The Foothills of Appalachia: What God Created - A Photo Series.
The Appalachian Mountains are said to be some of the oldest mountains. The foothills of these gorgeous mountains are where I call home. They make up the beautiful scenery in many of the photos I post, and nothing feels more like home to me than here.
This series of images started as me only testing the new camera I got (Nikon Z5ii), but it evolved into something more. An appreciation for life, beauty, and nature. I am a nature lover; I may not love everything in nature (spiders, bats, frogs, etc.), but I do love nature.
In nature, I see God. His hands work over every ounce of beauty and life ever created and ever to be created. I enjoy stepping outside and walking in nature, but having a camera in my hands put a different perspective on the activity.
"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." Genesis 1:31. KJV
I spent hours on this project that started as nothing more than a camera test and became a very intentional project to capture everything I can find that feels beautiful. All the things I may usually step over, walk under, or pass by. It became a challenge to stop and look at them in a way I never had.
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" Colossians 1:16 KJV
The connection I get to have with God is one reason I love my job as a photographer. Most of what I usually photograph is people. God's ultimate creation. The creation he loved so much he made in his own image, with complete intentionality. Each person with a life, a purpose, and a story. A story so many people allow me to step into and capture. Everything from the big life events to the little sweet moments in a person's life.
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:13–14 ESV
This project is what Bob Ross might call a happy accident. It was the best sort of day born from the most mundane sort of project. I am not one to become excited over nature photography, but this to me was different. These photos did not just capture what could be found outside. These photos captured the art of the ultimate Creator.
"For the LORD is a great God, And a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: The strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: And his hands formed the dry land." Psalm 95:3-5 KJV
I’m Hayley, the heart behind Hayley Phillips Photography — based in Chattanooga, TN, and serving couples and families across Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, Birmingham, the Smoky Mountains, and beyond. I believe the little moments matter just as much as the big ones. Whether you’re planning a wedding, welcoming a baby, celebrating senior year, or simply capturing this season with your family, I’m here to tell your story honestly and beautifully. Let’s create something meaningful together! hayleyphillipsphotography.com
Comments