As a photographer rooted in the heart of Appalachia, I, Sabrina, invite you to savor the final act of autumn’s play, where the warmth of fall’s palette gives way to winter’s intimate embrace.
As the last hues of autumn retreat, only the steadfast oak leaves hold out in their tenacious splendor...
October has once again slipped through our fingers like grains of golden hour light, too swift, too sweet. In these waning days of fall, the quiet stubbornness of the oak leaves resonates with me. They, too, seem reluctant to concede to the inevitable approach of winter.
The Pulse of Young Love
This year, the concept of young love captivated me more than ever. Through my lens, I’ve listened to the vibrant stories of couples embarking on life’s grand adventure together. A friend jests about me ‘getting in my FEELS,’ but how accurate they are! The ‘feels’ are the essence of my work, capturing those raw, unguarded emotions that tell each couple’s unique story.
Embracing the Emotions
Photography is an art of emotion, and one of my cherished roles is to guide couples to reconnect with their shared affection. It’s a dance between comfort and vulnerability, each shutter click immortalizing their narrative in an image. There’s an indescribable thrill in witnessing couples unwind into each other’s arms or stand strong in a powerful, supportive pose—their love etched in light and shadow.
A Season of Variety
My October was a mosaic of engagements, elopements, and weddings, each distinct, each vibrant. I reveled in the spectrum—from the understated elegance to the whimsy of costume parties as Halloween neared. The road was my home, and this year, it felt like one of the most exhilarating journeys yet.
In the Arms of Nature
But equal to my love for capturing human connection is my reverence for the great outdoors. This season blessed us with idyllic weather, extending the spectacle of fall’s palette. The Blue Ridge Parkway was a frequent backdrop, yet it was the drives through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that truly took my breath away.
The Chimney Tops in Autumn's Glow
On those drives, I discovered new vistas and new chapters for my portfolio. And there, amidst the Smokies, I found a long-sought treasure—the Chimney Tops. These storied peaks, geological marvels, and cultural landmarks shone in the blazing glory of fall. Though the paths to their summits are closed, the sights from the observation points were no less stirring.
Coziness and Contemplation
As the editing season unfurls, a cherished ritual begins—imbuing my home with warmth and light during the longer nights. I find solace in the little things: a plush blanket, a well-loved pillow on my loveseat, and the inaugural lighting of the wood stove, its crackle and pop a symphony against the silence of falling snow.
In my haven, automatic candles flicker to life at dusk, casting a soft, golden hue that dances across the walls, their glow a gentle sentinel against the encroaching twilight. Warmly colored lamps are carefully placed to create islands of coziness, an inviting beacon for family and friends. These lights aren’t just functional; they’re a deliberate choice to keep the darkness at bay, to remind us that even the smallest light can defy the longest night.
Literary Companions for Frosty Evenings
As I reach for the Russian tea in the cabinet, its aroma melding with the scented candles, the season’s essence fills the air. The frosty months beckon with the promise of unhurried reading, and my ‘to-read’ pile stands ambitious. I doubt it will dwindle when the first blossoms dare to peek from their winter slumber, but the joy lies in the attempt.
In each photograph, each page turned, I weave my story into the fabric of these Appalachian mountains—a narrative of love, nature, and the unending pursuit of beauty, now illuminated by the tender glow of winter’s embrace.
