Patience Pays Off...

Well, I stopped dreaming about Spring last Thursday when East Tennessee and Western North Carolina received a nice batch of frozen precipitation [snow]. You know, that fluffy white stuff that seems to elude us here lately.
As I drove to the top of Roan Mtn at Carvers Gap to find 9 degree temps, snow squalls and 30-40 mph winds... my dreams of catching some beautiful shots slowly dissapated.It was 10:45am because I had stopped earlier to shoot some frozen stream shots down below.
Anyway, after some foolish attempts of trying to shoot the classic fence shot and about toget blown over backwards...I chose to drive back down to Bobs Dairyland for a cheeseburger and fries and rethink my strategy. At about 1:00pm I decided to head back up for one more try and boy I was blessed. The wind all but stopped, the skies opened up and the temperature rose to a balmy 18 degrees.

This shot was taken underneath one of the Fraser Furs on top of Round Bald. I would really appreciate your thoughts...

Ror more photos please visit - http://www.haroldrossjr.com/portfolio/

Harold,

I'm not so sure about the underside of the fraser fir boughs. I'll have to study it some more. I do like what is just beyond the opening - the contrast between the rock and lichens and the clean whites and bold blue sky. I might have explored that some more, but I like your attempt at creating something different.

Richard,

Thanks for your comments. I was attempting to make the scene a little more interesting. Maybe an over attempt ?

Here is another shot (beyond the opening).

Thanks again, Harold

Wow Harold, I wish that I had been able to join you!! A nice collection of shots!! My choice here would be the 2nd one.

I dig the first one with a bit more cropped off the top-makes me feel sheltered and looking out.
Some of your other shots really nail the scene wonderfully. Looks like it did pay off in Aces.

I like them both! The first one has an interesting composition but not to "out there" The second one is good but the little bit of rock peaking out in the FG might be nicer if it wasn't there.

Harold, I like your first shot. The main detractor in it though is the diagonal branch across the lower right. If you crop in heavily from all sides for just a 'thin' frame of surrounding branches (on the top and bottom) I think you've got a winner. That lichen covered rock really stands out nicely in color!!

John

You captured a beautiful scene, Harold. Like Thomas, I wish I was there with you.

I agree completely with John's suggestions - keep the frame but thin it out and it will be even more incredible. It reminds me of scenes in Arches, except with trees instead of red rocks.

Great job.

Thanks for all your wonderful suggestions. You guys are a huge asset to the SENP and I hope I can repay your creative suggestions and comments. Here are the results from the culmination of your suggestions.

Thanks again,

Harold

and the second photo.....