Two Smoky Mountain photographs win top awards in 9th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography

By Jeaneane Payne

Scott Hotaling's "Mount LeConte Winter" won the People's Choice Award in this year's Appalachian Mountain Photograph contest.

Mount LeConte Winter was selected as this year's People's Choice Award in the 9th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography contest. Internationally published photographer Scott Hotaling received a $350 cash prize for his photo.

Hotaling is a freelance photographer who says his goal is simple, "Shoot scenes of the most beautiful places I can find under the best possible conditions and bring those views to the public. By doing so, I strive to remind people how incredible our planet is and how imperative it is we do our individual parts to preserve it for future generations."

Hotaling has taken pictures in almost every corner of North America, including the summit of Washington State's Mountain Ranier 16 times.

Spencer Black's photograph entitled "Stars Over Cades Cove"

The winner in the Landscape category was Spencer Black for his photograph entitled Stars Over Cades Cove.

Dale Forest and his image Grandfather's View of the Milky Way took top honors receiving the designation of Best in Show. Dale was given a cash award of $1000 furnished through competition proceeds.

Published April 16, 2012