Click on the photo for a larger view.
From photographer Bonnie Reynolds: Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains is known for it’s beautiful mountains vistas, wildlife and old historic cabins. Off the beaten path are many treasures that most don’t see on their trip around the cove.
Gum Swamp enclosure is one of my very favorite places to stop and photograph just about every time we’re in Cades Cove. I go there rain, shine, snow or ice and it never disappoints. A recent afternoon visit to the swamp was at dusk when the forest was dark and dark shadows were cast across the swamp. The water was “alive” with frogs giving a late day concert. There must have been hundreds of them breaking the top of the water as they filled the evening with loud music.
Gum Swamp is home to plants and animals unique to the Great Smoky Mountains, and in 1984 a fence was erected around the swamp to protect these species from wild hogs. The non-native hogs appeared in Cades Cove in the 1950′s and are very destructive to the land because they plow up the ground looking for food. There are about 20 areas similar to Gum Swamp in the Smokies that offer protection for the special plants and animals of the mountains.
Here are the camera and settings used to capture this image:
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS
Lens: Canon 18-55mm
Focal length: 18mm
Exposure time: 1.3 seconds
Aperture: f/7.1
ISO: 400
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WOW, this is an amazing shot Bonnie, especially when viewed at the larger size! Very nice job!!!
Hauntingly gorgeous!!!!!!
What a beautiful shot! You nailed the exposure on this one Bonnie, and the lighting had to have been horrific. Nicely done.
Gorgeous!!!!!!
I love this! Thanks for sharing it with us today Rick (and of course Bonnie as well).
If I had taken this I would probably have been tempted to brighten it up a bit in Photoshop, and that would have been a mistake. The more I look at it the more I like it just as it is. You really nailed this one Bonnie. This is an awesome shot in every way.
I was thinking the very same thing Walter. At first glance it appeared too dark, but then I began to notice all the detail and subtle colors that would be lost with a brighter exposure. Agreed, this image is exquisite just as it is. Great job as always Bonnie!!
Stunning.
I like it Bonnie!! It looks kind of Eerie. Nicely seen and reproduced!
So good Bonnie!
I love that swamp and you have captured yet another beautiful view of it Bonnie!!!