Photography by Cynthia Strain

Welcome. Thirty years’ worth of photographs are gathered here for your enjoyment or purchase. Most are from the Highlands, N.C. area (western N.C.), where I have lived since 1982. Additionally, 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 landscapes, wildlife, birds, flowers, sunsets, the moon, portraits and abstract subject matter.  

Stock photography is also available for advertising, print or web usage. I have far more photos than I can place on this web site, so if you have a specific need,  please contact me.

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

Wedding, family and individual portraiture in a natural setting are available (in the Highlands/Cashiers area). Please contact me for more information and pricing.

These images will look different on every computer monitor. Please be assured that all prints are made with attention to color, saturation and light so that no matter how they may appear on your monitor, they will look beautiful on your wall.

My latest book, "Highlands Through the Seasons,"  is a 190-page coffee table book that celebrates the beauty of Highlands. The book was published in September 2012 and features photography from my 30 years in Highlands of scenic vistas, waterfalls, and mountains in the Highlands area, as well as Main Street, buildings/churches, and local animals and flowers. Click on the link to see a preview of images. It is priced at $49.50 and will be available at Mill Creek Gallery & Framing as well as selected retail outlets in Highlands and vicinity.

 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

Photography by Cynthia Strain
"Highlands Through the Seasons" coffee table book

A book devoted to Highlands came off the presses and onto the shelves of Highlands stores in September 2012. "Highlands Through the Seasons" celebrates the incredible beauty of the Highlands area as well as the town itself. Photographs and text (by Cynthia Strain) highlight our lush mountains and valleys, rivers and waterfalls as well as some of the flora and fauna throughout the four seasons. There are photos of some of our local churches and historic buildings and shots of downtown as well. The book has two poems; "My Hemlock Tree Drips Diamonds" by celebrated Highlands poet Virginia Fleming and  "I Am Home" by the author. The book's foreward was written by Highlands historian Ran Shaffner, author of "Heart of the Blue Ridge," whose cover features a photograph of Highlands taken by Cynthia Strain.

"This book has been thirty years in the making. Since moving to Highlands in 1982 I have been documenting the beauty of the area on film and digital files. The process of creating this book has been incredibly satisfying, as my passion for the outdoors, conservation work and photography have been able to coalesce in this project."

 To view images from the book, please click on "gallery" and look for the book title.

The 192 page full-color hardbound book retails for $49.95 and is available at Mill Creek Gallery & Framing on Oak Street as well as selected stores in Higlands and the area. You may order here by selecting "buy now" or contact Cynthia at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Shipping will be $6.00 for book rate, $11.50 for first class.

Shipping
Medial Mail +$6.00 = $55.95 USD 1st Class +$11.50 = $61.45 USD
 

Decorative License Plates

Decorative License Plates

Decorative license plates are available for Highlands, Cashiers and Franklin. Each 6 x 12 inch plate is made from high quality recyclable aluminum and with a protective UV coating. Note: click image to see the full selection.

    Price: $16.95

    Shipping: $4.50