Editorial note from Tom Field, Web developer of this site

I had the great pleasure of assisting in the production of Kent Mason's gallery on the Dolly Sods Wilderness and Scenic Area and the Bear Rocks Preserve, by scanning and color matching Kent's slides. My objective was to have my calibrated computer display match the film as I see it through a loupe on a color-correct light table, within the accuracy limits of my system and processes. I carefully avoided any artificial enhancement through computer manipulation. To those who may think these images are too incredible to be real, I say, "you really should see the original slides!" because they're even better.

This amazing gallery represents some of the best of 15 years work on the subject by a remarkable nature photographer. And a lot went into these images besides photographic skill: countless pre-dawn trips to remote areas known for severe climate, waiting out rain storms for hours, shooting in whipping cold winds, and above all learning the ecology and weather patterns in order to be on location at the right times. Finally, persistence and a bit of luck: as Kent says, the blueberries aren't necessarily this spectacular every fall.

I hope you enjoy this presentation! For more information about Dolly Sods Wilderness and Scenic Area and Bear Rocks Preserve, read Kent Mason's article or contact him directly.