I captured this sunset image on Watson Pond in George L Smith State Park in late October, 2022. George L Smith is a Georgia State Park situated between Savannah and Macon, Georgia. The park is named after George L. Smith, a former speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives and Emanuel County native. Attractions include a grist mill, covered bridge, and the dam of the Parrish Mill (built 1880). The park's location on a 412-acre mill pond dotted with many cypress trees makes it a destination for anglers and canoeists. The moderately-sized state park is in a remote location, making it an attraction for bird watchers and naturalists.

I was unaware of the park and its beauty until a bird enthusiast friend of mine mentioned it to me. On a whim, I made a trip out to the park, (a 90-minute drive from my house) just to scout the area. Thankfully, I brought all of my camera gear as it was a perfect afternoon and the cypress trees were at peak foliage. This image was taken from the far end of the pond where there is a small boat launch and dock. Two days after I was there, a large storm came through and blew all of the leaves off the trees. I’m so thankful that I went that day on a whim and was able to capture the park’s beauty.