Adventurous Lovers | Black Balsam Knob Adventure Photography

Black Balsam Knob Adventure Photography 

Ah! Where do I begin with this amazing adventure session!?

I’ll begin by stating this: 

Carla’s been my best friend since the second grade.

YEP. You read that right–the second grade!

I still remember the first time we met each other at a lunch table in the elementary school. Whatever I said that day sufficed to keep her as a friend for the next 17 years of our lives! So, even though we’re both 24 now, we still spend so much time together, and consider each other sisters. I do not believe that will never change. Needless to say, I’m a pretty grateful gal to have such an amazing human being in my life.

There’s a myriad of great qualities that describe Carla, but if I can narrow some of her great qualities down, I would say that she’s a beautiful, free-spirited, loving soul. Her happiness, humor, and authenticity is always infectious, so although this shoot was Bruce’s first time in front of a camera, and his first time working with a photographer, he loosened up within the first couple of minutes (Carla’s to thank for that), and the rest of their adventure session flowed in a relaxed and fun mood with giggles, twirls, kisses, dances, and hugs (and even occasional tears)!

Their session was so much fun–I don’t even think they realized they were being photographed for most of it! The flow of this session is how I strive to make all of my sessions!

I want my sessions to unfold in a natural, and relaxed way! Of course I still pose to make sure you look your best, but I’m mostly a hands-off kind of photographer, capturing you exactly how you are! Naturally, some folks may not be into this (I totally get it). But, by straying away from stale posing, letting you dance to your own music, asking you questions, or giving you prompts, I believe I can create raw, beautiful and authentic photos.

Shoot location – Getting there + details about the knob

In order to get to their shoot location, we drove over two hours northeast from Blairsville, GA to get to Black Balsam Knob. Black Balsam Knob is a breathtaking location featuring off-the-charts mountain-top views, rolling hills, and relaxing meadows–it’s a truly magical place! The Knob is located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and forms part of the Art Loeb trail; so, in order to summit the knob from the parking location, you hike up the Art Loeb Trail for about a mile! You hike through a balsam fir grove for a half mile, and then hike for another half mile to reach the summit. You’re greeted by fresh, cool air, beautiful wildflowers, and a rocky landscape.

** Get more information about Black Balsam Knob here! This is a great post (with photos) that I referred to before going to this amazing location for the first time ** 

Not only is this place abso-stinking-lutely breathtaking, the hike to Black Balsam Knob is relatively moderate, so you can get to this beautiful place without too much effort! Win-win, right?  YES, but there’s a catch: because of the beginner-friendly hike and it’s relatively easy access from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Balsam Knob can attract crowds.

YIKES.

But for our session, we had the knob mostly to ourselves, which was wonderful! My last adventure engagement session at the knob was a little more crowded, but amazing nonetheless! You can’t go wrong with this location, and I will recommend this location for ANY engagement session. It’s my absolute favorite, and reminds me of my traveling adventures out west because of the rocky landscape, the balsam firs, and the high elevation.

Weather

The weather for  Carla and Bruce’s adventure session at the knob was overcast, windy, and cold, but  lovely nevertheless!  Earlier that afternoon in Blairsville, Ga, the weather rested at a comfortable 74 degrees, but at over 6,000 feet, Black Balsam Knob felt at least twenty degrees colder with gusty winds, and cloudy skies!  In spite of the weather, these relaxed and adventurous lovers were up for the challenge! They braved the cold, and wind like champs, and Carla even went barefooted for the majority of the shoot! I work with amazing folks, y’all, and I can’t believe I get to call this beautiful job my own!

If you’re looking to have a Black Balsam Knob adventure photography session with me (or looking to simply visit this beautiful place), make sure you bring a jacket (preferably a rain jacket to block wind)! You’ll definitely need it. Every time I’ve visited, it’s always windy, and chilly!

Take a look at some of my favorite shots from our adventure session!