Carol Mattingly Photography: fall

Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Fall at David Arms Gallery in Leiper's Fork

A few images from my annual pilgrimage to my favorite art gallery, David Arms, in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee.

This gorgeous urn was filled with wheat strands sitting on an old metal table on the porch at the gallery. I had to photograph it.

Pumpkin palooza on the porch.

I surely will miss the pumpkins until next year.

I always snap an image as I leave David Arms Gallery. Who wouldn't want to snap a shot of this old plank building with its rusty metal roof and adorable reindeer adorning the facade. Hope you enjoyed these images as much as I did snapping them. ENJOY!

Monday, August 26, 2019

Agaves, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

Last year in Fall Cheekwood featured gorgeous Agave plants in their Fall Festival. I hope they return this year as they were gorgeous. Here's a few pics to wet your whistle.

These are Blue American Agave plants surrounded by blue flower beds. I'm not sure what that blue flower is, but it's a gorgeous display.

The varigated Agaves were planted next to yellow and orange Chrysanthemums. Wouldn't this look great in a yard for Fall. Notice the pumpkins scattered throughout this particular display.

When I Googled Agaves, including the various varieties featured here, I noticed several images where the Agave plants are planted in long rows in Mexico. No doubt so they can grow big and be exported to America. It's a rainy week here in Tennessee, but at least the high temperatures are gone. Although we still have a fair amount of humidity to contend with. I did some Fall decorating yesterday. I can't hardly wait for the cooler season to come and relieve us of all of this heat and humidity. ENJOY!

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

The Barn Series - Day 8 - Shaker Village

After taking a few days off from The Barn Series, here we are still in the great state of Kentucky at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. This historic village originated in 1807 and closed in 1922. It is just southeast of Lexington in central Kentucky. Shakers were celibate, believed in equality of race and sex, and freedom from prejudice.

They called themselves the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, but because of their ecstatic dancing the world called them the Shakers. The Shakers were celibate, never married or bore children, yet they were the most enduring religious experiment in American history. You can read more about the Shakers by clicking on this link Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill.

Today Shaker Village is a registered National Historic Landmark and is a very popular tourist attraction. When you visit the village, you will find several large houses, barns and sheds, with animals grazing and organic crops growing in the fields. There are hiking trails and a lake in the village as well. The Shakers built over 250 structures.

These images were taken with a very old Fuji DSLR that was not very high end, but I wanted to share the Shaker Village images because it is such a special place. The Shakers that settled this village originated from one of the many Shaker villages in New York and New England in the early 1800's.

I really would love to visit during the Summer months and take in more of the property at Shaker Village. I can't say where we will be tomorrow, but I hope to come back with another posting. Stay tuned. ENJOY!

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

The Barn Series - Day 3 - Bluegrass Scenic Byway

Day 3 and I decided it was high time to switch gears. I know modern day horse barns will not satisfy the vintage barn lovers that follow here. Believe it or not, we are still in the Bluegrass Region in central Kentucky with this post where thoroughbreds and horse farms reign supreme.

Kentucky's heritage is famed for many things. The most famous of those are horses, bourbon and tobacco. Half way between Midway and Lexington sits this barn close enough to the road to get a fairly decent photograph. It's Fall and lucky me the tobacco and been put up and the windows were open to allow the air to help cure it. Every trip I made to this region, I would drive down this particular road where this barn sits, specifically to check in to see if anything was going on with it. Some barns just do that to you. They draw you in. This one did that to me.

On this visit I was happy to find the tobacco hanging in the barn and stopped to take several photos. It's nice to know this old barn still had some use. Tobacco is less and less of a money crop on farms throughout Kentucky today as smoking becomes less and less popular. But there's something about seeing tobacco hanging in an old barn that makes me happy. It takes me back to my youth when smoking was the trend.

All around this beautiful old barn stands horse barns and fields where thoroughbreds graze. I'm never quite sure why to this day tobacco is still put up here. I have photographed many, many barns over the years in my travels. Yet, I never really elaborated on the why and where of it with most of the images. I just felt compelled to do so now. Until tomorrow. ENJOY!

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

The Meaning of Thanksgiving

THE TRUE MEANING OF THANKSGIVING

The true meaning of Thanksgiving focuses upon relationship. Thanksgiving is a relationship between God and man. Upon their arrival at New Plymouth, the Pilgrims composed The Mayflower Compact, which honored God.

Thanksgiving begins with acknowledging God as faithful, earnestly giving Him thanks, in advance, for His abundant blessings. “. . . In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart that reinforces an intimate relationship with God.

I found this meaning online and wanted to share this with you all. I sometimes feel we, as Americans, have forgotten the path that brought us here to this great United States. Perhaps we have forgotten God, faith, friendships, relationships. To embrace those in need and less fortunate. To know that every person, no matter the color or nationality, is welcome here in this great land we call America. So for this one day, I wish for you a bountiful feast with friends and family and more in an effort to thank God for all the riches he has bestowed upon you and yours. Be safe, be happy and God Bless you in your journey no matter where the road takes you. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Monday, November 19, 2018

Giving Thanks

It's that time of year again when you are compelled to look back over the past year, or even perhaps your entire life, and give thanks. It matters not what you are giving thanks for. It matters most that you feel compelled. That's the key. I think a lot about the folks in Paradise, California who have lost not only their homes, but their businesses, and their neighbors, and their sense of community. I think a lot about the folks in Mexico Beach, Florida, who dare I repeat it, lost not only their homes, but their businesses, and their neighbors, and their sense of community. Devastation can come in many forms. From battles and wars, and wind and tornadoes, and water and hurricanes. No matter how, it is still devastation. I pray for all of you, and all of the people who are struggling to build your life or rebuild your life for whatever reason. If it's drugs or illness or poverty or abuse. You deserve a better world. I pray you find it. THANKS!

Thursday, November 8, 2018

The Meaning of a Purple Rose

As I walked around the Atlanta Botanical Gardens recently, I almost walked right past this bush of purple Roses. But I stopped short of passing them by, looked closely and thought how gorgeous they were. If only I had taken more images. There were so many people milling about that I didn't want to disrupt anyone so I snapped a few quick images and moved on.

The purple Rose signifies enchantment. Should you receive a purple Rose from another it supposedly means they have fallen in love with you at first sight. I knew the different colors of Roses had different meanings, but this was one I didn't know until now. How charming is that. Fall is going to pass us by here shortly and the weather is going to move right into Winter, but not quite yet. We do, however, have a hard warning tonight. I hope wherever you are you are enjoying the beautiful Fall colors. ENJOY!

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Imaginery Worlds, Atlanta Botanical Gardens

When opportunity knocks, don't let it slip between your fingers. I had traveled to Georgia to visit Gibbs Gardens. However, I realized the day prior that there was a wonderful exhibit at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and it's last day was the day I was to visit Gibbs. So I took a chance and these images are witness to my unexpected stop at the gardens. Gorgeous plant sculptures were created for the gardens by a mosaic company out of Montreal. And these creatures, some 20 feet tall, were magnificent.

The Pegasus

The Peacock in the Conservatory

The Phoenix in the Japanese Gardens

The Dragon in the Great Lawn

The Mermaid in the Great Lawn

The Camels in the Rock Garden

The Sleeping Princess in the Cascades Garden

The Wholly Mammoth in the Kendeda Canopy Walk

My favorite images are probably those taken later in the day when the harsh early afternoon light had faded into the blue hour. My favorite of all of the sculptures would be the Dragon and the Pegasus. The Phoenix is the one image that I captured in early afternoon and late afternoon light, and no doubt, you can see the difference.

I loved walking around the botanical gardens for the first time, but would pick a less busy day. The day I visited was the last day of the Imaginary Worlds exhibit and tons of visitors came to see it before it embarked on a journey elsewhere. Fall is upon us here in full swing in Middle Tennessee. Wherever you are I hope you are enjoying this weekend. ENJOY!

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Happy Halloween!

One cannot visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Atlanta, Georgia, during Fall and not bag some pics from their Scarecrow Display. There were several exhibits I wanted to check out at the botanical gardens before they closed for Fall. All throughout the gardens there were all types of creepy and scary Scarecrows. The Serpent Lady was oh so busy keeping a handle on her slithering friends.

Let's face it, this guy is definitely a different kind of Scarecrow, but seriously, it's Halloween so doesn't that rule apply, anythings goes.

What a Hag! I admit her dress and tights are a serious hoot, but you still better watch out as she's keeping an eye on you with her binoculars.

It wouldn't be a Scarecrow Display without a Skeleton or two. This bony guy is really a cool looking dude. Perhaps its the wide brimmed hat that does it. I don't know, but he is. Someone should offer up a free meal and perhaps a facial and manicure would help. Everyone far and wide, in the States and wherever you celebrate this Hallowed Day have fun and stay safe. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Swashbuckling on the Open Sea

Imagine being a pirate sailing the open seas in search of gold and jewels. Donning a black pirate's hat and yielding a long handled sword I would shout at the throngs of mateys manning the cannons. A skull and crossbones flag hangs high up on the mast. Weeks would pass as we sail north and south and east and west only to return to port once wooden chests were filled heaping to the brim with gold and silver and jewels. One must be allowed to dream every once in a while. ENJOY!

Sunday, October 14, 2018

A Fall Princess

As I snapped images of the gorgeous Water Lilies in bloom at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, on a brief visit a few weeks ago, I finished up and walked away from the pond. Then I turned and walked back. I stepped off the path near the fountain. Something had caught my eye.

There stood this gorgeous Fall princess bedecked in dried flowers, with large yellow bows and long flowing ribbon. She blended in so well, I nearly missed her. She held a basket of dried flowers on her arm. Her pouty lips and dark tinted sunglasses, no doubt, were meant to tantalize. A checked hat with a wide brim shielded her from the sunlight. She was the star of the Scarecrow Display, held every Fall in the Seasons Garden, during Cheekwood's Fall Harvest Fest. What a stunning creature.

Fall temperatures are cooling off the heat of Summer here in Tennessee. I anxiously await bright sunny Fall days, on this rainy Sunday afternoon, to capture the red and yellow and orange leaves as they fall from the trees. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

I continue to listen to the stories of heartbreak and survival coming out of the devastated Florida Panhandle and pray for God's mercy as tens of thousands of people pick up and clean up, while others whose lives and livelihoods were blown away, find the courage to begin again. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Into Fall

No words need be spoken here. ENJOY!

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Hello Fall . . . Come On In

Yes, I have been absent for a few weeks waiting out the week after week of rainfall the past few weeks. So over rain right now. While Summer continues to linger, Fall is creeping in. Pumpkins are popping up everywhere. As I walked into the David Arms Gallery in Leiper's Fork Sunday, this beautiful foliage stopped me in my tracks. So irresistible, I had to grab my camera after I shopped and capture a few pics.

As I was heading back to my car after shopping, I passed the David Arms Gallery and couldn't resist a pic of the outside of the shop. Look at that tin roof and the barn wood siding. If that wasn't enough to entice you in, they added a deer with antlers at the pitch in the roof. Can't you just imagine sitting on that bench with the fire warming you up in late Fall.

Next stop, The Copper Fox, right next door with its cool arts and crafts. Last Fall the back porch had ornamental cabbage taking center stage. The purple really pops with the orange pumpkin.

Jump ahead to this year and the back porch of The Copper Fox has mums and pumpkins sitting pretty. I discreetly unlocked the back door and stole a few pics.

As I circled back around to the front of the shop, the front porch caught my eye. Mums and pumpkins paired. My favorite Fall combo. It makes me smile.

Look at this photo of the front of The Copper Fox. It just screams come in and shop! Don't you just love that yellow door.

This gorgeous blue planter caught my eye as I entered The Copper Fox through the side door. I wasn't going to put it in this post, but it kept calling out to me.

Oh Fall, how I love thee. I can't wait for cooler days and crisp nights. I know the next stop is Winter, but Fall's colors are just so mesmerizing to me, so I welcome it with open arms. ENJOY!

Friday, September 7, 2018

Cornucopia

Today, I just need to say. I'm a Derby City girl who moved to Music City. I am from the Bluegrass State and now reside in the Volunteer State.

I used to photograph Kentucky and Indiana. Now I photograph Kentucky and Tennessee. Today I share a cornucopia of images I captured in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee, to herald a new season approaching. Fall is coming.

Tis the season for all things pumpkin, pine cone and acorn. Go crazy with witches and brews and spider webs too. ENJOY!

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Fall Approaches

Fall is approaching here in the States. You can feel it in the air. While a heat wave grips a portion of the Eastern United States, there are still signs of Fall on the horizon. Last week's chill conjured up images of leaves in bright reds, yellows and oranges. Pumpkins are popping up in storefronts. Fall signs to 'Gather' and 'Give Thanks' are everywhere. Soon the nights will be chilly and the days will be brisk. Heaping mugs of cider will warm our bones. A steady hustle and bustle will be heard in every pumpkin patch and farm stand. I can't wait for the season to begin, so here's a little something to get us in the mood. I captured this image some 15-20 years ago in Brown County, Indiana, at the height of the Fall season. ENJOY!

Sunday, July 22, 2018

The Weight of Water & Photographing It

Getting up close and personal with fast moving water and getting the shot, well it's not that easy. Here's a few images I captured throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These images were taken over a span of about six or seven years.

It's not just about the water, it's really more about the perspective. You can have too much noise in your image. All that does is take away from the feeling a reader gets when they view the image. It's about the scene itself and the relationship it has with the water. The way the water falls over the rocks is a vital element.

This image is my favorite water shot of all. I captured this image no more than 100 steps in on the Porter's Creek Trail in Greenbrier. It may seem like there's too much noise in this shot, but the way the rocks and the foliage frame the image, and the drama of that water flowing so beautifully over the rocks, well, it's just perfect.

Sometimes the focal point screams at you as in this image. A perfect cascade with water spilling over the rocks and leaving a wake of wispy whiteness all around. It screams serenity to me.

And then you encounter the tallest waterfall in the Smokies. Mingo Falls, in Cherokee, North Carolina, along the eastern most point of the Smokies. It's not only the tallest, but it's also the most difficult waterfall to position oneself in order to get a decnt image. I chose to shoot the top half and then the bottom. The bottom was more interesting with the water falling over the large boulder and the forest trees hanging over in the foreground.

I had never attempted this type of image before. However, the scenery left and right of the Oconaluftee River in this image was just right. So I shot the water from the back side of the flow. It feels a tad serene.

Couldn't believe my eyes when I happened upon this waterfall coming down off a steep mountainside next to the road leading back to Tremont several years back. It took some maneuvering of the tripod to get this perspective, so much so one of the legs was sitting in the stream below the shot. There's so much green in this image even in the moss on the boulders. So decreasing the density did no good. It's just all green foliage and the water.

Photographing moving water is difficult. I have archives of bad images to show for it. Shots with the water not falling off the rocks nicely, too much noise in the background or no real focal point to grab the attention of your reader.

Here's a few tips I know helped me. First, perspective is the most important thing. Getting the right water falling off the right boulders with the best scenery around it is essential. Second the flow of the water over the rocks or boulders. If it's not falling beautifully, then there's little impact to your reader. Third is how the water lands as it falls. The best way I can describe what I mean by this is for you to go back to the fourth image. See the wispy water after it's fallen over the rocks. What a focal point. Sadly, you may have all of those things, but no place to position your tripod legs. It happens.

My best advice, just keep at it. I have wanted to share this collection for some time. I hope you enjoyed it. I'm not an expert at shooting water. I'm a novice.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend all and a great week. ENJOY!

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