Maryville College Fayeweather Hall , Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville, TN, Tennessee

How does the dawn’s first light transform a familiar landmark into something extraordinary?

The cool, crisp air of a September morning greeted me as I prepared to photograph Fayerweather Hall at Maryville College. The iconic building sat nestled against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, their misty peaks bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun. The campus was starting to wake up; a few students walked the quiet paths, backpacks slung over their shoulders, ready for the day ahead. Yet, in that moment, the campus belonged to the quiet whispers of nature and the soft hum of my drone, taking flight.

Photographing at sunrise was always a challenge, but with classes beginning for the day, I had to act quickly. The golden hour was brief, and the shifting light created both beauty and complexity. As the drone soared above Fayerweather Hall, I marveled at how the building, rooted in history, stood so proudly. Established in 1819, Maryville College has been a cornerstone of education in the South, and Fayerweather Hall, with its rich brick facade and elegant arches, is a symbol of that heritage. It was fascinating to capture this historic site, knowing the generations of students who had walked through its doors.

The sun climbed higher, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, casting long shadows across the lawn. The building glowed, almost as if it were a beacon of knowledge and tradition, a silent witness to the lives and stories that had passed through its walls. Capturing this moment felt like preserving a piece of that history, a snapshot in time that connected the past, present, and future.

Photographing Fayerweather Hall that morning wasn’t just about the perfect shot. It was about honoring the legacy of a place that has shaped so many lives and continues to inspire those who walk its halls today.

1) Since we create each piece of our custom fine art specifically for you, we don't offer returns. Every image is made-to-order, making it unique and personal. But we want you to love your artwork! If it arrives damaged or there's a problem with it, we'll gladly exchange it or send you a replacement to make things right.

2) The artist's signature on each piece of our fine art, placed in the bottom corner, authenticates the work as a unique creation and adds a personal touch.

3.1) Only framed paper prints, acrylics and aluminum/metal prints will have a 2" white mat border.
3.2) Canvas prints will be a flush mounted (no mat border) to the frame.