David Shaw Photography

11/02/2026

Last week I paddled out on my Jackson Yupik kayak to capture the view we often overlook, from a different perspective. I’ve always loved Hurricane Bridge on Center Hill Lake in the fall. Shot on my Canon R5 with the RF200-800, stitching 40 photos together at 200mm to keep incredible clarity.

10/30/2026

I was honored to take some photos for The Nestled Inn here in Smithville Tennessee, and it’s a magnificent piece of property, feels like your a part of nature, has an incredible view overlooking the water, and only 1 mile from Pates Ford Marina!

Fall is showing off, and we have a front-row seat. 🍂🤎

Our favorite kind of weekend is one spent right here.

10/27/2026

Last week I stood in an alley in Smithville Tennessee, named for John Anderson. I decided to remaster some photos I took when I lived in Florida. This is the place he was singing about.

The Everglades. Cypress knees and black water, Spanish moss, and a river of grass running to the horizon. My Florida roots are here where I learned to see, and where I learned that places don't stay natural by accident.

Blow, blow, Seminole wind. 🌾

10/23/2026

Smithville keeps a little shrine to a legend. Tucked off West Main, John Anderson Alley. It's named for the man who sang "Seminole Wind," a song stitched into my Florida roots and one that made me start seeing the world differently. I stopped by to pay my respects while chasing blue hour around the square, as the city sets up for the chili festival tomorrow. Some detours are the real destination.

Mural by .

10/14/2026

This past weekend was one for the books. Ventured off somewhere new with the family to celebrate my sons birthday in the Visit The Outer Banks.

Certainly was a surprise that the storm popped up in the gulf, causing gloomy and rainy conditions. I was fortunate enough to enjoy the time with them and take some photos. It’s also a reminder that beautiful photos don’t always come from ideal conditions. On our way back, we stopped in Bryson City to take part in the Natahala Excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. 

Back to more local content soon!

09/25/2026

Tomorrow is the Smithville Art Walk from 3pm - 8pm. Come see the work that I’ve carefully chosen to share with everyone. It’s booth 30 on the corner of State Farm on N College Street. Big Daddy’s Bites will be right across from me, and that food will certainly be tempting!

08/19/2026

I just wanted to share this post and say that im alive. Life has been crazy lately, but been working on a ton of things behind the scenes. I am proud to announce that I will be in attendance as a vendor at the Smithville Art Walk on September 26th! Hope to see everyone there.

07/17/2026

I have been waiting for another beautiful sunset over Center Hill Lake. Thankfully tonight certainly pulled through.

05/14/2026

This is why I keep bringing my camera on the kayak.

What started with a few people at the launch quickly turned into a quiet, beautiful morning on the water. I paddled past dead trees rising from the lake, with 20 to 30 swallows circling and cutting through the air.
Then I heard it.
A pair of red-headed woodpeckers were working the shoreline timber, moving through the trees while I sat back and tried not to disturb the moment.
That quiet access, being able to watch wildlife behave naturally from the water, is exactly why I take the risk of bringing my photography gear with me on the kayak.

05/11/2026

Yesterday evening, ended up taking a hike out at Burgess Falls State Park to change things up a bit from some kayaking to the base. The one scene that seriously stood out was this bridge. It’s a reminder that there is so much beauty in our everyday lives, that people tend to overlook.