The Highlands of Southwest Virginia

Memoirs of a classic outing in Southwest Virginia’s Highlands.

On a perfect October day I took the opportunity to go hike the Grayson Highlands with my friend Tyler. We had lovely discussions on history, theology, and of course, the Tennessee Volunteers. This hike was an instant classic, and a callback to a simpler time.

It was intensely bright outside, but Portra 400 handled the pale yellows and oranges quite well in my opinion. I am just beginning to trust myself with more quality film stocks, and I believe the results from this trip suggest I would be wise to continue, as I found a great balance of color vibrancy, grain, and detail, to attain the style I’m going for.

A slightly hazing photo does the reality of the scene justice. Although don’t be fooled, there were no alien invaders on the horizon, nor did I touch the film directly at any point. I have no idea what resulted in this particular aberration, but it is an artifact of the process, and merely an element of film photography that is quintessential: Uncertainty.

The highlands are ever enchanting, especially when tracing the steps of the great Daniel Boone, who is said to have surveyed this very ridge.