FLASH PHOTO WALK: BRP Autumn Sunrise - Pounding Mill Overlook

Things are looking good for a Friday morning sunrise photo shoot on the Blue Ridge Parkway!

So, I'll be heading up to Pounding Mill Overlook -- my personal favorite favorite sunrise spot on the BRP -- and figured I'd invite anyone in the VPW MeetUp group to join me.

In my opinion, Pounding Mill Overlook is the BEST spot in WNC for easy-access sunrises. Simply park your car, and that's it. No hiking required -- at all.

Not only can we witness a classic sunrise over the distant mountains, but if we're lucky you'll also be treated to a "cloud dance" in the valley below after the sun has actually risen (so, it pays to hang around for a while!)

So... If you're interested in joining in on morning photo shoot, then don't miss this opportunity!

Pounding Mill Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Mile Post 413.2), not far from the junction with Rt 276 coming from Brevard, is easily accessed, has a large parking lot, and there is plenty of room to spread out.

More Info HERE: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/t2d-pounding-mill.htm

Sunrise is officially at 7:34am on Friday, but it is wise to arrive and get set up long before that (I typically like to give myself about 45 minutes to an hour ahead of sunrise time, especially when a group is involved). So, for this event we will meet at 6:45am at the Pounding Mill Overlook parking area. You can show up later if you wish, but you may miss out on some stunning deep blue pre-sunrise skies.

AFTER SUNRISE... After the sun rises, it is worth hanging around if there is a blanket of cloud in the valley below. Strangely enough, many photographers leave after shooting the actual sunrise here, and miss out on the best part!

If everything is socked in with cloud and fog, we can head down Rt 276 into Pisgah National Forest and hit Looking Glass Falls before anyone else shows up.

GEAR: We'll be shooting from a roadside parking area, so no hiking or walking will be necessary. BRING A FLASHLIGHT which will help you set up prior to the sun rising. It will also be about 15 degrees cooler up on the BRP than it will be in town anywhere, so be prepared.

As for camera gear, a tripod is very useful for sunrise and sunset shooting (if not essential), as is a cable release, and graduated Neutral Density filters. A polarizing filter may also come in handy.

CAR-POOLING: If you are interested in car-pooling, you can organize that in the comments below. I will meet everyone at the Pounding Mill Overlook parking lot (in my white Hyundai Elantra).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do your own research as to how you will get to the meeting location, and how you will get home after we finish our event. Google Maps is usually very helpful.

GOOGLE MAPS LOCATION (Pounding Mill Overlook on the BRP):

https://goo.gl/maps/7BUoiCdr2aojH5f79
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