For this month’s Instagram Takeover we caught up with Western North Carolina photographer Halley Burleson, A.K.A @appexposures. Born and raised in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Halley has spent most of her life, hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding throughout the beautiful Blue Ridge. She’s well-known in the Instagram world for her stunning landscapes—often featuring her adventure dog “Sallie.” Check out some of her work and read our Q & A with Halley below, and stayed tuned to the @blueridgeoutdoors Instagram account all week for daily features of Halley’s photos!
“Fellow photographers Serge Skiba and Steve Yocum (and Steve’s dog Asia) hiking down from Round Bald after a cool February photoshoot.”
“Sun rising above the clouds on Mt.Mitchell. It’s moments like this that make all the early morning hikes so worth it!”
“My dog the Sallie Gator looking out into her kingdom as the sun beams across the Black Mountain Crest.”
“This is what it is all about. Fellow hikers taking time to simply enjoy the view from the saddle of Roan Highlands.”
“A whitewater kayaker takes on the rapids of the Nantahala River during the 2013 NOC Spring Fling.”
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BRO: How did you get into photography?
HB: Hiking mostly. You see so many beautiful sights and colors in nature. I wanted to be able to capture and share some of what I saw.
BRO: Where did you discover your passion?
HB: In February 2012, I went to Peru to volunteer with a feeding program for children. While I was there I spent most of my time in an orphanage that was in great need of daily living necessities; things that I have always taken for granted. I knew when I came home that I had to do something more. I took a few of my favorite photos had them printed and sold them as a fundraiser for the orphanage.
It was then I realized how much I could really do locally with a camera in my hand. Shortly after I purchased my first DSLR (a canon T2i) and started pursuing my passion for helping others, through photography. I decided to call my photography Appalachian Exposures in hopes of sharing more than just the landscapes that make this area so beautiful.
I hope my photography also brings exposure to the charities of the Appalachians and their beautiful purposes. Each year I pick a local charity to volunteer with and donate to. Last year was “Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Asheville” This year will be Avery County Special Olympics.
BRO: What kind of photography do you specialize in?
HB: Landscapes. Mostly from the Blue Ridge. Sunsets and sunrises are my favorite.
BRO: How long have you been shooting?
HB: With purpose, three beautiful years.
BRO: If you could only choose one area in this region to hike and explore and photograph for the rest of your life what would it be?
HB: Would have to be the Black Mountain Range. This is where I developed my love for nature and hiking. It is home to me.
BRO: Favorite musician from the southeast/Mid-Atlantic?
HB: Yo Mommas Big Fat Booty Band! What can I say…I like to dance!
BRO: One piece of gear (minus your camera) you wouldn’t head into the woods without?
HB: My Gregory backpack. I’ve had this particular pack for more years than I remember, it’s a part of my trail life.
