I had the pleasure of meeting you and your husband at the gallery today in Murphy NC. Upon seeing this print of the Mennonite women was admiration at first sight. Simply put Debra, it is now my pleasure to own this limited edition print. I'm currently reading the book, Amazing Grace, and while it is about the Amish, there is a connection between these people. I love the simplicity of life that they embrace. To Celebrate Life is something each of us should hold dear in our hearts, for it is given to us ten-fold. Your print will be displayed in a quiet manner reflecting the way they live their lives. I thank you for sharing your work.

Dear Debra,

I am the publisher of a UK based textile magazine selvedge. Do take a look at our website if you are not familiar with the publication. I am interested in reproducing your beautiful image to accompany an article on demure dressing. I wonder if your would grant permission for me to use your image and would you be able to supply me with a high resolution file.

Thank you in advance for your time
Polly Leonard

I stop back to look at my image here now and then and to see if there are any new comments. Thank you Chris for writing! This image has been very special also to my husband and I and we have only sold it as a Limited Edition at our art shows or by mailing it directly to anyone interested in owning a signed and numbered print of it. Each person that has purchased the signed print has had a personal connection in some way with the image, the subject, or the location in the Smoky Mountains. We are honored each time someone purchases this print for their own home. Thank you!
Always celebrating life, Debra Vanderlaan
www.CelebrateLifeGallery.com

Debra, I had the pleasure of meeting you this past weekend at the Apple Festival in Ellijay,Ga. When I saw this picture I was totally captivated! I attepted to go back over, serveral time, to your booth and purchase this from you. However, my attempts were blocked. I believe I was blocked from returning to make the purchase because Christmas is coming and they did not want me to own two of something so meaningful and beautiful. i just can't wait for Christmas to get here! New Found Gap has a profound meaning to me. Thanks for capitvating something so beautiful and sharing it with us!

This is a beautiful photo! I disagree with the opinions about Mennonites not wanting their photo taken. There are strict sects of Amish that disallow their photos taken. Mennonites are traditionally not as strict. A round of applause to the photographer!

Debra . . I am currently doing my Master's at the University of Guelph, and ironically my thesis deals with EIGHT Mennonite women. I was wondering if you would grant me permission to reproduce your photo within my Thesis Report? ( of course I would give you photo credit for it) . . . please reply to mmhjir@hotmail.com

Looking forward to hearing back from you, Marilyn

I hiked that same trail once, up the mountain for 8 miles, and down in 4 miles. My car was back at the Newfound Gap parking lot and I had to hitchhike back. I did the hike in 1 day, disappointing that when I reached the top of Mt. LeConte, it was socked in. That was a long hike for naught.

Anyway, gorgeous photo, hopefully you got to see the view too.

Beautifully done! I found the comments here very interesting too. Keep taking pictures!

I am so glad that the girls featured in this photo now know that they are in the finals of the Smithsonian contest. As for them turning away, they did not even know that I was back there snapping! And also, I did not see anyone but a friend of my own snapping at this moment. I was the only one standing in the parking lot directly behind them, so perhaps one of the girls was to the side (maybe the one to the left that appears to be readying something in her hand, a camera perhaps?). I only got 2 frames when they began to jump back down, so it was a 30 second chance at the most to get this capture. I would never try to violate anyone's creed and don't believe that anyone has been upset in any way by this photograph. I think it honors the wonderful Mennonite way of life. I am celebrating life, Debra Vanderlaan www.CelebrateLifeGallery.com

Some one commented that it is against their creed to take this picture. I know all these girls and they knew their picture was being taken and it is not against their creed. They take many photos themselves of each other. Actually one of the girls was taking this same photo at the same time Debra was taking it.

Beautiful picture! But I can't help but wonder if their backs are turned because Mennonites do not like their photo taken? They will always turn if they see a camera.

Erna T.

I wonder if they see the America that was, is, or will be?

Debra, this is a great picture! These women look amazing! My big congratulations!

Excellent and moving photo! I can feel it! A respectful photo of a group of heartfelt American people. Congratulations on capturing it.

Debra, this is such a great photo on many levels. The biggest thing for me is that you can feel the awe these woman are feeling. Very powerful image! Congratulations! And yes, keep celebrating life!

I have watched this photographer's work for a while. She is a shooter. One person commented, she is imaginative--but there is no way imigination conjured up this scene. Still--it was attracted to the lens of her camera. Broke right in front of her and she was ready. There is no substitute for an open eye and a handy camera in photography. Desire is intent and intent is the creative force. Congratulations Debra-Keep celebrating.

no - you just got it .:. congratulations debra for the wish i had weeks ago... and you did not abuse anybody because no face are to be shown in the image .:. just optimal luck!

always knew you've got the eye for the right mOment... thomas

this is a beautiful photo, but I have many mennonite friends and one gentlemen that works for us and the have said it is against there creed to be photographed, these women don't look like they know they are being photographed if so good job if not, did you not violate there religious views, then I feel no matter how beautiful the photo is it is not appropriate with out there permission

Is it possible to look at this photo and -not- think "Americana"? This is a perfect picture-definition of that word!

Debra,

This is an outstanding image on so many different levels. This is Photographic Art, indeed...

You also got my vote. There is such a feeling of innocense and simplicity to this picture. Smoky Mountains living up to their name ..... good luck

Debra,

tomorrow's vote will be the final one ! I'm sure you are excited and nervous at the same time !!

I am PROUD of you for making the finals !!
That is an accomplishment on it's own ! !
One of 50 chosen out of 60,000 is awesome ! !

Keep sharing your photos ! Keep celebrating AND reminding me to celebrate ! And GOOD LUCK ! ! !

Gloria

Debra - what a joy to look at your picture each day. It is so unique from the others and it is truly soothing. Blessings and keep on celebrating life:) GG

Debra!! Wonderful shot, your captures are a pure delight, thanks so much for sharing! Good luck!
Marty

Debra, This is a beautiful evocative photograph.
Peace and tranquility with additional thought provoking emotions.

If any picture can be said to capture the essence of America, at least from an outsider's viewpoint, this has to be it. The simple dignity of the scene, the understated confidence of the women and the wonderful air of peacefulness embodied within the composition bring it close to becoming a masterpiece that will still resonate in a hundred or two hundred years.

While at first glance each woman looks the same,a moment of study reveals that each lady has her head turned to a slightly different angle; a slightly different direction.
The mutual gray-blue background of the dresses and the grandeous mountains; the quiet,serene strength of the landscape and of the women; each in her own way ...

What a lovely, almost haunting photo, Debra. I live near Amish country, so seeing the Mennonite women on the ledge has the same feeling as watching them in their natural habitat-except for the colors of the dresses, of course. It really does pay to be in the right place at the right time and you definitely were! You've got my vote! Best of luck to you.

I am struck by the dichotomy of the photo ... the uniformity of the women and the uncertainess they face as they gaze into the distance. Standing together, yet alone, as each faces her future. Lovely, beautifully captured.

I can only image the harmony resounding from that ledge and across the valley... wonderfully captured!

Wow, way to go. You don't need to be a professional photographer to capture a grand moment. I am part of a group of Mennonites similar to this one.

Beautiful picture.

Good luck, great photo ! A wall hanger !

Debra- I know who these girls are, I am related to all of them. This is a great photo and you have my vote.

I'll be anxious to see this photo as the winner!! Very moving. Best of Luck, Debra

Debra - certainly is a "winner" in all ways... mood, composition, theme. You had to be there and you had to be ready; I'm glad you were! Best of luck!

Debra - amazing photo. It took much more than luck to get this shot. Great job.
Karen (KEM)

Awesome and moving!

What a terrific shot, Debra! First thing I do every morning is cast my "vote." The flip-flops (also gym shoes) are so characteristic of these ladies. I see them shopping in the stores and at flea markets. Nice work!

I agree that this is a perfect picture for this category. Con brio, Debra! (cascadestarlight)

Very good asthetic appeal.

A bit of background on my photo: Our group of 7 friends were going on an overnight hike from Newfound Gap the morning of this capture. As we readied our backpacks, it was raining heavily. The rain subsided for a few moments, so we all jumped out of the truck. Well, we weren't the only ones to come out! This lovely group of young Mennonite women all descended from their touring van and began to jump up onto the scenic overlook wall. I knew in an instant that this was a great photograph. Luckily, I had my little camera in my pocket and was able to get off two quick shots before they began to jump back down off the wall. I carried the image with me for two days while hiking the Appalachian Trail up to Mt. LeConte and back down the Alum Cave Trail. I am an outdoorsy girl and absolutely not a professional photographer. I am thrilled to have this honor and to be selected as a top 10 and hope you enjoy my photography and vote for it in the People's Choice Awards. Thank you so much! Debra Vanderlaan www.CelebrateLifeGallery.com

Nice photo!

Wonderful Image And Fit To Be Frame.Count My Vote.

A great shot Debra! My wife wants a dress like the one second from the left! ;-) Good luck!

Shane (idzrvit)

Wow this is very good, and I have to agree the fog adds to the shot..you also have my vote.
Perfect in every way.

Debra:

Many of us know what an imaginative photographer you are but there is no way anyone's imagination could conjure up this scene. Being there miracously at the exact right moment and being prepared to take the photo was just like winning a photographic lottery ... All of them in their little bonnets and with arms folded in front except for the one on the left ... could she have a digital camera?

I've never been there and I wonder how far down it is on the other side of the rock wall they're standing on ... and in flip-flops too!

A VERY SOULFUL PHOTOGRAPH ITS A WINNER.

LOVE THE BLUES,GRAYS & CHARCOAL. LENDS MYSTERY & INTRIGUE TO THIS UNUSUAL LINEUP. ALMOST LIKE A TIMELESS & HARMONIOUS BOND BETWEEN THE ELEMENTS & THE DEDICATED WOMEN. THX AGAIN DEB FOR SUCH A PERFECT PHOTO. WE ARE THE BETTER FOR IT.

This is a great idea to shoot visitors to the Smokey's versus the park itself. This is also a unique group of visitors to capture. Voted. I entered the contest and got selected as a weekly editor's choice, but not the final. Congrats. I think your shot represents the contest well. I hope you come out on top.

TD

Wonderful photograph and perfect subject(s) for the Americana category! We are all rootin' for ya!

Well done! Got my vote.

what a great photo

Wow, what a great picture

Debra...you go girl! Love, love this photo! I'm dancing for you!

Great shot

Great Photo! The fog really adds to the picture.

NICE!!!!!!!