"What a picture means to the viewer is strongly dependent on their past experience and knowledge. In this respect the visual image is not a mere representation of 'reality' but a symbolic system..."

This quote by E.H. Gombrich defines my love for this place. Working again this week on the Highlands Plateau, where my heart and soul, and indeed my true work resides. Even after 27 years of living and working part-time in this area of Western North Carolina, I never fail to see old subjects in a new way, via the light, the season, the natural (and unfortunately man-made) changes, etc., This process of "seeing" is a life-long pursuit for the person who works with cameras & film/video.

This view is probably one the most popular with both the locals, second home vacationers, and of course the tourists! Aptly named, "The Big View" by locals, this incredible scene unfolds often with great drama in the early morning dawn light, and often at dusk, especially after a day's rain or storm. The partial view of mountain in the far right corner is known as "Devil's Courthouse." It accents this panoramic scene in power and always silhouetted in the early dawn hour. Whether I end up making pic tures or not, this scene has become my "little Yosemite" here in the South. I always make time to witness it either first thing in the morning or last at dusk. We are now old friends.

As with all my natural environment subject matter I do not use software (photoshop) to enhance artificially. I was taught "old school" to get it right in-camera by accurate exposures (and the old days of polaroid proofing). Digital photography has far surpassed the film days in many areas. But the most exciting aspect of the digital technology for me is immediate visual gratification, instant editing, and the speed in which I may "chase the light." *This image is straight from my camera to computer without any artificial input.