Bridge Art

Have you ever crossed a bridge and thought about how it got there? There are many bridges  of all sizes, materials and intentions.
Some of us cross them almost daily and probably never stop to question why its here. Its a great convenience, that's for sure.
I think about the many foot bridges I have used while photo hiking in the wilderness and was thankful that I didn't have to cross over a creek on slippery rocks. These foot bridges are usually made from wood and many volunteers work annually maintaining them. Others I used were converted railroad crossing that were only designated for pedestrians use and still others were made from wire,rope and boards. These swinging bridges were fun and also frightening.I have more bridge images at my shop
SLSiemsenStudio

Favorite Places Spared from the Tornadoes

One of my favorite states to visit is Tennessee. the scenery is so beautiful with the falls, mountains,caves and parks.

Recently the middle of the state was hit by a number of devastating tornadoes. From  the city of Nashville to a smaller town of Cookeville running along I 40 in an easterly direction.

I have fond memories of photo trips all around these locations and I'm glad none of them were destroyed.

I am however sad to hear about families losing everything ,including loved ones. It will take time to recover and hopefully this event will not repeat itself in the near future.

With that being said I'd like to shares some of my images from Tennessee from past trips.

 A natural rock bridge or arch over the river in Picket State Park. This is very cool to paddle a boat under.

Fort Defiance in Clarksville,TN, west of Nashville.

 A restored grist mill in Pall Mall in a riverside park.You can go inside and see the original grist gears.

Cummings Falls near Cookeville. This is a favorite among the locals in the summer!

Sergeant York home in Pall Mall

A suspension bridge

Looking out of a Rockhouse from one of the parks

Looking down a very steep stairway in Twin Arches State Park

A springtime image of bright green foliage reflection on a dark lake.
We took this from a rowboat.

My Photo Visit to North Carolina

My brother and I flew into Asheville Airport, North Carolina this past September to visit his new home and see the sights.

I had always been curious about Asheville and read about the most iconic image of the area-The Biltmore Mansion. 

The mountains and open countryside were a welcome sight after  4 years since moving to a congested New York City suburb.

And as a photographer and artist I brought my Nikon and a few lens of course.

My new Samsung 10 E is so convenient but it just doesn't take the place of a real camera!

The Blue Ridge Parkway is an exit away from my brother's home and is just beautiful! The blue haze that rises from the mountain tops is so mystical. 

This was a curiosity for me. The old pine tree had been here for who knows how long! Many people stopped along the overlooks to shoot this one and so did I. It is posted this on some of my sites and is called  "The Survivor. "

The next scene reminded me of old travel brochures before the internet and GPS were invented.

The curvy roads were easily maneuvered by my brother who had traveled to this area for many years. As far as the eye could see were mountains,trees,and sky; I was so happy to be there!

 

I shot the sun dropping over the mountains on the first evening.   The sun behind the clouds and the emerging mist made a wonderful contrast. There are many overlooks to stop at and just take in the scenery. The best part for me was the lack of crowds. Actually October has the leaf peepers so we were lucky to get there ahead of them. 

The twin mountain tops in the above scene were taken from an observation spot off the parkway.
It was about a mile long walk up a steep hill and proved a bit of a winded challenge for this flat land dweller.

This was the last shot from my visit. I had never been to an elevation as high as this one. The sign says it all. I will be back to shoot more wonderful scenery.
BTW, I never got to see the Biltmore; maybe next time.