JOYFUL CHRISTMAS - Fine Art Inspirational Nature & Landscape Photography by Josiah Friberg

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS
TO YOU TODAY
ON THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY
WHEN WE REMEMBER
THE BIRTH OF
THE LORD JESES,
THE MESSIAH AND SAVIOR OF THE WORLD.

I took this "fogscape" up on the top of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, about 15 minutes from Blowing Rock and Boone. It was such a beautiful foggy morning that I just had to grab my camera, get out, walk around, and start shooting in the fog. It was freezing cold, but it was worth it to get so many fog shots.

Inspirational photography and fine art landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg. Also, nature and landscape photography by photographer Josiah Friberg of the Blue Ridge Photographic Society of North Carolina.

Mystical Mountain Friend - Fine Art Inspirational Nature & Landscape Photography by Josiah Friberg

"The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice....Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne....For Thou art the LORD Most High over all the earth; Thou art exalted far above all gods." - Psalm 97:1,2,9

I recently decided that I need to "master" photographing things in FOG. Let me tell you, shooting in fog is not very easy. The diffused light coming through fog is often much brighter than one realizes. In fact, the light meter in most cameras gets fooled by the fog and tends to adjust in such a way as to make the final exposure much too dark and underexposed. I'm now learning to use the "E.V. Compensation" setting on my camera to open up the exposure to let in more light. Generally, so far, I've found that adjusting one f-stop or 1.3 or 1.6 is about right. I do also use my histogram after the fact to check on the exposure and see if I got it right.

This "fogscape" was taken up on the top of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, about 15 minutes from Blowing Rock and Boone.

As I've mentioned previously, I've always had a love for being in fog in the mountains and by the seashore. When I saw how foggy it was a few weeks ago on my way to work, I decided to drive along the beautiful and densely wooded Blue Ridge Parkway to see what I could find. I came upon this mysterious scene and knew that I had found a real treasure and a new "mysterious mountain friend."

Inspirational photography and fine art landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg. Also, nature and landscape photography by photographer Josiah Friberg of the Blue Ridge Photographic Society of North Carolina.

Smoky Mountains - Fine Art Inspirational Nature & Landscape Photography by Josiah Friberg

"May the glory of the Lord endure forever; He who touches the mountains, and they smoke." - Psalm 104:32

I've been driving past this look out point for over a year waiting for just the right lighting and shadows and smoky fog. I knew that if I were patient, the day would come that I would be able to capture the layered smoky fog of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I took this from the Blue Ridge Parkway looking east into the morning sun towards Wilkes County and the Brushy Mountains.

Fine Art Inspirational Photography, Nature Photography, and Landscape Photography by Josiah Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina

Autumn Waterfall - Fine Art Inspirational Nature & Landscape Photography by Josiah Friberg

This is another photograph taken at Stone Mountain State Park, located in Wilkes County, North Carolina, where my family and I visited a gorgeous waterfall named Widow's Creek Falls. I was so thankful that it was during the peak fall season because I ended up capturing such a beautiful autumn image with all of the fallen leaves. I hope that you are truly inspired by this peaceful scene. Some people prefer this vertical version of the previous photograph, so I have included it for everyone to enjoy. I'm not sure which one I like better, but I do know that both of them inspire me to slow down and enjoy the solitude of autumn.

Fine Art Inspirational Photography, Nature Photography, and Landscape Photography by Josiah Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina

Widow's Creek Falls - Fine Art Inspirational Nature & Landscape Photography by Josiah Friberg

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God." - Ps. 42:1

I recently took my family to a beautiful mountain get away called Stone Mountain State Park, located in Wilkes County, North Carolina. While there, we visited a gorgeous waterfall named Widow's Creek Falls. I was so thankful that it was during the peak fall season because I ended up capturing such a beautiful autumn image with all of the fallen leaves. I hope that you are truly inspired by this peaceful scene.

Fine Art Inspirational Photography, Nature Photography, and Landscape Photography by Josiah Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina

Mysterious Fog - Fine Art Inspirational Nature & Landscape Photography by Josiah Friberg

Fog is not so easy to photograph. The light that comes through fog enters the camera's lens and fools the camera's light meter, making it think that it is too bright. This results in the camera automatically compensating by trying to make everything 18% gray, which means that fog will normally get underexposed and the final result will be an image that is just too dark and not really representative of what the fog actually looked like. In this image, I reworked it in Photoshop to make the white fog look more truly white.

As I've mentioned previously, I've always had a love for being in fog in the mountains and by the seashore. When I saw how foggy it was a few weeks ago on my way to work, I decided to drive along the beautiful and densely wooded Blue Ridge Parkway to see what I could find. I came upon this mysterious scene, grabbed my camera, and started shooting. I hope that you enjoy it and are inspired by it.

Inspirational photography and fine art landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg. Also, nature and landscape photography by photographer Josiah Friberg of the Blue Ridge Photographic Society of North Carolina.

Chanukah Wonder - Fine Art Inspirational Nature & Landscape Photography by Josiah Friberg

During this holiday season, I'd like to wish all Jewish people a Happy Chanukah.

HAPPY CHANUKAH

I just celebrated my first Chanukah with some dear friends here in Moravian Falls, North Carolina. I enjoyed learning the history behind the holiday celebration. Even more so, I enjoyed participating in all of the traditions such as the lighting of the menorah candles, the eating of the latkes (potato pancakes) with apple sauce and sour cream, the eating of the Challah bread and drinking of the wine, praying and thanking God for His goodness, singing together as a group, and worshiping the LORD God with other believers.

Chanukah celebrates the day the temple was rededicated to God and the miracle of the oil that God made to last for eight days. The miracles, of course, are the small jar of oil that burned for so long and the small group of Maccabees who fought a mighty king and won. Ever since that first Chanukah, Jews just like the Maccabees have fought for the right to pray to God and live as Jews.

Once again, HAPPY CHANUKAH to all the children of Abraham and Israel.

Inspirational Photography and Fine Art Photography by Josiah Christian Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina. Gallery of Nature Photography and Landscape Photography

Happy Chanukah - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

During this special holiday season of the year, I'd like to wish all the sons and daughters of Abraham a Happy Chanukah.

HAPPY CHANUKAH

For those of you who may not know, Chanukah celebrates the miracle God did when He caused a one day supply of holy oil in the temple to last for eight consecutive days. The name "Chanukah" or "Hanukkah" means "dedication." It was during the time of Judah and his father Mattathias that the holy temple had been desecrated, and the Jews were able to reclaim their temple and rededicate it to God as the "house of God" on earth. In summary, Chanukah celebrates the day the temple was rededicated to God and the miracle of the oil that God did during those eight days. The miracles, of course, are the small jar of oil that burned for so long and the small group of Maccabees who fought a mighty king and won. Ever since that first Chanukah, Jews just like the Maccabees have fought for the right to pray to God and live as Jews.

Once again, HAPPY CHANUKAH to all the children of Abraham and Israel.

Inspirational Photography and Fine Art Photography by Josiah Christian Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina. Gallery of Nature Photography and Landscape Photography

Flames of Fire - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg

"He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire his servants." - Psalm 104:4

This fine art photography image is known as a "cloudscape." The theme and subject of the photograph is clouds high up in the sky. I must tell you that all my life I've been fascinated by clouds, dramatic cloud formations, stormy clouds and skies, and of course, the beauty and colors of sunrises and sunsets. I took this cloudscape a few days ago on my way home from work. I was racing against time to get off the highway to a place where I could see a wide view of the sky and clouds. When I look at this photograph, I experience a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and glory of God's creation.

Inspirational Photography and Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina

Home On the Range - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg

Here's one more frost in the mountains landscape taken in Boone, North Carolina. When I saw how cold and frosty it was for those poor cows grazing out in the pasture, it made me thankful that I have a warm home to sleep in and live in. Notice the baby calf standing close to her mama.

Inspirational photography and fine art landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg.

Morning Has Broken - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

I've always loved frost in the mountains and in the countryside. When I saw how cold and frosty it was a few weeks ago on my way to work in Boone, I came upon this scene and just knew I had to capture it and share it with the world, so here it is for you to enjoy and be inspired by. It was quite cold while the morning sunlight broke out on the mountain top across from me. I also noticed a wild turkey fly in and land below the house in the upper left.

Inspirational photography and fine art landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg.

Classy Couple - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg

I took this inspirational photography and fine art landscape last summer in Rockport Harbor, Massachusetts. This is one of my favorite quaint New England harbors where you can find all kinds of boats and gift shops. Rockport is actually a haven for artists, so you can find wonderful paintings and photographs for sale. This photograph focuses on two classy traditional lobster boats moored in the midst of other more modern boats. It is a crowded harbor, so it's hard to photograph one or two boats all by themselves. I hope this photograph inspires you to get to the ocean and go out on a boat for some fresh ocean air.

Insider Secret #1 - Professional Fine Art Landscape Photography Revealed

Learn How to Take Your Photography to a Whole New Level by Learning What Professional Photographs Do that Most Photographers Do Not Do

About a year ago I had a professional photographer friend over for dinner. That night I showed him some of my photographs and asked him for his input. What he shared with me that night ended up taking my inspirational photography and fine art landscapes to a whole new level, and I would now like to share that wisdom with you.

Key #1 – Learn how to properly and creatively “crop” your photographs.

For decades, the standard photograph sizes have been 3 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11 x 14, 16 x 20, etc. In the old days, you would take your negatives to a shop and choose which sizes you wanted. You had the choice of various sizes, but you never really had the choice to change the dimensions and proportions of the sizes. In other words, if you had a nice wide landscape, you couldn’t crop out some of the top and bottom and get a print with an unconventional size such as 14 x 5. The point here is this: those old traditional sizes and proportions have been limiting your creativity of expression as an artist.

It’s time for you to start cropping your photographs differently and in such a way as to maximize your creative expression of the scenes in your photographs. For example, when my friend looked at one of my photos of a beautiful harbor in Maine, he suggested that I crop out a lot of the somewhat boring sky, as well as some of the uninteresting foreground. He taught me that these areas are often wasted space because they contain elements that are uninteresting and that do not add to the overall composition of the photograph. He was right!

That very night after my friend left, I jumped on my laptop and started immediately re-cropping a lot of my nature landscapes. I couldn’t believe what a shocking difference it made. What had been a good photograph suddenly became a great photograph because the dynamics of the composition had changed to be more artistic and creative. Now, a year later, I automatically crop all of my photographs in this more free and creative way, and I have never looked back at the traditional dimensions and proportions.

One challenge I have had to learn to overcome has to do with framing my newly cropped photographs. As you can imagine, the standard pre-made frames do not match the dimensions of my creative photographs. I have found two solutions to this problem. The first solution is to simply have custom mats and frames made to match the dimensions of my creatively cropped photographs. This is quite a bit more expensive than using the old standard sized pre-made frames, but it is worth it when you’ve got a great photograph. The second solution is to create an electronic mat in Adobe Photoshop that fits the standard dimensions. In other words, if your image is 12 x 6, then you can create a 14 x 11 mat by adding one inch to the top and bottom and 2.5 inches to the left and right sides.

I encourage you to start cropping your photographs from now on from an artistic creative perspective rather than staying confined to the limitations of the traditional dimensions. Start applying this professional photographer's insider secret to your photography.

Inspirational Photography and Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg

Peeking Out - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg

I took this inspirational photography image at the base of Stone Mountain in Wilkes County, North Carolina. There is a historic homestead there made of wood, mud, and stones. This isn't quite a fine art landscape, but it does capture the high quality natural materials that were used to build this homestead. The child peeking out of the window communicates to me a curiosity towards the outside world and the beauty that lies beyond that window; i.e. Stone Mountain and the state park that now encompasses it. It's truly a beautiful place to go hiking, fishing, bird watching, and camping.

Mountain Solitude - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg

I've always loved fog in the mountains and by the seashore. When I saw how foggy it was a few mornings ago on my way to work in Boone, I decided to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to see what I could find. I came upon this scene and just knew I had to capture it and share it with the world, so here it is for you to enjoy and be inspired by.

Inspirational photography and fine art landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg.

Thanksgiving - Inspirational Photography and Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His lovingkindness endures forever."

I hope this inspirational photography image and fine art landscape inspires you to give thanks to God for all of the blessings He has given to you. This is a special time to "count your many blessings, and name them one by one," as the old hymn says.

This fine art landscape of the autumn leaves and an old fence was taken at the base of Stone Mountain in Stone Mountain State Park, North Carolina.

inspirational photography by Josiah Christian Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina

Blessed Children - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg

I am so thankful to God and my wife for my precious children. Here are my two youngest out for a walk in the fresh autumn air up on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. I ran ahead of them, set up my tripod, and then waited for them to come around the corner. I wanted to get an action shot because I'm getting tired of posed photos. I was happy with the result as they came walking around the corner hand-in-hand with their beautiful mother. You may have heard the hymn, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one." Well, here are three of my biggest blessings, with one missing. I hope this inspirational photography image and fine art landscape inspires you to count your many blessings and to name them one by one.

Inspirational photography and fine art landscapes by Josiah Christian Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina.

Flaming Forest - Inspirational Photography and Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

While driving around the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the fall, there's one song that continually comes to my mind. Actually, it's an ancient hymn that most of us are familiar with. It's called, "How Great Thou Art." Each verse ends with the chorus, "Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art!" These are the words that rise in my soul when I survey the awesome beauty of God's creation and all of the flaming colors of the autumn landscape.

When I first saw the above scene, the brilliantly colored trees seemed to be so alive and flaming in all their beauty. I hope that this fine art landscape and inspirational photography image sparks a sense of wonder and awe in your heart at the glorious beauty of God's unfolding autumn artwork. This photograph was taken at the base of Grandfather Mountain, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 5 miles southwest of Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Morning Frost - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

I just love the autumn more than any other season. There's something very precious about all of the leaves changing such brilliant colors, the cold windy days, and the early morning frost that covers the grass and plants. I took this inspirational photography image of a frost covered plant up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. My goal is to help others see the awesome beauty and splendor in God's creation through my fine art landscapes. I hope viewing this photograph inspires a new sense of wonder in your heart towards your Creator and towards His awesome creation. God bless you!

Grandfather Mountain Bridge - Inspirational Photography and Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

This is a different view of Grandfather Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway that shows the famous high suspension bridge at the very top. I took this photograph from about 5 miles southwest of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. I hope that this fine art landscape and inspirational photography image sparks a sense of awe and wonder at the absolute beauty of God's creation in it's full autumn colors. May God bless you through this photograph.

Autumn Pine Needles - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."

This close up autumn inspirational photography image was taken on the Blue Ridge Parkway about two miles southwest of Deep Gap, North Carolina. This fine art landscape speaks to me about the beauty of God's creation and about the life and death cycle that is such a part of nature and the changing of the seasons. To me, autumn is the end of one season with all of its glorious colors, and the reminder that death will be followed by resurrection life in the spring.

Autumn Parkway - Inspirational Photography & Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

This inspirational photography image was taken on the Blue Ridge Parkway about two miles southwest of Deep Gap, North Carolina. This fine art landscape speaks to me about the beauty of God's creation and how He uses fog to paint an impressionistic masterpiece. I love being in fog up in the mountains when you can't tell if you're in the clouds or just in fog. I hope this autumn photograph inspires you to go for a long walk in the fog and to enjoy the fresh outdoor fall air and brilliant colors.

Autumn Solitude - Inspirational Photography and Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

"Solitude is good for the soul."

This inspirational photography image of a kayak crossing Price Lake was taken on the Blue Ridge Parkway about three miles southwest of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. I hope this fine art landscape inspires you to get out into nature and enjoy the solitude that awaits you. I just love the autumn with all of the brilliant colors, and there's no better time to get alone and enjoy the scenic and panoramic beauty. Taken by Josiah Friberg of the Blue Ridge Photographic Society of North Carolina. P.S. This was the winning photograph in our monthly Blue Ridge Photographic Society photography contest on the theme of "autumn."

Grandfather Mountain - Inspirational Photography & Christian Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

This inspirational photography image of Grandfather Mountain was taken up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 10 miles southwest of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. I hope this Christian fine art landscape inspires you and causes you to experience a sense of wonder at the beauty of God's autumn artwork. I was so blessed to be up on the mountain with my family on the peak weekend in October 2007. The views of the fall foliage were spectacular! Taken by Blue Ridge Photographic Society photographer, Josiah Friberg, of Moravian Falls, North Carolina.

Twirling in Autumn Leaves - Inspirational Photography and Christian Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

Do you remember the days when you were a child playing outside on a chilly autumn day?

I hope this inspirational photography and Christian fine art landscape image brings back memories of when you used to "twirl" in the autumn leaves in your younger days. My real hope is that you'll go out and do it again and have a blast playing in the leaves like you did when you were a child.

Heavenly Green Pastures - Inspirational Photography and Christian Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures." Psalm 23:1-2
I've driven past this picturesque log cabin many times, always wishing I had stopped and photographed it. Well, a few days ago I was driving by on a foggy rainy afternoon and decided to stop and capture this inspirational photography image. I felt that the familiar verses from Psalm 23 would complement this Christian fine art landscape. Taken up on the Blue Ridge Parkway by Blue Ridge Photographic Society photographer, Josiah Friberg, of Moravian Falls, North Carolina.

Autumn Paths - Inspirational Photography & Christian Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg of Moravian Falls

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." Psalm 37:23

This inspirational photography and Christian fine art landscape image was taken by Josiah Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina.

Opportunity Opens - Inspirational Photography & Christian Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg, Moravian Falls

"When one door closes, another opens..." - Alexander Graham Bell

Inspirational photography and Christian fine art landscapes by Josiah Friberg, Moravian Falls, North Carolina. This photograph was taken on Highway 420 North about 5 miles west of Wilkesboro. I've passed this abandoned store so many times saying to myself that I should photograph it, and now I finally have done it.

A Worker's Appetite - Inspirational Photography & Christian Fine Art Landscapes by Josiah Friberg

"A worker's appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on." - Prov. 16:26

This inspirational photography image speaks to me of the value of hard work in relation to a man providing for his family. It's not exactly Christian fine art, but it does capture a man demonstrating the Protestant work ethic. This is actually a close friend of mine who is helping another friend of mine to build this beautiful stone wall. It's incredibly hard work with a ton of lifting! How do I know? I tried it and only lasted two and a half hours before I had to quit and find something less strenuous on my body. Ever since then I have a deeper appreciation and greater respect for these hard-working landscapers who work very hard all day long. Photograph by Josiah Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina.

The Secret Place - Christian Fine Art Landscapes & Inspirational Photography by Josiah Friberg

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." - Psalm 91:1

This Christian fine art landscape speaks to me of the beauty of God's creation and the protection of those who take refuge under the shadow of the Almighty. I took this inspirational photography image several miles east of Boone, North Carolina. Whenever I drive through this area, I feel like I'm in a heavenly mountain valley surrounded by the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. How blessed are the people who live here year round and enjoy this piece of heaven on earth. Photograph by Josiah Friberg of Moravian Falls, North Carolina.