completing the story of your Smoky Mountains.

Metal print of a foggy meadow in Cades Cove over the headboard of a bed with black bear prints on each side
Hallway with grouping of three wildlife metal prints in simple wood frames

In the hallway, a trio of standalone metal prints—a deer, a fox, and an owl—framed in simple wood frames, creates a mini gallery that draws the eye without overcrowding the narrow space.

In your cozy reading nook, a single float-mounted print of an indigo bunting on sunflowers ties the area’s cheery tone together.

Metal print with float mount hanging over chair in a reading nook

These wildlife accents don’t just fill gaps—they elevate your decor, making it feel intentional and alive. They’re conversation starters, too, perfect for when guests who share your love of the Smokies visit.

Bring the Smokies Home

Incorporating wildlife prints into your home decor is a celebration of the natural world you adore. Whether you opt for the ready-to-hang float-mount or the flexibility of the standalone metal print, you’re choosing a durable, vibrant way to showcase the wildlife you enjoy. Pair them with your favorite landscape photography, and you’ve got a design scheme that’s as timeless as the wilderness itself.

Ready to transform your space? Explore our collection of Smoky Mountain wildlife and landscape metal prints today, and let the beauty of nature find its place in your home. Plus, our April featured images are black bear cubs! So, begin your collection of Smoky Mountain wildlife with our featured image “Twins”. Available in both a vertical and horizontal format to fit any space, these amazing photographs capture two black bear cubs peaking curiously between the crouch of a large tree. A perfect print to bring the Smokies into your home with a special April discount! Apply code APRILBEARS at check-out to receive 10% off.

Smoky Mountain Wildlife Photos, Photographer Barry Spruce, Prints available at Cades Cove Gallery in Townsend TN.
Smoky Mountain Wildlife Photos, Photographer Barry Spruce, Prints available at Cades Cove Gallery in Townsend TN.
Learn More and Join Us in the Smoky Mountains

Want to learn more about the amazing life cycle of American Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains? Read our latest blog “The Fascinating Lives of American Black Bears” on our Spruce Photo Tours website.

Interested in photographing black bears with an experienced local photographer and guide? Join our Smoky Mountain Black Bear Workshop in May or book a private guided tour for an unforgettable one-on-one experience.

Common Merganser female swimming in river surrounded by chicks
CategoriesWildlife by

Spring Bird Photography in the Great Smoky Mountains

Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains is a season of renewal, where the forests awaken with vibrant wildflowers, rushing streams, and—most importantly for us—the songs and sights of countless birds. Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, this national park is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting over 240 bird species across its varied elevations and habitats. Nearly 120 species breed in the park, including 52 Neotropical migrants.  The elevation gradient—from 840 feet at Abrams Creek to 5,500 feet at Newfound Gap—creates microclimates hosting lowland songbirds and highland boreal species alike. Add blooming wildflowers and milder weather, and it’s a birder’s and photographer’s dream.

Spring (March through May) is prime time to witness both resident and migratory birds, including some rare gems that make the Smokies a must-visit destination. Whether you’re aiming to capture a stunning photo or add a new species to your life list, here’s a guide to 15 standout birds frequenting the Smokies in spring.

Male Hooded Warbler perched in tree singing

Hooded Warbler

  • Interesting Fact: The male Hooded Warbler’s striking black hood, framing a bright yellow face, isn’t just for show—it’s a signal of dominance. Studies show that males with larger hoods often hold better territories.
  • Tip: Listen for its clear, ringing “ta-wit ta-wit ta-wit tee-yo” song in dense undergrowth along trails like the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail.
Male turkey fanning in a field of yellow flowers

Wild Turkey

  • Interesting Fact: One of North America’s largest birds, the Wild Turkey struts through open fields and forest edges in spring, with males fanning iridescent tails in courtship displays. Conservation efforts, like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, revived their numbers after near collapse.
  • Birding Tip: The males’ echoing gobble is a spring hallmark—April is peak display season. Scan open areas early and capture their strut in a field of flowers in Cades Cove.
Male Indigo Bunting perched on branch singing

Indigo Bunting

  • Interesting Fact: The male’s vibrant blue isn’t pigment—it’s light diffraction through feather structures, glowing brightest in direct sun.
  • Birding Tip: Spot them in open woodlands or along Cades Cove Loop Road, singing from exposed perches.
Tree Swallow flying in to feed chicks who are perched on a branch

Tree Swallow

  • Interesting Fact: These iridescent beauties are aerial acrobats, catching insects mid-flight. The fledglings lack the adults’ blue color on their backs.
  • Birding Tip: Watch for them swooping over fields near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Louisiana Waterthrush

Louisiana Waterthrush

  • Interesting Fact: Its loud, cascading song mimics the rushing streams it inhabits—one of spring’s earliest warbler arrivals.
  • Birding Tip: Seek it along streams like Little River, where it bobs its tail incessantly.
Male and female Common Merganser standing on a rock in the river

Common Merganser

  • Interesting Fact: This diving duck’s serrated bill, dubbed a “sawbill,” snags fish with ease. Females lead ducklings out of the nest into the river within 24 hours of hatching.
  • Birding Tip: Look for them in the Little River Gorge.
Yellow-breasted Chat perched on blackberry briar

Yellow-breasted Chat

  • Interesting Fact: Once classified as a warbler, this mimic’s wild repertoire includes whistles, cackles, and meows—think avian jazz.
  • Birding Tip: Find it in thickets near Newfound Gap Road; its ventriloquist-like calls confuse direction.
Male Common Yellowthroat perched on branch singing

Common Yellowthroat

  • Interesting Fact: The male’s black mask and “witchety-witchety” song make it a marsh maestro. It’s one of the most widespread warblers in North America.
  • Birding Tip: Check wetlands near Cades Cove; listen for its distinctive call.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird sipping nectar from a Jewelweed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

  • Interesting Fact: Weighing less than a nickel, this tiny marvel beats its wings 53 times per second and migrates 500 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Birding Tip: Look for them in areas with Jewelweed and other flowers.
Barn Swallow adult feeding chick

Barn Swallow

  • Interesting Fact: Barn Swallows are endurance fliers, capable of traveling up to 11,000 miles round-trip during migration between North America and their South American wintering grounds. They’ve been clocked flying at speeds up to 24 mph while snagging insects mid-air.
  • Birding Tip: Watch them skim fields near historic barns in Cades Cove.
Eastern Kingbird chasing a Red-Tailed Hawk from its territory

Eastern Kingbird

  • Interesting Fact: This feisty flycatcher defends its territory by chasing off hawks—its hidden red crown flares in aggression.
  • Birding Tip: Look in open areas like along Sparks Lane and Hyatt Lane; its “dzeet” call stands out.
Pileated Woodpecker feeding chicks in a nesting hole in a tree

Pileated Woodpecker

  • Interesting Fact: This crow-sized bird’s rectangular holes and Woody Woodpecker-like laugh echo through the forest. It’s a keystone species, creating homes for others.
  • Birding Tip: Listen for drumming in wooded areas, and look for them on downed logs and standing dead trees.
Barred Owl hunting in a creek in the Smoky Mountains

Barred Owl

  • Interesting Fact: Its “who cooks for you” hoot is a Smokies classic. It can catch prey in total darkness using sound alone.
  • Birding Tip: Barred Owls are most vocal and active during twilight hours. Their deep, rhythmic calls carry far in the Smokies’ dense woods. Stand still in hardwood forests near streams or swamps—prime habitat—and let the sound guide you.
Male Wood Duck

Wood Duck

  • Interesting Fact: North America’s most colorful duck, males sport a psychedelic palette. Ducklings leap from nests up to 50 feet high within a day of hatching.
  • Birding Tip: They favor wooded swamps, so check ponds in wetland areas.
Easter Phoebe perched on a branch

Eastern Phoebe

  • Interesting Fact: The first bird named by Audubon, it tail-wags like a metronome and was a pioneer in bird-banding studies.
  • Birding Tip: Listen for its distinctive raspy “fee-bee” call. Phoebes are sit-and-wait hunters, returning to the same low perch after short flycatching sorties. Find a spot with a clear view of a favorite perch and wait for it to return.
Getting the Shot

With quick moving subjects, variable lighting, and long distances, bird photography challenges the best wildlife photographers. Here are some tips to help ensure a successful bird photography venture in the Smokies.

  • Bring the right gear. A good pair of binoculars is a must have to spot birds. Bring a long lens to capture birds at a distance. Pack rain gear for the unpredictable Spring weather. Use a harness such as Rapid Strap or Cotton Carrier for your camera so that you can quickly go back and forth between your binoculars and camera.
  • Be in the right place at the right time. The prime time for bird photography is dusk and dawn (the first and last two hours of the day). The right place will depend on the bird species you are targeting. For example, many warblers will be found in the tree canopy where they are feeding on insects, while Swallows, can be found flying over open fields. Eastern Kingbird and Eastern Phoebe will be found hawking insects from a favorite tree branch.
  • Pay attention to the direction of lighting in open areas such as along roads. For example, the crossroads in Cades Cove run north and south. So in the morning you want to be shooting to the west. In the afternoon you want to be shooting to the east.
  • Male birds are typically easier to photograph, because they are perched singing declaring their territory and attracting females. Look for them atop bushes and small trees. They will also take advantage of fence posts alongside the road.
  • A rainy day offers great opportunities. After a rain look for puddles on dirt roads to capture birds bathing and drinking. 
  • When photographing birds in ponds or rivers, get low at eye-level with the subject to enhance the composition of your image.
Final Thoughts

The Great Smoky Mountains in spring are a symphony of feathers and song. For photographers, it’s a canvas of color and motion; for birders, it’s a checklist begging to grow. So, grab your gear, tune your ears, and step into this avian wonderland. In the Smokies, spring isn’t just a season, it’s a spectacle. These tips are a great starting point for birders and photographers. If you would like hands on private instruction from an expert to capture the spectacle, book a private tour with me. Or to take your bird photography a step further, join a small group of like-minded photographers April 15-18 for our Smoky Mountain Birds Workshop.

References:

Cornell Lab of Ornithology. All About Birds. www.allaboutbirds.org.

National Audubon Society. Audubon Field Guide. www.audubon.org.

National Park Service. Birds Checklist – Great Smoky Mountains. www.nps.gov/grsm.

“Birding in the Great Smoky Mountains,” Smoky Mountain Living, 2018.

“Your Guide to Viewing the Birds of the Smoky Mountains,” Visit My Smokies, 2017.

“40 Birds You Can See in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” Avian Report, 2020.

“Birds,” Great Smoky Mountains National Park, National Park Service, 2024.

CategoriesLifestyle by

How to Enhance Your Space with Metal Photographic Prints

Nature and wildlife photography can transform any room, adding personality and visual interest. Our top quality metal photographic prints, create wall decor with incredible color and depth. You feel like you can walk into the scene or reach out and touch the wildlife. The versatility of metal prints allows you to frame photographic art to match existing decor or hang it with a float mount which offers a minimalist look complementing any decor. 

Each image by nature and wildlife photographer, Barry Spruce, captures a moment in the Smokies that will enhance any room in your home or office and will be a focal point admired by everyone. However, deciding which images and what size best fits your room or area can seem overwhelming. So here are some tips to help you transform that empty wall into a nature inspired masterpiece with Smoky Mountain photography.

1. Sizing It Right
  • Large rooms: You can go big with statement pieces or group images in odd numbers to fill a large space
  • Large rooms / spaces: Choose a landscape (24”x36”) for a large centerpiece and complement it with wildlife or other landscape images in smaller sizes (16”x24” and 12”x18”)
  • Living rooms: Mid-size prints (24″ x 36″ to 30″ x 40″) work well
  • Bedrooms: Smaller prints (16″ x 24″ to 12″ x 18″) for a more intimate feel
  • Above furniture: Choose art that’s 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the furniture (for example, a 24”x36” over a couch or headboard)
An example grouping of landscape prints hung over the headboard of a bed. One 24"x36" horizontal landscape image with smaller 12"x18" vertical landscape images on each side.
2. Layout Ideas
  • Gallery wall: Mix different sizes for an eclectic look
  • Symmetrical grid: Use identical frames for a clean, organized appearance
  • Focal point: One large landscape image as the centerpiece complemented with other smaller landscapes and/or wildlife
  • Experiment with layouts: Cut out paper templates and arrange them on the wall with painter’s tape to experiment with layouts
3. Consider the Room or Area's Purpose
  • Office: Inspiring landscapes complemented with wildlife
  • Bedroom: Calming landscape scenes
  • Children’s rooms: Cute wildlife such as deer fawn mixed with landscapes for a fun environment
  • Over a fireplace: Select a winter scene for part of the year and rotate with a summer scene
Child's room decorated with a 24"x36" landscape image of Cades Cove with wildlife images of a nursing fawn and a buck in velvet on each side.
24"x36" metal print winter scene of John Oliver log cabin with snow over a fireplace
24"x36" metal print of a Smoky Mountain sunrise hanging over a fireplace
4. Play with Frames
  • Consistent frames for a cohesive look
  • Mix frame styles for an eclectic vibe
  • Barnwood / reclaimed wood for a rustic look
  • Try frameless metal prints with a float mount for a modern aesthetic
5. Mind the Spacing
  • Leave 2-3 inches between frames in a gallery wall
  • Hang art at eye level (57-60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece)
6. Match Your Style
  • Modern: Black and white photography, monochromatic, or minimalist compositions
  • Rustic: Nature scenes with barns, cabins, or other rustic buildings
  • Eclectic: Mix various landscape, architectural, and wildlife subjects
A modern style room complemented with a black and white metal print over a white couch with black and white striped pillows

Lastly and most importantly, fill your home and office with images that you love and that bring the beauty of nature into your indoor spaces. Nature inspired wall art can be used to bring a serene feeling to your room or a sense of adventure and inspiration. Plus, an image can match any decor by changing the frame style, by using a float mount, or by mixing styles.

If we can assist you in selecting your next Smoky Mountain metal photographic print, please, let us know. We are happy to help!

group of white phacelia blooming
CategoriesLandscape by

Smoky Mountain Wildflowers – Fun Facts

Spring is in the air and the wildflowers are adorning the Smoky Mountains. The earliest ephemerals have already begun unfurling their leaves and blooms. They will leaf out, flower, and fruit within a short two-month period before the trees leaf out. But the show doesn’t end there as the Smokies are home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants. Wildflowers continue through summer and fall. Variations in elevation, rainfall, temperature, and geology create an ideal habitat for an amazing diversity of plants. In fact, there are over 20 flowering plants that are only found in the Southern Appalachians. Check out the infographic below for more fun facts about Smoky Mountain wildflowers.
Smoky Mountain Wildflower Infographic
CategoriesWildlife by

Quick Tips – Beginner Bird Photography

Photography subjects are all around us. When you are a beginner, sometimes it can actually be overwhelming to decide what to start photographing. I, of course, focus on nature and wildlife photography. One of my favorite wildlife subjects is birds. I enjoy learning about them, the challenge of photographing them, and teaching others about them. In this Quick Tips blog, I will give some tips on getting started photographing our feathered friends.

Benefits of Photographing Birds

There are many benefits of learning how to photograph birds. A few include

  1. Getting outside and enjoying nature
  2. Your subject is everywhere, even cities and your own backyard
  3. For birders, good photographs help with bird identification and documentation
  4. All ages can enjoy it
  5. Provides a fun challenge

How to Get Started

Begin by learning some basics about your subject. Knowing basic behaviors and characteristics will help you appreciate your subject more and help you to identify, locate, and photograph them. 

Identification Help

Local year-round birds are easiest to start identifying and photographing. Migrating birds are fairly predictable, so you can learn the times of the year that various birds migrate through your area. Male birds are usually more easily identified because they are more colorful and vocal. Females and young males can look very similar. 

There are many great tools available to begin identifying birds and to learn more about them. The Cornell Lab Merlin app is a free tool that I highly recommend. A good bird guide book is another excellent resource. Many are available including ones by Peterson, Sibley, Audubon, and National Geographic. As you become more involved in bird photography, you may also enjoy joining a birding and/or photography club or group. Research your area for Ornithological Societies, Camera Clubs, and Birding Social Media Groups.

Basic Behaviors

Learning basic behaviors such as what birds eat and their preferred habitats will help you draw them to your yard, know where to look for them on location, predict their behavior, and get better photos. Backyard bird feeders will attract different birds based on the types of feed and seed that you use. To attract many different birds, use a variety of seeds and use suet for woodpeckers. Consider planting trees, shrubs, and flowers to attract birds. Hummingbirds, for example, will be drawn to nectar producing flowers. While other types of birds will eat the seeds produced by flowering plants. All birds will benefit from having cover and nesting places in backyard plantings.

Hummingbird feeding on Jewelweed

Some birds will feed predominantly on insects, and you can use this knowledge to get photographs of them catching a meal in flight or delivering an insect to their young as in the image below. 

Meals on Wings

Other birds that feed on berries will be found in trees and shrubs. So, looking for likely food sources can result in great photos of them eating colorful berries.

Yellow rump with a cedar berry in its beak.
Berries for Lunch

 Gear to Get Started

As you get started photographing birds, you will need some basic gear. A good pair of binoculars tops the list of recommended gear. There are many brands available. Look for good quality 8×42 binoculars. Binoculars will help you find and identify the birds that you want to photograph.

As with binoculars there are many camera brands available. Look for a digital (DSLR) camera from a respected manufacturer such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Panasonic. You will want a camera and lenses with vibration reduction (VR) and image stabilization (IS) capabilities. A good birding lens would be a 200mm or higher. Zooms are very versatile and can be used, also. Other equipment that will be handy is a tripod and a monopod with a Gimbal tripod head.

Photographing

Bird photography is fun and challenging. You are frequently photographing a moving subject that at times is quite small and in variable lighting. Below are some tips to follow as you practice photographing birds. Keep in mind that the key to progress is practice. Since birds are in nearly every environment, you can practice regularly even if it is in your backyard or a nearby city park. As you practice, the techniques become habit, and as you adventure into different settings to photograph birds your results will be better and better.

Photography Tips:

  1. Practice looking back and forth from camera to subject with your naked eye
  2. Practice panning (moving camera/lens the same speed as the subject) as you photograph the moving subject
  3. Study bird habits to anticipate their movements to capture action shots
  4. Be prepared – try to position yourself with better lighting such as sun behind you to help your images show better detail and color
  5. Shoot flying subjects as they are coming slightly toward you (not flying away)
  6. For static subjects shoot at lowest F Stop (f/2.8-f/5.6) and speeds equivalent to lens length (1/400-1/800)
  7. For moving subjects shoot at a higher F Stop (f/6.3-f/8) and higher speeds (1/800-1/1600)
  8. Use your lowest ISO possible for best results
  9. Use single point Autofocus for static subjects
  10. Use small group Autofocus for flying subjects

In conclusion, learning bird photography is a fun and challenging hobby that anyone can get started doing. Download a bird app such as Merlin by Cornel Lab to your phone and begin identifying the birds in your neighborhood. Improve your yard with feeders and simple plantings to encourage birds, and you will be able to easily practice your photography in your backyard. Get started with some basic camera gear and binoculars. Soon you will find yourself enjoying your bird photography as much as I do.

CategoriesLandscape by

Quick Tips: Smoky Mountain Landscape Photography

When visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll want to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and take some amazing photos. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Smoky Mountain photography.

1. Take advantage of the golden hour

One of the best times to capture great landscape and wildlife photography is during golden hour. This is the time shortly after sunrise or shortly before sunset. The lighting is softer and warmer during golden hour, and the mountains tend to take on a beautiful, golden glow. Here are a few pointers for taking amazing photos during golden hour. Position the rising or setting sun behind you. Watch for warm tones hitting your subject. Use a tripod to ensure sharp images. Golden hour is a special time of day, so make sure to savor the moment and take in the stunning views and photographic opportunities.

Rich Mountain in Cades Cove with a alpenglow during golden hour.
Rare alpenglow in Cades Cove during golden hour.

2. Get up early to capture the morning fog

If you want to take some truly stunning photos of the Smoky Mountains, then you’ll need to get up early to catch the morning fog. After all this is how the Smoky Mountains got their name. It occurs most mornings in the valleys and rivers. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this magical time of day. First, plan your route in advance. Decide which overlooks you want to visit and map out the best route to get there. Plan on starting at higher elevation overlooks to be above the fog. Spend time and be patient as the fog changes and dissipates during the morning. After shooting from above the fog, move down to lower elevation. This is when you can look for vistas with contrasting areas of sharp detail and wispy fog.

Sunrise in the Smoky Mountains with fog filling the valley and mountain peaks rising in the background.
Morning fog in the Smoky Mountains.

3. Use a tripod

Another way to take great photos is to use a tripod. This will help keep your camera steady and prevent unwanted blurriness. A tripod is a must have to capture soft water effects when photographing waterfalls and rivers in the Smokies. You will need to locate and select waterfalls with the right amount of water. You don’t want rushing water. Large amounts of rushing water result in over exposed images. Small amounts of constant water will give the best results. To create the soft, misty water effect you will use a slow shutter speed. Typically, a speed of 1/8 of a second to 1/4 of a second will work. The shutter speed will be dependent on the speed and amount of water. Using a tripod prevents the image being blurred from the slow shutter speed. Experiment with different settings and different angles to get the look that you want.

Photographer, Barry Spruce, standing in the river with camera and tripod to photograph a Smoky Mountain waterfall.
Getting in the river to get the shot.

4. Hire a guide

When visiting an area that you are not familiar with, there are many benefits to hiring a local guide who can help you get the images that you want. Local knowledge from a guide will save you a considerable amount of time researching an area. Plus, the guide will know spots and have insights from experience that you will not be able to find on the internet or in books. Lastly, a guide who specializes in photography will be able to help you with camera settings, set-up for the best compositions, and other pointers while guiding. Even though I am an experienced guide and photographer, I use guides when I visit new areas. The time savings and local knowledge are invaluable.

In conclusion, when photographing in the Smoky Mountains, get started early in the morning to capture the mountain mist at sunrise. Plan ahead so that you can take advantage of the golden hour for stunning landscapes and wildlife.  Use a tripod to ensure the best results for your landscape photography. Lastly, consider hiring a guide to ensure that you get to the right spots at the right times to capture the perfect photos. And don’t forget that the more you practice the better your final results will be.

CategoriesLandscape, Wildlife by

Quick Tips: Photography Composition

Have you ever looked at an image that grabbed your attention and held your interest as you gazed at it? Did you wonder how the artist went about creating that visual experience? There is a good chance that some basic rules of composition were used in creating the image. In addition to knowing how to use your camera, learning a few basic composition techniques will greatly improve your images. We will cover 4 quick tips to improve composition in your photography:

  1. Rule of Thirds
  2. Leading Lines
  3. Color Bokeh
  4.  Natural Framing

1. Rule of Thirds

The “rule of thirds” refers to dividing an image into thirds horizontally and vertically. Placing subjects or strong lines of an image at the intersection points of the lines or along the lines themselves creates a balanced, visually pleasing composition.

Compare the two images below. In the first image, you will notice that the subject is placed according to the rule of thirds. Also, the lines of the rocks and mountains are roughly dividing the image into thirds. In the second image, the subject is more centered. The first image is more visually pleasing and has a more dramatic feel.

Person sitting on a rocky out-crop to the left of the image with rows of mountains in the background.
Image 1: Rule of Thirds
Person sitting on a rocky outcrop in the center of the image with rows of mountains in the background.
Image 2: Rule of Thirds Not Utilized

2. Leading Lines

Leading lines are lines in an image that lead the viewer’s eyes from one part of the image to another. Frequently the line or lines will lead towards the main subject or focal point of the image. Leading lines in landscape photography add depth and perspective to an image making a scene more three dimensional.

In this black and white image of Hyatt Lane in Cades Cove, notice how the leading lines of the fence and the road lead you into the field towards the mountains. The leading lines draw your eyes into the image creating a sense of depth and perspective. Also, note how the rule of thirds is utilized in the scene.

Hyatt Lane a dirt road with wooden fence post on each side cutting across a field in Cades Cove with mountains in the background.
“The Road”. Example of leading lines and rule of thirds.

3. Color Bokeh

Bokeh refers to the out-of-focus areas of an image. Bokeh can be used to create a pleasing background effect for subjects. It can result in an image where the subject appears to pop off the page. The basic technique for creating bokeh is to be as close to the subject as possible with the background at a significant distance and shoot with a shallow depth of field (large aperture). It is also important to pay attention to the colors, highlights, and shadows of the background to ensure optimal placement of the subject.

Notice how in this image of a ruby-throated hummingbird sipping nectar from a jewelweed blossom the background is blurred creating a soft, complementing background to the bird. The bird and flower appear almost 3-D.

Ruby-throated hummingbird drinking nectar from an orange jewelweed blossom.
Ruby-throated hummingbird with soft color bokeh.

4. Natural Framing

Natural framing is when an element within the image such as tree branches or an architectural element frame the subject of the image. This draws the viewer’s eyes into the photo and serves to highlight the subject. Natural framing creates a strong composition emphasizing the subject.

Cantilever barn in Cades Cove framed by walnut tree branches in the foreground.
Cantilever Barn in Cades Cove with a walnut tree used for natural framing.

In this barn image of the cantilever barn in Cades Cove, notice how the walnut tree in the foreground is used to frame the subject. The eyes are drawn into the center focal point of the picture.

Lastly, keep in mind when composing your photographs in the field to leave room in your image for later cropping during post processing. When reviewing your images, you often will see a way to compose an image that you did not see when shooting it. So having room in the image to crop it will be important. With a little practice these compositional techniques will become second nature when you are viewing a scene and will improve your photography.

CategoriesWildlife by

What Do American Black Bears Eat?

The American Black Bear is the iconic inhabitant of the Great Smoky Mountains. No visit is complete without picking-up a bear souvenir and trying to site one while driving a scenic byway. But have you ever wondered what the bears are doing while you are looking for them? Most likely, if they are not sleeping, they are busy foraging for food. This is particularly true for female bears who are nursing their cubs.

Five bear cubs playing

So, what are they eating out there in the woods and fields of the Smokies? Black bears are omnivorous, meaning that they are opportunistic feeders who will eat a variety of things, including vegetation and meat. In the Spring when food is scarce, bears may eat grasses, inner tree bark, insects, and insect larvae.  They will tear apart rotting logs and overturn rocks looking for invertebrates. Bears will also feed on carrion that they come across. They will follow the food sources that become available throughout the year such as blackberries, cherries, acorns, and walnuts. 

Black Bears are the smallest North American bear, but they have the keenest noses in the park. Bears rely on their sense of smell for finding food.  It is thought that they can smell a food source over two miles away! Because of this it is always important to follow proper food storage protocols when hiking and camping to help minimize human and bear interactions.

Bear cub in cherry tree

While you enjoy your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains, don’t forget to respect the wildlife and the wilderness around you. Bears and the other inhabitants of the area are wild animals and approaching them is dangerous for both humans and the animals. Photographs and videos in this article were taken with appropriate telephoto/zoom lenses while maintaining a safe distance from the subject.

Video of black bear digging up a yellow jacket nest to eat the larvae.

References:

https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/american-black-bear.htm

http://www.bearconservation.org.uk/eastern-black-bear/

https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/black-bear

https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/field-guide/entry/american-black-bear

CategoriesLandscape by

Smoky Mountain Spring Ephemerals

The Great Smoky Mountains is acclaimed for its diversity in both flora and fauna. This diversity includes over 1500 kinds of flowering plants. This is more than in any other North American national park according to the National Park Service (www.nps.gov). Flowers bloom in the park nearly year-round. The spring ephemerals start the show in the late winter.

As their name suggests, ephemerals last only a short time appearing in late winter and early spring. They become dormant come May or June. Ephemerals take advantage of the sunlight, moisture, and nutrients available to them before the deciduous trees leaf out.

A few of the spring ephemerals to look for in the Smokies include trillium, columbine, bleeding heart, fire pink, violets, lady’s slipper, jack-in-the-pulpit, bloodroot, spring beauty, trout lily, wood anemones, and dwarf iris.

Yellow Lady's Slipper in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Photographing wildflowers can be a challenge particularly in the Smokies; however, it is well worth the effort to enjoy this amazing diversity of nature. The first and most important consideration when wanting to photograph wildflowers is locating them. It can be very helpful to use a local guide or join a wildflower workshop. Using a guide will maximize viewing and photography time by reducing the amount of research and searching in the field that are required. For those who are interested in improving their photography skills, a workshop provides additional hands-on guidance and instruction.

Some helpful tools to consider for wildflower photography are a field guide to identify flowers, a lens that allows sufficient closeness to the subject, a tripod, and a reflector (to add light and block wind). Time of day, lighting, and weather conditions will impact wildflower photography. Too early in the morning and plants may not be open yet, but harsh lighting should be avoided. Overcast days are a good time to photograph flowers, because it provides for even lighting. For identification purposes, be sure to photograph the flower and the foliage. A good practice is to photograph the entire plant, close-ups of the blooms, and close-ups of the foliage. Working as a team or in a group is also beneficial for wildflower photography.  Having an extra pair of hands to hold a reflector and extra eyes looking for an elusive subject can greatly enhance the experience.

To experience first-hand the wonders of spring ephemerals, join us for our Spring Wildflower Workshop . Our limited group size allows hands-on guidance and technique instruction as we capture some of the amazing flowers in the Smokies.

.Rue anemone a spring ephemeral in bloom.

REFERENCES:

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/wildflowers.htm

Smoky Mountain Wildlife Photos, Photographer Barry Spruce, Prints available at Cades Cove Gallery in Townsend TN.
CategoriesWildlife by

Albino and Leucistic Wildlife

If you are lucky, you may one day see an animal or bird lacking pigment in fur or feathers. A loss of pigmentation caused by a genetic mutation that interferes with the production of melanin is called albinism. Melanin produced in an animal’s body is the main pigment that determines skin, fur, and eye color. A true albino animal will typically have pink eyes. Albino animals are rare in the wild. They do not survive very long due to their conspicuous color and poor eyesight. Other forms of partial pigmentation loss such as leucism occurs more frequently.

Leucistic Animals

Leucism does not completely eliminate pigment and can result in a variety of patterns. Leucistic animals will have some pigment in their fur, eyes, feathers, etc.  A leucistic deer can vary greatly. In some instances, they may have some white splotches. In other cases, they may be half brown and half white or nearly all white. Piebald is a term used for mixed brown and white animals. Leucism in deer is a recessive genetic trait found in about 1% of the population.

White leucistic squirrel.

Leucistic Squirrel

White leucistic squirrels are a tourist attraction in several U.S. cities. As with other animals, fur color in squirrels varies widely, and true albinos are rare. Even though most white squirrels are leucistic, the town of Olney, Illinois has a colony of albino squirrels. Approximately 12% of Olney’s squirrels are true albinos.

White squirrel with leucistic characteristics including brown eyes and a patch of darker fur on its head.

Smoke-Phase Turkeys

Leucistic and albino turkeys are also observed in the wild.  There are several different color phases of turkey, such as the smoke-phase, which is much more common than leucistic or albino. The smoke-phase has a significant lack of brown pigments, and appears more gray or smoky looking. The majority (approximately 95%) of smoke-phase turkeys are hens.

Smoke-phase turkey hen that has predominately light colored feathers with dark streaks and dark eyes.

Smoke-Phase Turkey Hen

Regardless of the cause of a rare color variation in nature, it is always an exhilarating experience when one has the opportunity to photograph it.

References:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/albino-animals

https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birding-basics/albinism-in-birds/

https://blog.nature.org/science/2016/02/03/white-deer-understanding-a-common-animal-of-uncommon-color/

https://www.wideopenspaces.com/white-wild-turkey/

https://blog.nature.org/science/2021/10/11/whats-up-with-white-squirrels-and-black-squirrels/