LOCATION :: Windy Fall Road

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Windy Fall Road by Chip Bunnell PhotographyA recent assignment took me to the mountains surrounding Asheville, NC. I was fortunate to be there during the height of “leaf peeping” season. Being a self-professed, modern day beach enthusiast, I have had little experience in peeping on leaves, but was excited to see what all the fuss was about. I am happy to report the adventure did not disappoint.

The leaves were at their peak. Everywhere I looked I had traded my familiar flowing palms for tall, majestic trees covered in florescent orange and fiery gold leaves. There was just enough wind to send some of leafy colors to the ground like huge pieces of confetti celebrating the season. The thick forest had a rich contrast as I scanned from the individual tree textures to the large trunks that seemed to go on into infinity. Being a car enthusiast, some of my favorites scenes were the windy roads as I climbed and descended along the rugged mountain sides. One particular scene stands out.

Just over the South Carolina boarder I found myself on a quiet 2-lane road. The tight corners and hair pin turns seemed to go on and on. I pulled over to admire a curvy stretch and make a few final frames of the wonderful fall colors. In the distance, I heard the familiar sound of a finely tuned classic German sports car. Seconds later, a beautiful maintained Porsche 911 gracefully passed me as it confidently handled each corner with the greatest of ease. I could swear I caught a glimpse of the driver’s face, smiling with an almost childlike joy, as he piloted his dream car through a perfectly picturesque setting. As he vanished around the distant bend, I couldn’t help thinking back to my own times behind the wheel of my dream cars image the feelings of freedom I felt.

Such a simple moment became a true gift I enjoyed and captured. This windy fall road once again proves my belief that the journey is greater than the destination.

Photo Stuff:  Single frame, Processed in LR

www.ChipBunnell.com

LOCATION :: A Flag to Honor Veterans

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Chip Bunnell Photography Flag over Stream

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We all have gifts, talents and abilities. Each has their own set. When those sets are added to others, incredible things can be achieved.

A special group of individuals possess the ability to volunteer to protect others. They leave their families and friends, often traveling to far lands, all with the goal to help others as well making sure we, in the home they left, can sleep safer each night. Even though they may fear their task, they appear to be fearless to all those that see them. Their commitment to protecting the freedoms of those seeking a peaceful life are paid with the sweat of their brow, the injuries they receive and even with the willful giving of their own lives. It is a special group indeed that are willing to make such heroic sacrifices for people they may never meet.

On my travels through north Georgia, I stumbled upon this very historic grist mill. To celebrate this weekend, they proudly had hung a brand new flag on the corner post. I was impressed with the bold colors of the flag standing out from the soft surrounding earth tones. The flowing stream in the background added to the prefect setting.

Today, on this Veteran’s Day, we honor all those that have served to help make this world a safer, freer place. Thank you for your service and giving us a gift as you shared your talents and abilities.

Photo Stuff: Single Frame, Processed in LR

www.ChipBunnell.com