Where the Fog Breaks and God Speaks: A Photographer’s Journey Through Grief, God, and the Cherohala Skyway
Why the Cherohala Skyway Is More Than Just a Scenic Drive
If you're searching for breathtaking views, peaceful mountain roads, or a place where faith and photography intersect, the Cherohala Skyway delivers all that and more. As a professional Cherohala Skyway photographer based in East Tennessee, this stretch of road has become my creative sanctuary and spiritual refuge.
The Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway connecting Tellico Plains, Tennessee to Robbinsville, North Carolina, winds through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Towering above 5,000 feet, it offers sweeping mountain vistas, thick foggy valleys, and some of the most dramatic sunrises in the Smokies.
But this isn’t just where I take photos. It’s where I’ve encountered healing, hope, and the overwhelming presence of God.
My Journey With the Cherohala Skyway: From Grief to Grace
After losing my wife Rachel, I didn’t know where to go. The noise of the world was too loud. The silence at home was louder. So I drove to the one place I knew I could just be still: the Cherohala Skyway.
In fog or sun, in tears or worship, I returned to these ridges with my camera in hand and my heart wide open. And every time, the Lord met me here.
This road has held more than my tires. It’s held my grief. It’s heard my prayers. It’s seen my healing.
Faith-Based Landscape Photography in East Tennessee
As a faith-driven East Tennessee photographer, my goal isn’t just to capture pretty scenes. It’s to capture the moments where heaven touches earth. The Cherohala Skyway is full of those moments.
From golden beams piercing the fog to snowy scenes kissed by first light, every shot I take here carries a message: God is still painting, even in the fog.
So many of my best-selling prints, canvas pieces, and social media highlights have come from the Skyway. It’s not just a location. It’s the soul of my portfolio.
Planning a Visit to the Cherohala Skyway? Here’s What You Need to Know
📍 Start: Tellico Plains, TN
🏁 End: Robbinsville, NC
🕓 Best time for photos: sunrise and golden hour
🍂 Best seasons: Fall for color, Winter for drama, Spring for fresh life
Pro Tip: Bring layers….it gets cold fast at higher elevations, even in summer.
Whether you're a hiker, motorcyclist, or just a soul looking for quiet, the Skyway will give you more than a view. It will give you space to breathe.
Why the Cherohala Skyway Is at the Heart of My Photography Business
People often ask me, “Where do you find your inspiration?” The truth is I don’t find it. It finds me up here.
The Cherohala Skyway is the reason I picked up a camera in the first place. It’s where I’ve sharpened my craft, found my creative voice, and built the foundation of my photography business. It’s also the reason I believe in what I do.
If you're looking for a landscape photographer in East Tennessee who brings both heart and testimony to every shot, I’d love to show you what this road has taught me to see.
Bring the Cherohala Skyway Into Your Home. Or Into Your Story
📸 Want to bring the peace, beauty, and presence of the Skyway into your home?
➡️ Custom sizes, canvas, and framing options available. Message me directly for special orders.
💍 Planning a wedding, elopement, or portrait session in the mountains?
📩 Book Your Photography Session with Brandon M. Johnson
✨ I specialize in capturing love, light, and legacy in the breathtaking beauty of East Tennessee.
