It’s 4:00 AM when my alarm goes off in the motel where we’re staying in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I bolt out of bed, brush my teeth, gather my camera gear, and head to the parking lot, where Matt and Luke, the professional photographers from Muench Travel, are ready for our early morning shoot.
The drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn’t too far. However, this morning's destination is the Oconaluftee Overlook, approximately one hour away. Our goal is to arrive there for sunrise, the optimal time to see the scenic clouds and fog in the valley, a favorite spot for photographers. I wish I were a little more awake.
We arrive in the dark, with dawn only minutes away. This gives us a brief moment to identify the best vantage points to set up our cameras and tripods. Additionally, we need time to experiment with wide-angle and telephoto lenses to capture the essence of this scene’s grandeur.
I’ve been checking the weather apps frequently. There’s a chance of rain that could ruin everything. However, so far, so good. The sky appears threatening, but is, in fact, cool!
As soon as there is enough light, we start shooting. Initially, the clouds are thick, blocking any sunlight. It looks fine, but not impressive enough to write home about. However, things will change by the minute, so I keep shooting.
The name “Oconaluftee” derives from the Cherokee language, meaning “by the river of the Ocoee” or “by the river of the river people.” This area holds historical significance for the Cherokee Nation, as it was part of their ancestral lands and features the Oconaluftee River, which flows through the region.
Some time has elapsed, and I now see the sunlight beginning to peek through the clouds. This scene is becoming more captivating. A combination of temperature and humidity factors primarily creates the clouds and fog at sunrise in the valley. In the early morning, cooler air settles into the valley, chilling the moisture-laden air near the ground. When the moist air meets the cooler ground, it condenses, forming fog and clouds that hover over the valley. Moreover, the surrounding mountains act as barriers, trapping moist air and fostering the formation of low-hanging clouds and fog. The interaction among these elements, especially during clear nights with rapid cooling, creates the stunning, ethereal views that make Oconaluftee Overlook a favorite spot for photographers.
No more than ten minutes have elapsed, and I now see a spectacular combination of sunlight, fog, and clouds in the valley. I capture multiple frames; I suspect one will be good enough to print.
Our shoot is now complete, and it is time for breakfast. We pile into the van with our equipment in the back and head to the restaurant. While Matt and Luke study the weather patterns to help them determine our next shoot, I can only think about another cup of coffee, eggs, and toast. I certainly hope our next venue will be on par with the Oconaluftee Overlook.