APPALACHIAN SPRING Photo

Photographer’s Note

APPALACHIAN SPRING March 5, 2006

Aaron Copland, arguably the most famous American Composer of the 20th century, composed the ballet score “Appalachian Spring” that premiered in October 1944. The photograph taken in Cades Cove in the Appalachian Mountains in Eastern Tennessee on March 5 presents more of a roaring river than a spring. But it is Copland's music that would best serve as accompaniment to this photograph.

The Appalachian Mountains are genuinely ancient mountains, created 270 million years ago, in distinction to the Himalayas created beginning only 50 million years ago, and still in the process of growing. In an earlier age of plate tectonics, the Appalachians are estimated to have risen to over 12,000 meters (40,000 feet), compared to the Mighty Himalayas, where the highest peak is Mt. Everest rising to 8,850 meters (29,035 feet). However, the erosion by natural forces has worn the Appalachian Mountains to the point where the highest elevation is now a mere 2,037 meters (6,684 ft).

I was visiting the small university town of Maryville, Tennessee for three days — ostensibly to give a series of lectures — when I took a drive to the Smoky Mountains, a branch of the Appalachians. In my brief visit I saw unimaginable beauty, especially in Cades Cove, a valley nestled in the mountains. I saw water rushing down hills and valleys, deer by the dozens grazing, but happily missed the black bears who would soon awaken from their long hibernation and begin foraging for breakfast. In this, the first of a number of images that I will post, the river is devoid of direct sunlight, and accordingly features the cooler colors of blues and greens, while the woods in the distance, directly illuminated by the setting sun, resonates with a warm golden glow.

Nikon D200, 18-70 mm Nikkor lens; ISO 200; Saturation Enhanced; Sharpness: Med H; Shutter speed 1/100 sec, Apperture f/5; focal length 28 mm; Mode: program.

PS. I was so touched by Sibel Gogen's critique about listening to Appalachian Spring, and then going onto give such an incisive correlation of the music and the photograph, that I decided to upload a photograph into WS of Bob Copland, Aaron Copland's first cousin. Aaron Copland's life spanned 1900-1990. Bob Copland, whom I met during my cruise last summer in Mediterranean, attended my lectures on the ship, and I enjoyed speaking with him frequently. I believe, he is 96 years old in the photograph.

Matthew-Watt, carper, dareco, danos, snunney, papagolf21, jhm, daddo, Henryk_Bilor, feather, Dyerco, Cretense, chpp, kdialyna, mursaloglu, ahaberal, ahmetgedikli, ChrisJ, stego, gunbud, meltemi, kibele66, anurts, Emile, azaf1, John_F_Kennedy, pablominto, cfreire, tober, jaywalker, Tue, yso, jlbrthnn, MLINES, isabela_sor, tehanu_f, AROBN54, emjleclercq, cobbydale, Docarmo, jusninasirun, Didi, Silvio1953, paololg, Bluejeans, windosil, Valerka, COSTANTINO has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Matthew-Watt (4467) 2008-03-06 23:50

Hello Bulent,

Good to see a post from you again, I always enjoy them. The colours here are nothing short of splendid. It seems that there is no shortage of water in this part of the US, I wish we could see similar scenes across Australia which still remains quite dry despite the recent rain. The golden light really matches with the orangey glow very effectively. The inclusion of some rocky foreground and braches for artistic interruption purposes is very good. I will have to re-read the note; there is a lot of interesting detail to digest. Thanks for the post.

Matt

carper (65598) 2008-03-06 23:51

very nice to see you Bulent,
I like the spring shot you send in, good backlight, fine speed of the water of the mountains, good photojob I like it, have a good day.
gr. jaap

aadilj (17950) 2008-03-07 0:10

Lovely capture of the lights and shades here and some superb scenery with nice colours. the composition is lovely and well managed

dareco (17104) 2008-03-07 0:29

This is an area I have always wanted to visit, so I find your note very interesting. The colors in this picture are AWESOME and it really jumps out of the gallery!! Very beautiful! TFS

danos (33192) 2008-03-07 0:30

Hello Bulent,
nice shot with the running waters from the hills and the light that floodlight the background.The trunks of the trees add a nice decoration in the shot as the blue hue of water impart a mysterious atmosphere in the scene.Informative your note too.

Have an nice weekend,Danos

recepyuksel (17786) 2008-03-07 0:49 [Comment]

Show Comment

snunney (35436) 2008-03-07 0:58

Hello Bulent,
A fine composition of this rushing river that suits the vertical format well. I like the light and shadow contrasts and the difference in tones. Very good exposure management with the waters being perfectly captured in full flow. Excellent clarity.

papagolf21 (56715) 2008-03-07 1:06

Bonjour, mon ami Bulent,
Quel est notre pays sinon un rêve Que nous nous sommes raconté feuille à feuille, Rameau d'or et fleur dorée, Fontaine, arbre, rivière, Cet invisible Paradis.
[Kathleen Raine]
Très belle prise de vue, excellente maîtrise technique des hautes et basses lumières.
Les couleurs sont splendides.
Amitiés.
Philippe

jhm (83276) 2008-03-07 1:11

Hello friend Bulent,

Your visit to the small university town of Maryville gives a wonderful result.
A little bit a pity that the black bears not awaken from their long hibernation, maybe came one exemplar for your lens!
Through the choice of angle and it vertical frame we get a fantastic spring picture, it light in background make this image very nice, also the blue/white water of the river, show a nice composition.
Tanks for sharing.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

hatti52 (12654) 2008-03-07 1:29

Merhaba Bulent Bey
Harika isik kontrolu,dinamik ve enfes renklerde
elinize saglik

daddo (11533) 2008-03-07 1:52

Merhaba Bulent Bey. a feast for the eye this lovely juxtapositioning of the cool, refreshing blue water and the glowing warmth of the trees and bushes.I like the details in the foreground corner where rocks and leaves add interest.Regards. Klaudio.

Henryk_Bilor (20371) 2008-03-07 1:54

Hi Bulent
Indeed spring in its great light. Nice dynamic image and contrast between the illuminated forrest and the dark rough river.
Have a nice day

feather (50122) 2008-03-07 3:04

Hopefully spring will be upon us soon here in the UK. Mother Nature is very confused by the ranges of temperatures she has had thrown at her this winter. Very difficult to get the exposure right for this and you wisely chose to expose for the bright part of the scene. We can still see the detail in the shadows and the torrent of rushing water heading for us. Well done
Kath

Dyerco (9288) 2008-03-07 3:13

Hi Bulent
You have handled the exposure well here considering the exposure difference in the light and darker areas. Very well done.
Phil

Cretense (57010) 2008-03-07 6:56

Hi Bulent!

Fantastic framing through the trees, great "play" of light and shadows-silhouettes, great contrast between the cold tones of the shadowed part and the warm tones of the sunny one! Congratulations!

Warm regards,
Hercules

chpp (4007) 2008-03-07 7:22

Hi Bulent
nice POV to show this great contrast of "cold" and "hot" in this river.
very nice exposure and good quality
creative comopo
cheers
c

mesutilgim (37258) 2008-03-07 7:54

Selam sevgili Bülent,
Senden resim ve haber almak ne güzel şey ! Bu kare de cıvıl cıvıl, yaşam dolu bir kare. Bakış açısı, kadraj, renkler harika.
Crop'layarak birkaç kare daha çıkar buradan.
Tebrikler
İyi bir hafta sonu dileği ile,
Selam ve sevgiler
MESUT ILGIM

kdialyna (3072) 2008-03-07 8:02

It's nice that you are back again Bulent.
This photo from you is really a piece of gold, like the background of the picture where the light makes everything to look like melt gold that creates a superb contrast with the cold , blue color from the water to the foreground.
Very good choice the dry branches in front of the scene, something that gives a good frame and depth to the all composition.
Best regards
Kostas

Wandering_Dan (3285) 2008-03-07 8:52

Hello, Bulent -

A lovely composition evocative of the region. The colors seem a bit off, though, and it looks a little blown out in the back (not by much). So I did a workshop to shift the color balance a little and to darken the highlights. I hope you don't mind.

Best,
Dan

[workshop] [compare] +

mursaloglu (5218) 2008-03-07 10:04

Dear Bulent bey
Thank you for your nice words about my last works. This is a really stunning landscape picture with great eyecatching elements. I like the nature and trekking and you see that your picture is one of my preffered theme photos. Amazang colors and sharp details. Best regards ihsan

anesugur (16980) 2008-03-07 13:12

Merhaba Bülent Bey,
Çok güzel kontrast renklerle oluşmuş harika bir görüntü.
Selamlar. Uğur

ahmetgedikli (22072) 2008-03-07 13:46

Sevdiğim temalardan Hocam... Framing, renkler, ışık güzel... Bizde baharı dörtgözle bekliyoruz...
Ellerinize sağlık, saygılar.
Ahmet

ChrisJ (70443) 2008-03-07 17:23

Hi Bulent

Superb graphism of the dark tree trunks & branches, against the lighter blue bg of the stream. Good shadow detail & colour contrasts. Tfs!

stego (22448) 2008-03-07 18:42

Hello Bülent,
Exposure problems apart, it's a wonderful compo. I like specially the silhouettes of the the trees on the FG and the contrast of colour and light between the running water and the sunned BG.
Regards, José.

gunbud (28143) 2008-03-07 20:08

Hi Bulent,
First of all I bicycled from Schenectady NY to Gatlinburg Tn. in 1982 and on side trip through the park I met some whitewater canoers. Well I had some experience in the sport so they offered to let me saddle up in one of the canoes, I accepted galdly and my partner was a big strong lady and we were off on the ride of my life. This was in May and the river was a minefield of rocks. The lady in the stern was wonderful skillful and I survived with my heart in my throat though.
That said this is wonderful view up the river toward the bright sunlight. The golden tones up river are wonderfully complimented by the blue and white river. I really like your POV through the trees. This is a truly a pristine river in a lovely wild setting.

Regards, Tom

meltemi (9746) 2008-03-07 23:09

Hello Bulent,
beautiful image, with this landscape full of interesting elements, superb tones, hues and lighting, with everything in its place. The light is fantastic, worked very well, you were able to benefit of both light and shadow which makes make the illuminated parts even more beautiful. Nice the flowing river, the texture of the water is amazing, quite refreshing to watch. As usual the note is very interesting and informative.
Warm Regards.
Stella

ahaberal (6455) 2008-03-08 0:52

bizim fırtına deresini andıran, doyulamayan güzellik.
elinize sağlık hocam
selamlar

berek (29005) 2008-03-08 11:41

Merhaba Bülent bey,
baharın kokusunu duyar gibiyim. çok güzel bir kadraj. selamlar. iyi hafta sonları.
Burak Erek

kibele66 (2926) 2008-03-08 16:15

Merhaba Dear Bulent,
Your photographing breaks during the drives for the lectures, give us the opportunity of watching wonderful views escorted by elegant musical advices.
“Appalachian Spring” was not existing in my computer, so first I downloaded the music to accompany your amazing photo:))
Here is my feeling: The beginning of the music belongs to the shadows, sillhouttes and dark tree trunks and branches of the photo. The second more lyrical part of the music belongs
to the bright orange color of the slightly rising sun at background and the roaring blue spring foreground.
Thank you for nice musical advices as well as amazing photos.
best wishes
selamlar ve sevgiler
Sibel

anurts (249) 2008-03-08 16:23

Very spectacular posting. It looks as though you have divided night and day with that lighting.

Emile (20107) 2008-03-09 7:43

Hola Bulent.
Very well composed photo with the spring scene, the flow of the river is very well capture and the colorful DOF with pine trees and light looks wonderful. Good POV.
Well done.
Best regards.

John_F_Kennedy (31994) 2008-03-10 0:53

Wonderful deep blue sky against the autumnal colurs. Beautiful landscape, well captured
Best wishes,
Achim

azaf1 (15547) 2008-03-10 0:53

Good morning Bulent
Indeed a lovely composition of the Appalachians with the stream in those marvelous colors and agitation. The vertical frame and the tree trunks create a very attractive view.
TFS

pablominto (41314) 2008-03-10 0:56

Hello Bulent,
The varied light is what attracts my attention here!
The contrasting tree trunks make a fine framing, and create depth in the image...
The flowing river is an impressive symbol of spring, telling the story of how nature is waking up again..!
Greetings,
Pablo -

cfreire (11667) 2008-03-10 7:22

Hi Bulent,
Wonderful shot with these splendid colors and contrasts. It's a fine image that seems a painting. Good POV and framing. Regards, consuelo

evanrizo (456) 2008-03-10 10:00

Hi dear Bulent, the light control-result is excellent here.
Through the shadowy part to golden illuminated, it gives a nice effect.
Welcome Spring!
Have a nice time.
Evangelos

Chris3 (511) 2008-03-10 13:17

Hi Mr. Bulent,
Your photograph is beautiful.The colours are nice and the light is also very good.Very good frame,too.
TFS
Christos

tober (4048) 2008-03-10 19:20

Merhaba Sayın Hocam, Apalaş Dağlarını hiç görmedim ama belli oluyor ki doğa gerçekten etkileyiciymiş. Akarsuyun sesini duyar gibi oluyorum fotoğrafa baktıkça. Gölgelik alandan güneşin vurduğu aydınlık bölgeye geçişin keskin olması da kompozisyonu etkileyici kılmış. Saygılar, Tolga

jaywalker (12302) 2008-03-11 15:14

Hi Bulent, The white water looks great as it races by &, the overall composition is very good as I like the view through the trees, the light is contrasting to say the least, where you are stood must of been deep in shade, this looks a difficult photo to managed the light well, however overall you did a pretty good job, TFS, kind regards Wilson,

jrj (34779) 2008-03-12 3:50

A succeded result Bulent under quite challenging light conditions. A good capture of this apparently wild river in the shadow. The silhouetted trees gives a nice effect to your work.

Tue (25608) 2008-03-12 9:25

Hi Bulent,
Excellent photo of the nature here. The colours are very appealing and I like very much the contrast between the dark blue water and the forest in the background, lit by the fierce sunlight. Good inclusion of the trees in the foreground too, they work as a good frame in this vertical format. Great photo work, thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

yso (3205) 2008-03-12 12:03

Hi Bulent,
Contrast of the blue water with the background sun lighted is perfectly capted ! Nice composition with the trees as silhouette.
Regards,
Yves

delic (6735) 2008-03-12 14:40

Merhaba,
Typical east coast forest scenery I'm familiar from VA. Perhaps the water is a bit more forceful than usual. The cool colors are rendered beautifully with a touch warm glow in the upper part. Some highlight detail seems lost, maybe due to contrast increase? In any event, it's a very nice picture. Best wishes,
Hakan

bostankorkulugu (33962) 2008-03-12 16:34

soguk renklerle sıcak renklerin nefis birlikteliği olmuş bu... elinize sağlık profesör, zor ışık koşullarında kotarılmış iyi bir iş...

selamlar

korkut

Angshu (34089) 2008-03-12 21:00

Hello Professor "A"
The exposure contrast is quite drastic here & you handled this very well. The window of bright light in the BG & the torrent of the river in the shaded FG has been captured well. Dan's WS has been an improvement. Not really a avid listener of Western Classical music, I have heard only two of Aaron Copeland's work - Fanfare for the common people & Rodeo, but both the versions of Emerson Lake & Palmer.
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

keribar (42760) 2008-03-12 22:49

Hello Batalay,

Two interesting things here. The sun gives a golden hue to the spring branchjes otherwise green, and the open shade gives a blue hue to the water otherwise light gray. The combination is marvellous - Keep well my friend - Izzet

jlbrthnn (38867) 2008-03-13 12:28

Good evening Bulent,
It is a simple but splendid sight. The contrast of the hot and cold colors is spectacular and very attractive. I like much this place of pure nature. Congratulations for the realization.
Good evening
Cordially
Joël

MLINES (10948) 2008-03-13 12:51

Hi Bulent. I like this a lot especially when paired with the notes about the height of these mountains long ago, i'd not known about that. The shadows add a sense of mystery and the power of nature is very apparent. TFS. Murray.

tehanu_f (6874) 2008-03-13 13:07

Iki farkli isigi ve farkli renk isilarini cok guzel yakalamissiniz. Bunlarin ustune de agac siluetleri cok guzel gitmis. Tebrikler.
Fusun

isabela_sor (42435) 2008-03-13 13:21 [Comment]

Show Comment

gracious (20017) 2008-03-13 15:45

Hello Bulent,
Excellent pov to capture the full glory of spring colourtion!
the blue flowing water adds so much interest and beauty towards the whole composition against the spring colour!
very well done and TFS
a great notes too
Tony

AROBN54 (10789) 2008-03-13 18:51

Warm greetings, Bulent!
Now you are in the part of the country my heart holds dear. Appalachia. Splendid job of capturing this rushing river and the great tones you described so well in your note. I love the contrast in the cool blue of the water and the warmth of the sunlight. Very nice view through the trees, too. Lovely work, my friend. Many thanks and warmest regards,
Shelly

setenay (7604) 2008-03-13 22:40

Merhaba Bülent Bey,
İş gezilerinizi harika değerlendiriyor bizimlede paylaşıyorsunuz,çok teşekkürler.Bu muhteşem güzelliği oturduğum masanın başından benimde seyrediyor olmam ne büyük mutluluk.Çağın en büyük buluşu İnternet kuşkusuz.Mavi sarı birlikteliği muhteşem,suyun coşkusu canlı gibi,arka fon sonbahar renkleri nefis .Bob Copland portre çalışmanızda harika keşke WS.ta gizli kalmasaydı.Elinize sağlık,tebrik ediyorum.Selam ve saygılarımla
setenay

TGULUMSER (12514) 2008-03-14 4:37

Hello Bulent Bey,
The flowing of water is so amazing that I could not believe in my eyes. The presentation of such views are mostly far from the reality, but your composition is really excellent.
Congratulations and best regards,
Tulay

ag1993 (634) 2008-03-14 9:17

Hello,
Wonderfull take. Great colours and effects.
Regards
Andrea Gatt

KemaLMerT (11194) 2008-03-14 16:32

Merhaba,
renkler ve ışık çok etkileyici.
elinize sağlık.

emjleclercq (14494) 2008-03-15 0:03

A really beautifull blue for this running river. The small opening in the background is perfect to lighten slightly the image.

All the best,

Emmanuel

cobbydale (1924) 2008-03-15 4:34

Hello Bulent, this is a fine shot, I really like the contrast of blue water and golden light above. You've captured the speed and force of the water without the need to slow it down. The scene puts me in mind of the legendary film Deliverance - I can almost hear the banjos. Nice work.
cheers
Leon

Polonaise (5638) 2008-03-15 10:26

Ah... Aaron Copeland...
Forever in love with...

It was no other but him (and G. Gershwin) who put me on the white horse of a music other than the one of Beatles, J.L. Lewis and Rolling Stones...
Accidentally hearing his Fanfare For A Common Man, I couldn't help but thinking what kind of a great open space a classical music must be, if it's able to produce a piece of music of such magnitude...
The rest is history...
My white horse never got tired... Quite the opposite... Within the years - his gallop seems to intensify even more than ever before...
Copeland remains my hero and his 'Fanfare..." became a title of my leading theme for several of my posts with a working man...( which you were kind enough to gently ignore )

The version by L. Bernstein and N.Y. Philharmonic - remains one of these never matched performances...
Beyond description...

Appalachians...
Just drove thru them some two months ago...
And yes...
The Appalachian Spring was on my mind (or was it Georgia (?) just to the south (:-))) ...
Your picture only adds to my confusion...

Dear professore...
Why do I hear now Rhapsody In Blue ..??

Have mercy on my bewildered soul...(:-)))
……………………………….

Love your presence on TE, dearest friend (if only to sharpen my tongue on you, which of, I beg you to forgive me...
Polonaise will be Polonaise will be Polonaise).

With all my love and respect

G.

Graal (58688) 2008-03-15 12:33

Hi Bulent,
amazing contrast of colours, nice spring landscape well composed. I like it. Good note also.
Gr., Aleksander

Docarmo (8844) 2008-03-15 20:34

Hi Bulent,
Incredible composition of colours, you're lucky to have seen this spectacle of the Nature. And you show it to us à merveille.
Thanks for sharing such an experience,
MCV

jusninasirun (10213) 2008-03-15 21:14

Hello Bulent. This is one wonderful play with light and shadow cleverly presented in vertical format. Excellent sharpness and the feeling of rushing water is rather imminent. Well done and best regards. Jusni

paura (39170) 2008-03-18 14:26

Bulent,
Very artistic and well composed shot here. Lighting and colors are really great. Very well done, friend.

Abraços

Paulo

Didi (36420) 2008-03-19 11:08

Salam Bulent
Very nice blue foreground.
There is a big lights difference with the background and your sensor had an influence by the shades; it's normal in photography.
I suggest you to use a gray grad filter to give less lights in the background.
Cheers.

dorte_s_t (2285) 2008-03-21 9:36

Hi Bulent .
What a great setting of light and colours !
I can almost feel and hear the everlasting sound of fresh cool water running, and sense the warmth of the sun where it hits the trees and the bank . Soothing, and a place to relax and rewind !
Kindest regards
Dorte.

capthaddock (28640) 2008-03-21 14:24

Hello Bulent - the sunlit part does appear a little oe, but the warm light there makes a good yin and yang balance to the cold colors of the river below.

Silvio1953 (42725) 2008-03-23 0:37

Hi Bulent, splendid view of wonderful river, superb light and beautiful colors, very well done, Happy Easter, ciao Silvio

paololg (14205) 2008-03-23 3:35

Ciao Bulent,
with this beautiful and pleasant image I desire to wish you and your family a good and serene Easter.
Ciao
Paolo.

Bluejeans (33017) 2008-03-26 15:35

Ola Bulent,
Bonita foto de primavera com o degelo das aguas , bonito movimento de agua , gostei da luz de fundo na floresta , bom enquadramento da foto , parabéns!!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

dcawker (5691) 2008-04-14 6:43

Wow, I love the balance of the two colors here.. Excellent composition too! Regards, Doug

rajiv_077 (1355) 2008-04-17 5:11

Hello Sir

Congt for this wonderful shot, This is a very stunning picture, which attract me a lot, Lovely compo and POV, Moving water looks so lovely and what can i say about golden lights, that is so perfect and eye catching. Perfect post card picture.

kind regards

rajiv

Valerka (8159) 2008-04-20 0:57

Hello,Master,
Thank you for your positive critique.
There are such various photos in your gallery that it's reallly difficult to choose the topmost one/ones:)
I nobly envy your journeys on the Globe. There are almost no places on Earth you haven't been:)
Great!
Why have I stopped my eye on this shot?
For simplest reason, I enjoy the passage of light from very dark to very light.
And one can hear the noise of the river water jumping off stone to stone.
TFS
Valerka:)

COSTANTINO (23135) 2008-06-03 12:46

Hello BULENT,
thanks for your critique and bravo for your
collection of photos about spring..This one
especially is the best in my opinion,
Theres a lot of beauty inthis image and a fascinated atmosphere
GREETINGS FROM greece
Costantino

RADEEH (2772) 2008-06-27 22:05

I like this composition for it's brilliant handling of lights. The flow of the stream and the glowing woods in the background creates a good contrast.The vertical format is perfect to enjoy this view. Congrats and TFS