“Scoot over to the left” “No, no, a tad to the right!” “Oh, I know! How about you take just a few steps back?” “PERFECT! Hold it… Hold it…” The poor woman arches her back, squints her eyes, bends her knee, and – if we’re lucky – sticks her tongue out to the side ever so slightly.
The camera clicks.
“Perfect! Now stay right there, I’m going to take a few more!” she says as the same process continues on and on until finally my mother believes that she has captured the best possible photograph. The photograph which will, of course, be uploaded onto Facebook in just moments for everyone to see.
Being the daughter of a woman who fully understands the value of pictures has its perks. However, sitting in a car for countless hours in search of the “perfect picture spot” is definitely not one of them.
Yet, through her perseverance to find a beautiful background, I have seen (and starred in) several pictures with some unbelievable scenery. With autumn just approaching us, I believe it is perhaps a duty of all Georgia citizens to explore and take advantage of some of the beautiful areas that Georgia has to offer.
1. North Georgia Mountains
This beautiful view seems to be smiling for the camera just as my mother urged my siblings and I to do while we were visiting. I assure you, your time spent in Helen, Clarksville, or Dahlonega will supply you with this breath-taking view of the changing colors of the leaves, walking tours, and great little restaurants.
2. Savannah, Georgia
While enjoying the ocean and sand at Tybee – only a short drive from Savannah – the weather during this time of year may not permit for sunbathing. Rather, why not spend some time walking around and soaking in some of Savannah’s history? The monuments and buildings fill the town with a unique atmosphere that is unmatched anywhere else. The abundance of trees will yield for beautiful pictures of the changing leaves along with some of the best ghost tours around, followed by some sweet treats at the local stores off of River Street in downtown Savannah.
3. Anna Ruby Falls
This magnificent waterfall is located in Helen, Georgia and flows down into the Unicoi State Park. Admittance into the park is cheap (last time I went, it was only $3 a person!) and allows for a view extremely similar to that in the picture. This peaceful waterfall allows for not only great pictures but it will also fill the entire area with that wonderful ‘running-water’ sound which always seems to remind my sister that she needs to use the restroom. However, there is one difficulty in reaching this site – the .4 mile hike that it takes to reach the very top of this waterfall is definitely a test of your perseverance. However, the reward is overwhelming once you see this site that happens to be the #1 ranked attractions in Helen, Georgia (followed closely by the mountains that were listed at the top!).
4. Cloudland Canyon State Park
This location, farther West of Helen, Georgia is located in Rising Fawn consists of five great hiking trails, each offering a new and beautiful spot for some wonderful pictures. The park’s varying geology has given it the title of being the “most scenic park in Georgia”. The trails vary between 1,000 feet of elevation as they take you over the peak of a canyon and then down into the floors of the canyon. Certain paths are more strenuous than others, yet each provides for great scenery for pictures.
5. Your Backyard
This was the only section that I found it would be difficult to place a picture with. Though the above examples are all wonderful photography opportunities, we do not all have the time to travel out of our way to some of these places. However, there is no excuse as to why we do not all take a glance outside to appreciate what could be right behind our houses.
As you are on your way to school, work, or the store – make sure you take a moment to admire the beauty of the leaves changing all around us over the next few weeks this autumn in Georgia.
