Smoky Mountains National Park I live a little over 3hrs from the Smoky’s. I make an effort to journey out and capture the fall foliage at least once through the autumn season every year. One evening in early November of 2016 I got off from a 12hr shift at 2am and only had 14hrs before I had to be back in the office. Dedicated, I drove straight home to grab my camera gear knowing sleep wasn’t an option and the adventure was underway. I made great time at that hour and was able to beat the sunrise. I typically have a set plan of where I’m going to shoot, but given the spontaneity of this trip I decided to just drive until my “camera senses” were tingling. Wandering up and down Blue Ridge Parkway I eventually found this smoky colorful scene these mountains are known for during that time of year. A lot of energy drinks, over 300 miles of driving and two days of no sleep this image was created. I would do it all again if it meant capturing this scene.