This week we’re handing over reigns of our Instagram account to Western North Carolina photographer Jared Kay, AKA @jared_kay. Chances are you’ve seen some of Jared’s images floating around on your Instagram account, but if you haven’t go check him out now. Jared’s photos, one of which graced the cover of the July issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, bring the North Carolina Blue Ridge to life in a way that’s seldom seen. One foray into his Instagram feed and you’ll be packing your bags and heading for the hills. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you. Be sure to check out our exclusive Q & A with Jared below. 
“We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.” ~ Native American Proverb
“There is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” ~ Christopher McCandless
Countrysides. They make me want to take the long way home.
“I love that this morning’s sunrise does not define itself by last night’s sunset…”
“There is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” ~ Christopher McCandless
[divider]Jared Kay Q & A[/divider]
BRO: What’s your favorite place to shoot in the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic?
JK: Roan highlands during the late spring rhododendron bloom. It’s absolutely phenomenal up there.
BRO: One piece of gear (minus your camera) you wouldn’t head into the woods without?
JK: A good sturdy tripod. Definitely a tripod. Images may look focused initially at f5.6 but you just can’t nail a tack sharp foreground and background without a high aperture which sometimes requires the balance of a slow exposure.
BRO: Are you from North Carolina originally?
JK: Moved to North Carolina during grade school. Grew up here and will definitely grow old here.
BRO: What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
JK: I am an avid cyclist (road and mountain). I love the Blue Ridge Parkway. You experience views differently from the seat of a bike and I am convinced the world slows down.
BRO: Craziest adventure/mishap ever experienced during an outdoor shoot?
JK: Aside from the many frigid mountaintop sunrise and wintery treks, I was once photographing a sunrise over Craggy when our 15lb dog began barking profusely and proceeded to chase two baby bear cubs into the brush. I was forced to chase them down and scoop her up. Mama bear was only a few yards away and obviously not very happy.
BRO: Is photography your primary gig or do you shoot on the side?
JK: I operate a commercial video and photography firm here in Asheville and blessed to sustain my personal passion for outdoor adventure photography alongside paid client assignments.
BRO: What advice would you give to an aspiring outdoor photographer?
JK: Scout constantly. Arrive early. Really early. The sun never waits.
BRO: Tell us about some of your recent travels outside of the Blue Ridge.
JK: Funny you should ask. My wife and I are currently on a tour this week of Quebec City and Nova Scotia. Travel tip. Pack light. Bring a small camera. Leave the extra lenses at home. They’ll only weigh you down.
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