April 23, 2015

Springtime Smokies Trip


I threw caution to the wind and went on the springtime photo workshop last week in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was conducted by Bill Fortney and Jim Begley of His Light Workshops. Not only are these two men extraordinary professional photographers, they are also incredible gentlemen. It was an honor and total delight to finally meet and learn from them.

I had several goals for the trip:
  • Begin to learn how to travel solo, without Mr. Jim
  • Seek fellowship with other photographers
  • Learn how to use my new Fuji XT-1 mirrorless camera
  • Discover tips and tricks to improve my photography

With a broken heart, broken foot, and rusty skills from lack of practice over the past two years, I decided that it would be okay if I didn’t take any decent photographs. (The pressure is off you if forgive yourself up front.) And, sure enough, I was not very satisfied with my images from the first full shooting day. But I discovered some photo mojo on the second and third shooting days. For the first time ever, I shot streams and waterfalls with a slow exposure, obtaining that magical silky smooth look to moving water. And, the images turned out pretty decent.



Porters Creek, Greenbriar area
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Bill and Jim were very courteous in their critiques of everybody’s photographic work during the classroom portions of the workshop. I was thrilled to get some positive feedback and happy to get a few tips to make my images better in the future. I laughed when Bill saw one of my waterfall shots and said that he was ready to break his foot to get a shot like that. He was much too kind.

I successfully met my trip goals, finding tender grace with a group of very exceptional people. I laughed, learned, and cried. I stayed pretty close to the cars and certainly didn’t do any of my usual wandering. I was mindful of where and how I placed my feet. I comfortably wore hiking boots in the field and the big orthopedic boot during classroom sessions. Several participants (now friends) decided to go the extra mile and look after my safety and comfort. They walked the talk of their religious convictions. The entire experience was one giant blessing.

Let me give you an example. Several participants decided that I needed to walk up to the top portion of a spectacular waterfall so that I could “get the shot.” I kept declining, but I could see their insistence about helping me. I relented. One took care of my tripod and camera, and two people, one on either side, took my arms and help me get up and back down an approximately 30-foot trail filled with tree roots and rocks. Hey, I got the shot! These folks sacrificed their shooting time to do something incredibly kind for me. It was a tender moment that I will never forget.

I know that many of you worried about me and prayed that I would have a safe and joyful trip. Your prayers were answered.

I can’t wait to take the next His Light Workshop – Nashville Celebrations in July!

29 comments:

  1. brought tears to my eyes. so grateful to those sweet folks - participants and instructors - who made you laugh, learn and get out there with them. and that photo looks like a painting! :)

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  2. This really does warm our hearts. You put yourself out there to do something that you needed to do and you were blessed. There really are people that are caring and loving in this world. I'll say thank you in my prayers tonight. Take care of yourself. The stream of water is amazing....just like you see it in person. Sweet hugs, Diane

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  3. I'm soooo happy you had a wonderful trip! I wish my pictures were as good as your decent ones;) you are a wonderful photographer and that picture is gorgeous!

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  4. That photo is incredible. (Wonder if I could get a slow exposure with the stream behind the house. LOL! ) These people sound like salt of the earth folks. I am so glad that you were able to go and that they took such good care of you! Like TexWisGirl, I'm feeling a little sniffy.

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  5. I am SO happy your trip turned out the way you hoped it would. It's good to see your photo artistry again. I can almost hear the sound of that creek! And the folks who insisted that you go to the top of the waterfall must have been like angels to you! I can't wait to see more of your photos. I'm excited that you are looking forward to your next trip. This must be like a breath of fresh air to your grieving heart. Mr. Jim would be SO proud of you, dear friend. He would - and I am!
    ~Adrienne~

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  6. Your photo is stunning, Donna. Your talent is obvious. Glad you had such a rewarding experience.
    :)

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  7. Wonderful wonderful! I'm so happy for you Donna. Your photo is so beautiful too. I'm sure you had your mojo hiding for the past 2 years but it came out on your trip. I'm so thankful that you met some wonderful photographers that were a help and a blessing to you. God is so good. Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings. Pam

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  8. Such a gorgeous photo - like many of yours, it looks like a painting.

    There are so many good people in our world, and I'm thrilled that you met some who helped you. A tremendous blessing, to be sure.

    xoxo

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  9. This brought tears to my eyes, too, Donna. So glad you were able to make the trip and were surrounded with kindness. Your photo is truly beautiful...xo

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  10. Love that shot Donna!! Just beautiful! So happy you met some new friends also. Hugs!

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  11. This is a fabulous shot! You did a wonderful job on the water. Thanks for sharing the link to who put on this workshop, as I was curious. And I'm so happy your week went well, and you had such a great time!

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  12. I'm doing a little happy dance inside, Donna. So, so pleased that the trip went well. So glad that the group was kind and considerate and loving. Really wonderful. And then the shot of the silky water in the forest. Amazing!
    hugs to you, dear friend.

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  13. So glad you went and enjoyed it, and found new friends. And that is a spectacular shot!

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  14. What a wonderful blessing! I know it did so much for your heart! What wonderful people were on your trip. I am so happy for you!

    Deanna

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  15. Sooooooo excited that your trip went so well. You deserved that blessing. And seriously my friend, that picture is breathtaking. I've missed your photography and can't wait to see what you come up with next.
    My heart is just bouncing around happy for you.
    Love you friend.
    Kim

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  16. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time! Your post was upbeat and positive sounding! That trip was just what you needed! I'm pretty convinced that your worst picture is probably better than my best!

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  17. Oh, Donna...this post thoroughly warms my heart!! It is wonderful to learn that you found such warmth and love from your fellow photographers...His grace extended to you through them! Isn't it lovely to have some "light" (no pun intended!) shine out of the darkness? {{hugs}}

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  18. I, honestly, I'm very happy for you.
    Stay well!
    A friendly hug!

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  19. I am so happy that you went and were surrounded by such thoughtful people. Your photo is beautiful.

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  20. So nice to read you are getting out, especially for a photography class and meeting like minded new friends.
    The photo is awesome.

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  21. Oh Donna, I have always found your photograph of professional caliber! I guess though this is because you are always learning. I'm so glad you've met such a wonderful group of people who have hearts of gold. I'll pray for your foot to be healed for your July adventure

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  22. Oh Donna, I'm so proud of you and I'm thrilled you were able to meet some wonderful people (they are out there) to help you. God is with you and blessed you with a great trip and lovely people. Your photo is "decent"? Seriously, it's beautiful. I actually heard smiles in this post and that made me happy. You are still in my prayers and I hope your foot is healing more each day :)

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  23. So glad you had a good experience. Prayers continue.

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  24. Yeah, I'd sure say that's more than decent. Beautiful. I'm so glad that in spite of your foot issues, you were able to go and enjoy the trip and camaraderie with fellow photographers.

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  25. Sally said it best..."like a painting"...
    Bill was NOT overly kind in his critique! Your work is beautiful!
    hughugs

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  26. Well, I missed this post somehow, Donna but I'm glad I found it! I am so happy that you went on the trip and was able to take this amazing photo! It is STUNNING! It blessed my heart to hear how kind and helpful everyone was to you. I'm glad you took the plunge, so to speak, and decided to go...I'm sure it had to do your heart and soul much good! Blessings!

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  27. Dearest Donna
    Come on - that's an incredibly beautiful shot that only you could take!
    That was sooo good for you to be with 'like minded good souls' who reached out and took you under their wing. You needed that.
    Take care and God bless you'Much love
    Shane xox

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  28. I can't tell you how glad I am to hear that news...of generosity and kindness extended to you...And that photo attatched makes me feel good...so beautiful.

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