Photography by Cynthia Strain

Welcome to my on-line gallery. Twenty-five years’ worth of photographs are gathered here for your enjoyment or purchase. Most are from the Highlands, North Carolina area (western N.C.), where I have lived since 1982. However, due to my love of travel (in a seasonal community like Highlands it is easy to travel every winter), there are images from the American Southwest, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Florida, Kenya, Mexico and Guatemala. While I am basically a nature photographer, my subject matter covers the waterfront, with images of landscapes, wildlife, birds, flowers, sunsets, the moon, portraits and abstract subject matter.  

I have far more photos than I can place on this web site, so if you have a specific need or request, please contact me.

Aerial photography services in the Highlands-Cashiers area are available as well--most shoots cost around $500 including prints.

Family and individual portraiture in a natural setting is another service that I offer (in the Highlands/Cashiers area). Please contact me for more information and pricing.

I hope that the passion and wonder that I felt when making these photos translates to something that moves your heart and stirs your soul.

- Cynthia Strain

A Highlands Autumn

"A Highlands Autumn" is a full color picture book (39 pages) of images from Highlands, NC that have been taken over the past 25 years. Besides local photography, the book includes some history and information about the town, waterfalls and other special features in the area. Many of the images are fairly well known, such as the Shadow of the Bear on the cover (featured in Blu Tampa Bay magazine in Sept. 2009), and the view of Highlands from Sunset Rock. Many of the images on this website are included--over 60 pictures in all. The book makes a perfect gift for people who love Highlands, is great for weddings that take place in Highlands, and it makes a nice remembrance of a very special place. It is 7x7 in size with a soft cover. The book has been self published.