This particular journey started many years ago…
As a teenager I was turned onto the idea of summiting the highest peaks of each state, becoming a “peak-bagger” as it were. This past summer I finally got to check off the first peak, at truly magical place called Mount Rogers that sits near the southwest corner of our lovely state. (I’ll post pics from that later on, wild ponies included!)
As the wife and I travel the country, if the schedule and mileage warrant it we will tick off these high points as we go and this time our travels had brought us to within spitting distance of Clingman’s Dome (highest peak in Tennessee!).
We started the day early to beat the heat and hopefully any crowds. The moon was still high in the sky as we began the short but strenuous trek to the top,
At an almost 13% grade it was not the easiest half mile ever!
The views make it all worthwhile though as you look through the valleys of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
On top of the summit is a spiral ramp raising you up 45 feet above the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest (one of only a handful of sites in North America) affording the views below.
We missed sunrise by a few minutes but were treated to a gorgeous show nonetheless. Not too crowded at all, the air was quite chilly and the wind was unrelenting at that altitude.
The tower itself is beautiful as well, doesn’t quite fit in with the surroundings but isn’t an eyesore either.
The Crosstrek enjoyed the view while we summitted!
Prints are available, please email for more info at info@michaelsinkphotography.com
Let me know what you think in the comments! Have you been, what was your experience like?
Kate had such a beautiful gown! We sat her here on the old stairs and wrapped her up mermaid style so you could see the beading/embroidery on the back…
What a gorgeous smile!
See, I told you the back was beautiful!
The sun cooperated to give us an awesome sunset, and some great clouds!
Grunge and glamour combine for Fashion Bridals…
Had to get the shoes, I just had to…
Clouds, thank you so much for your appearance!
Kate, thank you for “bringing it!” You are a Super-Duper Model!
And of course we had to have a little fun!
We almost always bring a studio strobe with us, this allows us to control more of the scene and the light to flatter you in every image…
Then it was back to the studio for some more traditional graduation images…
…and more fun of course! (please let me pass, please let me pass!)
Veronica rocked her shoot in Superstar fashion!
see, I told you she was gorgeous! Then we opted for a little more drama and got this…
…I pushed it a step further in the digital darkroom later and… still beautiful and super-edgy!
Elegant, beautiful, with eyes that draw you right in…
A little more traditional now with the bouquet and a smile…
The reception was being held at the barn so we made sure to utilize it in a couple…
Even with the mid-summer sun beating down Kelly helped us nail this awesome image toward the end of the session…
So fun, such a good sport to play with us in the heat, this might be one of my favorites from the session! That dress came from 
We couldn’t pass up these french doors… Thanks Kelly for being so super-modelly!
Miguel came in for a few frames to share this wonderful moment with us…
Anthony stepped in and lent a masculine contrast to the images…
…working with these two was easy, loving looks and embraces were the order of the day.
This one has a real ethereal feel to it…
…and some dramatic lighting here to accent Stephanie’s pregnant form…
A little belly dance attire for fun!
One of our favorites….
After the studio Stephanie wanted to head down to the river for some magical images…
loved the grungy wall…
my favorite!
and attitude to spare!
