Today’s image is one of a set that I shot from White Top Mountain Virginia this past weekend. I’ve been to this same spot several times over the last year but never thought to capture a sunset from this particular vantage point. I guess that just proves there is always a new or different way to shoot the same scene!

The sunset views from this spot can be so spectacular that volunteers have built a bench so visitors can relax while enjoying them. This night I was fortunate to be the only person around so the seat was unoccupied allowing for a great photo opportunity.

Gear: Canon EOS 60D, Tamron AF 10-24mm

Software: Adobe Lightroom 3, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Photomatix Pro 4, Topaz Adjust 5, Topaz Star Effects, Topaz DeNoise

One of the major tourist attractions in Abingdon is the Barter Theater, the state theater of Virginia. The Barter takes its name from its early history during the post-depression years when patrons could trade various produce items as the price of admission. Over the years, some of Hollywood’s most famous have performed at the Barter including: Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, Ernest Borgnine, Hume Cronyn, Ned Beatty, Gary Collins, David Birney, and Larry Linville.

The Barter Cafe is a fairly recent addition to the grounds. It is surrounded by a beautifully manicured lawn and bricked courtyard. This statue sits directly in front of a large bay window of the cafe and is wonderfully lit at night.

While the starbursts around the lights were created in camera (the Rokinon Fisheye creates an unbelievable starburst!), I used Topaz Star Effects to enhance them.

Gear: Canon EOS 60D, Rokinon 8mm Fisheye

Software: Adobe Lightroom 3, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Photomatix Pro 4, Topaz Adjust 5, Topaz DeNoise, Topaz Star Effects

I had fully intended on posting some more shots from around downtown Abingdon today but I began working on a few images from this weekend and just couldn’t resist sharing this one!

Sunday evening I decided to top off the weekend by making the short drive to White Top Mountain for sunset. Colorful sunsets have been few and far between lately but I held out hope that the storm systems moving through the area would kick up enough dust to liven things up a bit. When I made it to the mountain, I found that it had just rained and there was a slight fog already forming. There was a 30° temperature drop between my house and the mountain which meant there was a nice haze floating above the valley.

As with most things, luck played a huge part in this image. I had barely finished the short hike from the parking area when a bank of clouds moved in front of the sun bathing the valley below in golden beams of sunlight. I would have loved to have had a few extra minutes to capture this sight from at least one more perspective but it only lasted a few seconds.

A fleeting moment captured forever and I’m glad to have witnessed it.

Gear: Canon EOS 60D, Tamron AF 10-24mm

Software: Adobe Lightroom 3, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Photomatix Pro 4, Topaz Adjust 5, Topaz DeNoise

Sometimes I forget that I live in one of the most historic towns in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I should really spend more time photographing in and around town than I do but all too often I get caught up in the hunt for the perfect sunset or waterfall shot.

One of the most prominent buildings in Abingdon is the Martha Washington Inn. The Inn started life as a women’s college, served as a hospital during the Civil War and is currently a high-class hotel. Ownership of the hotel has changed hands a few times over the last 50 years but the class, charm and ambiance of this place has always remained. Many who have stayed here claim to have experienced some type of paranormal encounter. There are several areas of the building that are thought to be haunted by the ghosts of both Union and Confederate soldiers who passed away while being treated during the Civil War.

Gear: Canon EOS 60D, Rokinon 8mm Fisheye

Software: Adobe Lightroom 3, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Photomatix Pro 4, Topaz Adjust 5

This is last and most impressive of the falls along Stoney Creek. Water rushes over a 30 foot rock cliff to create Big Stoney Creek Falls. This was the first time that I had ever been to this spot and when the falls came into view I was completely taken aback by the shear size of them. After finding the safest route to the river side I had to work quickly to get my shots because sunlight was already beginning to break through the trees. For this particular shot I pulled out my fisheye lens to pull in as much of the scene as possible.

Gear: Canon EOS 60D, Rokinon 8mm Fisheye

Software: Adobe Lightroom 3, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Photomatix Pro 4, Topaz Adjust 5, Topaz DeNoise