Photography by Cynthia Strain

Welcome. Twenty-five 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 a few 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.

 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. The book includes some history and information about the town, waterfalls and other special features in the area as well. 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. There are 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.