It is the photographer’s dilemma, then, to provide those universal beauties that inspire all. One thing that is universal,that even the most prolific among photo-enthusiasts can agree upon, is that when the perfection of a moment is captured, it is truly and universally beautiful. It is this perfect moment which local photographer Scott Knox attempts to capture on a daily basis. Though he was born in Sweetwater, Knox recently returned to East Tennessee to take up a job at a Water-Waste Plant. Though he returned for business, he was swept away by the beauty of the trees, waterfalls, and rustic farm barns that riddled the countryside. His awe of the landscape and its natural beauty inspired him to take up a long dormant hobby of his: photography. During his off time, Knox began taking hikes with his wife Connie, taking in all there was to behold. “We love hiking and seeing nature in its purest form”, says Knox, “I would take my small pocket digital camera and take shots of the beauty that surrounded me”. This hobby brought Knox some acclaim, particularly with his interest in taking photographs of old farm barns. To Knox, they were (and still are) nostalgic reminders of how life used to be; a monument to a hand-made, hard working lifestyle that is lost in today’s society. These barn pictures spurred professional interest in the community, and Knox saw a possible business opportunity. He upgraded his camera, and today has a very successful photography business, though to him its still a hobby. “Its all about that one picture,” Scott explains, “the one where the customer looks at it and just says, wow! Giving that to someone else is a special feeling. That’s why I do it, and that’s why ill continue to do it.” Knox’s business now includes nature pictures as well as portrait pictures. He and his wife have recently opened a Pirate Studio themed after the popular show “Black Sails” where customers can dress up and pose as Pirates of the Seven Seas! If you are interested in viewing some amazing pictures of the beauty of East Tennessee, or would like to take your loved one or family to have some quality pictures be taken (and have some fun while doing it), Scott Knox is your man! Contact him at [email protected].