“Photograph your Passion”

Anyone that has photographed with me knows that creeks and streams are a passion of mine! I can spend hours upon hours photographing the streams as it meanders over the rocks. More than half the time you’ll find me in the middle of the creek as I find that being in the middle allows me to capture a more dynamic image and perspective. Water is something that gives me spiritual refreshment. The sounds are very meditative and relaxing, and it helps me to find my harmony.

I think that’s one reason I truly enjoy working in the GSMNP because it has some of the most pristine streams with truly intimate settings.

www.edheaton.com

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“Life is Good”

I live a blessed life! I hear many people say “wow you’re living the dream” and let me tell you… they’re right! I’m fortunate to have a great family and friends that are always supportive.  My wife is awesome, my daughter lives up the street and I see her almost everyday. My stepdaughter and grand-kids visit often. I have a job that I love and I work with my son!  It really doesn’t get much better than that 😊

So the bottom line is “God is Good”…

www.edheaton.com

– Nikon D810
– Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8
– Exposure 10 sec
– Aperture f/16
– ISO 64
– Gitzo GT3542XLS SYSTEMATIC Series 3 carbon tripod
– Singh-Ray Filters LB Color Combo Polarizer
– OP/TECH USA Custom Classic Strap
– Lexar 1066x Professional 128gb
– HoodmanUSA
– Asolo
– Manfrotto

#GitzoAmbassador | #ManfrottoAmbassador | #OPTECHUSAAmbassador | #MyTrustyGitzo | #ImageMaster | #Hoodman | #MasterofLight | #BestofLight | #NikonLove | #NikonNoFilter | #GitzoInspires | #SinghRayProfessional |

Roan Mountain – Part #1

“Jane Bald”

It seems that this year has been a year of adventures and exploration allowing myself to reconnect and recharge the creative juices. We just returned from spending a week scouting for a new venue and future weekend summit at Roan Mountain.

My first impression of the area was quite breathtaking with the highland views and abundance of the rhododendrons. But of course, that was standing in the parking lot. (lol) Once we stated hiking and gained a little elevation the views were spectacular beyond words and rivaled the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

So, let’s back up a bit and let me tell you about our adventures as the week progressed.  Upon arrival, we met up with our longtime friend Kevin Reaves. Anyone that meets Kevin will quickly realize he’s a high-energy guy (putting it mildly lol).

We arrived Sunday evening and after gobbling down a quick dinner, we voyaged up the mountain to Carver’s Gap to catch sunset. Kevin said he’d follow us in our 4Runner since all of his gear was in his Tundra truck (Toyota guys). Being our first time here and not knowing the area we relied heavily on our GPS to get us there. As I’m sure you know, GPS’s can be a bit unpredictable when they feel like it.  Our first turn up the mountain was on “Heaton Creek Road” and besides having a super awesome name it was a nice windy road through the country. Of course, that was for the first portion of our drive. As we journeyed on the road went from bad to worse to no road at all and suddenly turned into a craggy trail. I’d like to say logging path but it wasn’t even that good (lol). Here’s where I thank Toyota for making some awesome 4 wheel drives!

After reaching the top and figuring out where we were we realized there was a nicely paved road that lead us directly up and down the mountain.

What’s life without a little adventure… take the road less traveled is my motto…

Stay tuned as I continue my story in my next post…

www.edheaton.com

– Nikon D810
– Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
– Exposure 1/10 sec
– Aperture f/16
– ISO 64
– Gitzo GT3542XLS SYSTEMATIC Series 3 carbon tripod
– Singh-Ray Filters LB Color Combo Polarizer
– OP/TECH USA Custom Classic Strap
– Lexar 1066x Professional 128gb
– HoodmanUSA
– Asolo
– Manfrotto

#GitzoAmbassador | #ManfrottoAmbassador | #OPTECHUSAAmbassador | #MyTrustyGitzo | #ImageMaster | #Hoodman | #MasterofLight | #BestofLight | #NikonLove | #NikonNoFilter | #GitzoInspires |

“Grassroots – Ramblings from the Smokies”

Good morning and happy Easter weekend,

Well, we finished up our much-anticipated and needed week in the great Smoky Mountains. We enjoyed our time and focused (no pun intended) on some of the most picturesque landscapes the Appalachians have to offer.

I titled this post “Grassroots” for a good reason because this is where I feel my photography career/passion started. Oh, don’t get me wrong I’ve been photographing since high school which in my case is quite some time now (lol). You know, back in the film days (early 70’s) before digital photography was actually invented.

We shot everything that was offered to us, amazing overlooks, extraordinary flowers and some of the most abundant and pristine creeks I’ve ever had the pleasure of shooting. As far as I’m concerned, the Great Smoky Mountains have some of the most diverse scenes a landscape photographer could ask for. We met up with some great friends and made a few new ones as well and I must say this was truly time well spent!  A special thanks to Kelly and Zach for joining me on this amazing adventure and spiritual journey.

Best of Light,

Ed
www.edheaton.com

– Nikon D810
– Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
– Exposure 6 sec
– Aperture f/16
– ISO 64
– Gitzo GT3542XLS SYSTEMATIC Series 3 carbon tripod
– Singh-Ray Filters LB Color Combo Polarizer
– OP/TECH USA Custom Classic Strap
– Lexar 1066x Professional 128gb
– HoodmanUSA
– Columbia Sportswear
– Asolo
– Manfrotto Imagine More
– Fotodiox

#GitzoAmbassador | #ManfrottoAmbassador | #OPTECHUSAAmbassador | #MyTrustyGitzo | #ImageMaster | #Hoodman | #MasterofLight | #BestofLight | #NikonLove | #NikonNoFilter

“Invigorated – Ramblings from the Smokies”

Well, it’s been a great couple of days here in the Smokies.  Yesterday morning we explored the Cove and believe it or not we were the only ones on Spark’s Lane (I think that’s a first for me). A little early for the leaves but with these warm temps I’m sure it won’t be long. Then after a little downtime during the mid-day light we headed out to shoot along Little River road. We visited our favorite spots along the river and enjoyed chatting about life and how very blessed we are!

I’m very thankful for my family and friends and how the business has prospered. The photography business has been an incredible creative opportunity and I’m so thankful for all the amazing friends I’ve made along the way.

Before I sign-off I wanted to share some gear talk…  If you shoot as many creeks and streams as I do you will soon realize that a good pair of waders can be your best friend. Now, some of you may be curious as to what type of waders I actually use.  I have several different ones that I use, felt bottomed Chest Waders, and two different types of hip waders. The current ones that I have here in the Smokies are the Neos Overshoe Hip Waders. They are convenient and they slip over your hiking boot which helps to not have to remove your boots everytime. I hate to say it but they do weap a little water but not enough to get your feet soaked.  I think my favorites are felt bottom boot hip waders.  They are much more sure-footed with the felt soles but you do have to remove your boot to use them . But be mindful the felt soles are outlawed in some states.  I have to add a disclaimer – if you walk in the water with your gear there’s a chance that you will fall in and get everything wet, so be careful.

www.edheaton.com

– Nikon D810
– Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @36mm
– Exposure 2 sec
– Aperture f/16
– ISO 64
– Gitzo GT3542XLS SYSTEMATIC Series 3 carbon tripod
– Singh-Ray Filters LB Color Combo Polarizer
– OP/TECH USA Custom Classic Strap
– Lexar 1066x Professional 128gb
– HoodmanUSA
– Columbia Sportswear
– Asolo S.p.A.
– Manfrotto
– Fotodiox Inc..
#GitzoAmbassador | #ManfrottoAmbassador | #OPTECHUSAAmbassador| #MyTrustyGitzo | #ImageMaster | #Hoodman | #MasterofLight |#BestofLight | #NikonLove |

 

“Rejuvenate – Ramblings from the Smokies”

We arrived on Friday for our much-anticipated annual visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. It was cold the first day, low 30’s in the morning but making it into the mid 40’s by mid day. Luckily as the days progress thing are slowing warming to where you can work with only a light jacket.

On our first working day (Saturday) we spent all morning at Roaring Forks shooting the creeks and streams and being overcast didn’t hurt a bit. As most of you already know this is a subject that is high on my list. There’s a sense of calm that comes over me when I have a chance to work around water.

We finished the morning with breakfast at the Log Cabin Pancake House and a mid-day break before heading back out to shoot at Morton’s Overlook for sunset. We left early making an afternoon of it by taking a picnic dinner that we enjoyed on the mountain side while we waited. Also, I forgot to mention that we had two good friends (Jerry and George) join us spending the time chatting and storytelling which in my book is time well spent.

Stay tuned as I’ll do my best to keep the ramblings going for the coming week.
www.edheaton.com

– Nikon D810
– Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @24mm
– Exposure 10 sec
– Aperture f/16
– ISO 64
– Gitzo GT3542XLS SYSTEMATIC Series 3 carbon tripod
– Singh-Ray Filters LB Color Combo Polarizer
– OP/TECH USA Custom Classic Strap
– Lexar 1066x Professional 128gb
– HoodmanUSA
– Columbia Sportswear
– Asolo S.p.A.
– Manfrotto Imagine More
– Fotodiox Inc.

#GitzoAmbassador | #ManfrottoAmbassador | #OPTECHUSAAmbassador | #MyTrustyGitzo | #ImageMaster | #Hoodman | #MasterofLight | #BestofLight | #NikonLove |

 

Autumn in the Smoky Mountains

Zach, Kelly and I just finished up a week long adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. This was a personal trip and when you’re on your own (without a workshop) it’s always more laid back.  Don’t get me wrong I love teaching and enjoy working with people but there’s something refreshing about not being on a schedule (lol). You always see someone you know when you’re out shooting in an iconic area and this trip was no different. I ran into several old friends and made some news ones as well.

This image was when we first arrived in the park and the colors were only starting to change. To be honest I was afraid we wouldn’t get much color before we left. Thankfully mother nature cooperated and the colors were absolutely beautiful just before we left allowing us to capture mother natures amazing display!

Stay tuned for more images from the Smokies 🙂

Metadata:

• Nikon D810
• Tamron Lens SP 24-70mm f/2.8
• Gitzo GT3542XLS Carbon Fiber Tripod
• Singh-Ray LB Color Combo Polarizing Filter
• Lexar Memory Cards
• Cable Release
• Nik Software
• 24mm Focal Length
• Exposure 15 seconds
• Aperture f/16
• ISO 64
• Exposure Mode — Manual
• Matrix Metering

Best of Light,

Ed

 

Springtime in the Smokies 2015

Good morning,

We just finished an amazing workshop in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. We had an awesome group and a magnificent time. The weather was very unpredictable which helped create a great working environment for photography. If you don’t like the spring weather in the Smokies wait 10 minutes and it’ll change.

I also wanted to send out a big thanks to my good friend Kevin Reaves and two of his daughters for coming up early to shoot and hang out with us! I also had the pleasure of shooting with a few buddies, Cecil Holmes, fellow Tamron Image Master David Akoubian and Facebook friend David Carrigan!

Looking forward to an Autumn visit this year 🙂

Metadata:

• Nikon D800
• Tamron lens –24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC @60mm
• Gitzo GT3542xls tripod
• Singh Ray Filters
• Lexar CF Card
• Topaz Labs
• Nik Collection by Google
• Exposure – 1/3 second
• Aperture – f/16
• ISO – 100
• Manual Mode
• Vertical format
• 3 image Panoramic stitched with Autopano Giga

Best of Light,

Ed

Carter Shields Cabin

 

Greetings,

I’m finally making progress on editing my images from my workshop in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Here, I was able to capture the Carter Shields Cabin and nice moody light. All subjects have a special light that they look best in and knowing when to to be in the correct position to capture that light is extremely important.

Best of Light,

Ed

Dogwoods in the Cove

Good morning,
I was very fortunate to have been able to create a few images during my Smokies workshop and I wanted to share them with you over the next few weeks.

Best of Light,

Ed