A Late Summer Engagement on Heintooga Ridge: Alyssa and Sam Above Cherokee
August 29, 2026 No Comments
There is a particular kind of light that only shows up in the last two weeks of August in these mountains, when summer hasn’t yet
I am Sabrina Greene, a professional photographer, storyteller, and native daughter of Southern Appalachia. Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains, I have always felt a deep connection to the people, history, and natural beauty of this region. My work as an artist is shaped by these mountains and the stories they hold, and I bring that passion into everything I do.
Sabrina is an active Member of NSDAR — Rebecca Sevier Waddell Chapter
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is one of the oldest and most respected patriotic organizations in the United States, dedicated to historic preservation, education, and honoring the legacy of those who secured American independence. Membership is by proven lineage; verified descent from a Patriot ancestor of the Revolutionary War era.
Sabrina L. Greene holds membership through her father’s maternal line, the Woody family of Southern Appalachia a founding American family whose roots reach to the birth of the nation.
Photography, for me, is about more than just creating beautiful images. It’s about preserving history, identity, and moments that matter. I have spent over 20 years honing my craft, blending cinematic and ethereal imagery with a storytelling approach. Clients often describe my work as vibrant and deeply emotional, with a focus on off-camera lighting that adds depth to each photograph. I take pride in crafting images that resonate beyond the surface, drawing viewers into a narrative that is both personal and universal.
Beyond photography, I am an avid book lover, a poetry enthusiast, and someone who finds solace in literature. Long drives through the mountains are where I find peace, and the sound of water has always been a source of healing for me. I love the quiet moments alone in the woods, where I can reflect, create, and reconnect with the natural world. I also enjoy writing and journaling—these practices have become another outlet for me to process my thoughts and experiences, adding depth to my storytelling. Music is a constant companion in my life. Whether I’m driving, wearing my headphones, or jamming it through my Bose speaker, there is always a soundtrack underscoring the moments of my day.
I also have a background in custom art framing, which has given me a unique perspective on creativity and design. I’m always full of new ideas, always searching for ways to bring something fresh and meaningful into the world.
On a random note Horses have always captivated me, though I don’t own one or get to ride as often as I’d like. There is something about their wind-driven, free spirits that reminds me of the strength I strive to embody.
My life has been shaped by significant loss.
I have lost my identity three times. First as a young woman, when an early marriage dissolved and took with it the self I thought I knew. Again in February 2024, when my only child, Aidan, died one month after his fifteenth birthday. And once more when Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, devastating the mountains that had always been my solace and temporarily dismantling the career I had built within them.
And yet.
I am still here. Still working. Still reaching for the stories that hold this place together. I photograph resilience because I have had to practice it. I preserve other people’s voices because I know how quickly they can go silent. I write because the mountains taught me that what survives a flood is worth documenting.
Loss did not define me. It refined me, down to what is essential, true, and worth carrying forward.
Aidan’s memory is a guiding light in my work. His name, derived from the Gaelic word meaning “bringer of fire,” reflects the spirit he brought to everyone he knew. Though I lost him far too soon, I carry his fire with me in everything I do. His passion for community and service inspires my photography, especially in these difficult times. It is through my lens that I continue to honor him, telling the stories that need to be told and capturing the moments of courage and grace that arise from the ashes of tragedy.
As I rebuild from the many losses I’ve faced, I don’t know exactly who I am becoming, but I am learning to embrace the journey.
I am Sabrina Louise Greene, bereaved mother, artist—and I am a Southern Appalachian woman.
All portraits of Sabrina were created by the multi-talented Master Certified Artist Heather Michelle Chinn. A dear friend, sister, and amazing mentor!
There is a particular kind of light that only shows up in the last two weeks of August in these mountains, when summer hasn’t yet
A hand moved across this page and the page held. A docent at the Museum of Haywood County History in Clyde, the house most people
As a family photographer, I want to tell you something I have held close for a long time now. In 2024, I lost my only