Photographers eagerly await the first signs of spring in the Smokies often only to miss the best the season has to offer. Why you ask? Well, most of us have (had) other jobs that constrained our schedules, not to mention family obligations. The standard workshop windows in mid to late April center around wildflowers and dogwoods, with some stream scenics and Cades Cove scenics if you can scoot in before the crowds build up. Sunrise from the usual spots, and sunset slogs to Clingmans Dome. Accustomed to that time window, many photographers can’t or don’t get out at other times, often because available time for photography is depleted.

So, we get in a rut. We see the same old things and make images in the same old places hoping they will somehow turn out better this year. Sometimes conditions were better at a favorite spot. Sometimes a seldom seen weather event makes for a stunning image. But if you want variety, you must LOOK for variety.

To see better, go see more. Go early, go late, and go high. Put the camera down for a bit and look without the distraction and pressure to make an image. And see. Let it come to you. To get something different, do something different. See differently. See more. The vibrant spring palette offers an infinite number of intimate scenes, as well as grand landscapes. For the above reasons these are mostly overlooked.

Sorry its not in real-time, but it may give you thought for next year. Think early, think late, think high, think bright. See more.

In late March there is only a hint of color in the forest; functionally it is winter. Here the wonderful contrast of the graceful sycamore branches reveal their beauty. This is a good time for black and white compositions, given the lack of color in the forest.

While the flowers are starting to bloom in the lowlands the first buds emerge on the high country ridges giving a soft color glow to the bones beneath. Somewhat freeze resistant, a hoar frost (ice from a freezing cloud) can take them away as happened this season. Often this color will linger into workshop season.

Who can resist a dogwood image in the spring? Sometimes though, they are just an accent to a forest scene. Here, the intricate branches were the draw with soft backlight.

Iridescent in strong high backlight, the spring palette here is unworldly Even a light touch in post processing seems to be too much, and less fails to do the scene justice.. This was a turn-around first seen in the rearview mirror.

Early morning light from the classic overlook on Foothills Parkway West. After first light was gone, the high, soft backlight accentuated the ridgelines and foreground new growth. Classics become so for a reason, but new takes on the classic are ever-present, waiting for you to find them.