About Bob Carr

A Life Rooted in the Smokies

My connection to the Great Smoky Mountains goes back to my earliest years exploring its trails as a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout. In the late 1970s, while pursuing a BFA in studio art at the University of Tennessee, I began carrying a small camera on hikes and backpacking trips—at first to capture visual references for my drawings and printmaking. The Smokies became the subject of much of my artwork, and eventually, the photography itself became the art.

When digital photography became more affordable and accessible, it opened the door for me to explore photography more seriously as an expressive medium in its own right. That freedom—to experiment, to refine, to evolve—transformed my relationship with the camera and deepened my dedication to the craft.

Why I Photograph the Smokies

This landscape is in my blood. I’m drawn to a select group of places in the Smokies—overlooks, hollows, ridges, and forests I’ve returned to again and again across seasons and decades. These aren’t just locations—they’re relationships. By revisiting familiar subjects over time, I’m able to notice subtle changes in weather, light, and mood. I get to know the way fog curls over a particular slope in early summer, or how late October light falls on a sandstone ledge at dusk.

I’ve often carried my camera gear and tripod deep into the backcountry—not to chase novelty, but to bear witness to the enduring spirit of these quiet corners of the park and share them with others who may never have the chance to visit them in person.

My approach is best described by my tagline: “Authentic Smoky Mountain Photography.” I strive to create images that honor the soul of a place—images that convey a sense of wonder, reverence, and emotional truth. I pay close attention to composition, aiming for harmony between subject, shape, texture, color, and space. In post-processing, I work to bring the scene to life while preserving its integrity—what it felt like to stand there, in that light, in that moment.

How My Work is Shared

I offer high-quality archival prints through Bay Photo, in a variety of formats:

I’m honored to have donated many of my images to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Friends of the Smokies, who use them in their publications and social media channels to promote awareness and preservation.

What I Hope You Feel

The Smokies mean something different to everyone—solace, awe, joy, memory. I hope my photographs help you reconnect with those feelings, whether it’s your first glimpse of the mountains or a reminder of cherished moments spent here.

Many of my collectors have deep emotional ties to the park—family traditions, childhood vacations, solo hikes that brought peace or clarity. If my work helps you relive those experiences, or inspires you to help protect these mountains, then I’ve succeeded in my purpose.

Let’s Stay Connected

While I don’t offer workshops (yet), I’m open to one-on-one mentoring or private Zoom editing sessions for those looking to grow their own skills in landscape photography and post-processing.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my site and for supporting my work—and the lands I love.

— Bob Carr