Why do I create at all..
I often read other posts, and watch videos discussing the creative mind, and even though I rarely consider myself creative, I do create therefore a creator of sorts I must be. So the question is why do I make the things I make and take the chances I take? I am asking you as much as I am telling you. Maybe if I consider the things I took images of in the beginning it would make sure sense. So lets go back
In the beginning of my then hobby, I was working on a delivery truck and traveling all over and while doing so would notice amazing things along the drive/ride. Then cell phones where nowhere near what we carry in our pockets on a daily basis so I thought it would be interesting if I brought a camera along with me to capture this and that through out my days. From solo trees on hillsides to water wheels, abandoned silos, and my favorite - an abandoned basketball goal in a field. The only common denominator they share is where they were. Every image I took was outside. Every single ONE. This is still very prominent in the work I create and the work I long to create. I love to evoke a feeling of wonder and what could be more wondrous than the world we live in? Every detail a creation in itself, and inspiring me to create the work that I am truly moved by. I have some ways to go to create the brand that allows me to pursue only sessions that I can be excited about. I still have so so many locations local me to capture and I’m ready to go. Who is going with?
If you follow me at all you may have noticed this theme in my work. Not all of my work of course. Weddings are often indoors and in church’s but I am putting this out in the world. I only want to shoot outdoor weddings, preferably in locations that can inspire me and the adventurous elopement would be my overall #1 thing to capture, but I need to find my way in that market. Help a fella out lol
My inspiration today actually comes from a very good friend of mine. A lady who’s work I admire but not as much as I do her character. We share a lot of the same passions but I think our love for the outdoors is one of our strongest bonds. She posted images yesterday from my favorite place and creativity took over from there. Go give her a follow and tell her I sent you. She’s on all the social media’s but IG is easiest @_katysergent . Even as of writing this or finishing it up if I’m honest, my family and I are in Bryson City, NC. Today for my belated 40th birthday present, we rafted the Nantahala River. Chaco’s strapped, sunglasses glued to my face, and my favorite North Face hat and off we went. I am even setting here after our day of adventure, starring at a beautiful mountain top range just outside the window and I know this is the fuel for my work. This is where it starts and where it shall remain. Among the trees, fields, and streams we are very lucky to call home.
J
”In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks” - John Muir
Alex
Carvers Gap, where more often than not, fantasy becomes reality! I write about this location often and passionately for several reasons. I grew up in Roan Mountain, went to school there and until I was 18 it was my home. The sad part about this is, while living here I never visited Carvers Gap. Like never. I'm very glad that I have found the amazement that it offers at this point in my life, as far too often I think we live our entire lives and miss the magic around us daily. Growing up and attending school here led me to meet Sundae. I think we may have even rode the bus together after my parents moved closer to my grandparents. I say that because today's post is about Alex, Sundae's daughter. I had never met or spoken to Alex prior to our session but that was not an issue because she is awesome. Sundae and I went back and forth on a few dates as the weather was insane this year and ever-changing and at this point, I also believe its because we were supposed to be on the Roan on this particular day. You can never truly predict the weather on the top of the Roan, and today was one of those days where every few minutes, it changed. This was a bit of a challenge as a photographer, but one I gladly welcome anytime. Let me start in the parking lot.
Once we finally found a suitable day and the time was set, we were good to go. We agreed to meet at the trailhead parking lot for introductions and to strategize. This never takes more than a few minutes, so we donned our rain jackets, umbrellas, and were afoot. Luckily the rain never really set in and never developed into something unusable. We were greeted with dramatic racing clouds over us and the mountain tops, misting rain, and even had a brief appearance of a rainbow. I mean minus a unicorn or bigfoot running out of the neighboring woods, what else could I ask for? As an adventure photographer, an avid fan of anything AT, I was enchanted. I'm not great with words and will not try to be, but will simply let the imagery speak for me. I hope you find the joy, the excitement, the wonder in these that I do. Alex was incredibly patient with my direction, open to any and everything I threw at her and with a lovely smile the entire time. I truly couldn't ask for more. I would love to know if you have a similar place that you love to frequent and I'm always open to more unique experiences like this one was. Now to the meat and potatoes, because what post by a photographer is complete without pictures?
As always, all images shot with my Fuji Xpro2 and combination of my xf16mm and xf90mm lenses.
““We clutch that picture to our hearts because we expect each other to always be the people in that picture. But people change. People aren’t pictures. And you can either take a new picture or throw the old one away.” ”
Where do you find inspiration?
I love candid black and white street photography
As photographer's we can easily lose our inspiration if we are shooting all the time, and if those moment's are solely for clients. What? Did I just admit that I struggle with inspiration, ABSOLUTELY. Its scary to admit and I do not feel that this hinders my work, but I am painfully aware that it has kept me from pushing myself to my fullest potential at times. I think if we all could be completely honest with ourselves we could admit that in an ideal world we would create something unique, all the time, and only accept the jobs that truly moved us. I know this is a reality for me some days. Being conscious of this, keeps me checked, and allows me to focus on whats most important, and that its not me or my desire all the time. It reminds me how important what we as photographers do. Do I strive to shoot the jobs that move me most, of course and will continue to push and develop my craft toward that prize but will also put all of myself into every client along the way. I will try to make connections stronger, build more lasting relationships than ever before. Below I have several images, all taken with my beloved Fuji Xpro 2 and either my xf16mm, or xf90mm lens. These were for myself and even a few of myself. Looking to express how this world is such an incredible place to live if we can only look up from our phones once in awhile and take it all in!
“It is the the photographer’s movements, perspective and experience that are being depicted in any given picture.”
-Antonio d' Agata
What does our work say about our experiences? Our perspectives and movements? One of the quotes, I have become very attached to in an interview with Antonio d'Agata. His work is not for the faint of heart nor is it pretty and pleasant but it is RAW and REAL and EMOTIONAL.
"X"
Crossing into nothingness
Self
“In the everyday world, a world which affords comforts, encourages fear and supports silence, lies, hypocrisy, cynicism and laziness, people protect themselves to the point of numbness,ending up lifeless.- Antonio d’Agata”
All of the above images were taken in Downtown Johnson City, Tennessee and the self portraits in our home. I find inspiration for my work in many places, mostly nature and my family, but also by other artists. I've said many times Ryan Muirhead is currently at the top of my list, followed by countless others. I have an Instagram problem. LOL
My favorite locations for adventurous couples!
Sunset over Sams Gap after a day of fly fishing #sunset #easttennessee #blueridgemountains #samsgap #wolfpackoverland #jgp
Adventure: an exciting or remarkable experience
I have recently spent some time trying to decide who I should be marketing too. I want to make an impact in those I work with but I also want to create memories with them and not only capture them. What I mean by this is, imagine your dream vacation: Do you have it pictured? Ok, now imagine that your in your perfect place, and somehow while enjoying everything around you, you have the capacity to capture that feeling. Not only what you see, but how your seen in this amazing setting. This is my goal. I want to plan and execute adventures with my clients and friends that fully explore our world and our limits. No one ever climbed to the top just to turn and go back down without at least marveling in the view, the accomplishment, or the experience.. lets have more of those.. more experiences, more adventure...together.
I am going to compile my top 3 places in East Tennessee to visit and create in. These are places that I want to take more clients too, book more clients who want to create images worthy of printing huge and telling stories about for years to come.
Carvers Gap overlooking the Rhododendron Gardens
1). Carvers Gap, Roan Mountain TN-
This is my favorite place by far to visit, shoot, and hike with my family. We have shared many adventures here and plan to create many many more, but there are still so many amazing photo opportunities here that I am yet to capture for others. Ive taken many images for myself but I need YOU to help make those images something special! The hike both directions from the parking area can lend to some amazing places to capture your portraits but be warned it has its tough sections but believe me when I say, its worth every step.
2) The Beauty Spot, Erwin TN-
I chose this spot for several reasons. It has panoramic views of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, both in TN and NC. Its a very easy hike up for those wanting an adventure without all of the work sometimes associated with these views. It also, just like Carvers Gap, is home to the famous Appalachian Trail. From here there are also less populated locations where we would have the world to ourselves.
I didn't add a photo of the falls here intentionally. Lets take this one together!
3) Laurel Falls, Hampton TN-
This last one was a little harder to choose. I selected it for the fact that it has one of the most beautiful waterfalls within short driving distances. This hike can range from moderate, to hard depending on the path you choose but all of them lead to the stairs of doom lol. The staircase made of rocks, and roots leading down to the falls is steep, and long. This is unavoidable so make sure you leave yourself ample time to make the walk in and out, but more importantly to enjoy this incredible view! Ive had the pleasure of taking some images of my good friend Katy Sergent here and invite you to join me sometime as well!
This is a short list of my favorites in East Tn, but below Im making a list of places you should consider visiting and these range from Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina.
Grand Father Mountain, Linville Falls, Mount Mitchell, Cataloochee, Elk Falls, Hickory Nut Falls, The Devils Bathtub, The Channels Trail, White Rocks and Sand Cave, The Blue Hole, The Gorge, Bays Mountain, Buffalo Mountain, Jacobs Trail, and so on and so on.. If you would like more info on these places or would like to discuss booking your session in one of them, please go to my Contact me page, fill out the form and lets find Adventure together!
JGP
