2024 SPRING Blue Ridge Parkway PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

May 2-5, 2024

When the dogwoods have faded, and the wildflowers are gone, follow the progression of spring as it reaches the upper elevations of the Blue Ridge Parkway in early May. Early spring can be almost as colorful as fall with flowering maple, the delicate white blossoms of sarvis (serviceberry), and the translucent colors of freshly opened leaves. Viewing a scene can lead to “seasonal confusion”, as the vibrant colors can rival autumn, particularly when back-illuminated. The timing is more consistent than at lower elevations; the buds are surprisingly frost-resistant, so photogenic disasters are rare. Join me, author of Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Blue Ridge Parkway Celebration for a creative excursion into the world of spring in the high country of Western North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is one of my absolute favorite times and places to photograph — come find out why. Come join me for a creative journey in this photographer’s paradise.

This workshop will focus on landscapes both grand and intimate with an eye to expanding your vision towards creating art. The thrust of the workshop is on creativity, composition, and the use of light. Developing photographic vision takes time; it’s a lifelong journey with potential breakthroughs along the way. I hope to lead you to a breakthrough on your journey on this workshop. Photographers begin by making literal images, recording a scene as they see it, searching for the perfect sunrise and sunset while overlooking many wonderful subjects because they just don’t see them.  Many photographers look without actually seeing. It is my mission on this workshop to help you see better. Come learn how to “make, not take” photographs. Learn how to see a scene not just as it is, but as it can be. This will be an important milestone on your photographic journey. While there are iconic scenes to be explored, we will look for more personal images – the undiscovered icon — the great image that no one else has taken – your personal interpretation of a scene—your art.

Spring is tough — the days are long, and last light is deep into the dinner hour. Plan for the day to be broken into a morning and afternoon session with downtime in the middle of the day for siesta and or lunch.  If conditions are favorable, we may work all day and lunch may be something on the go so have an option in mind. Last light usually allows time to be in Waynesville or Asheville before last seating at a local restaurant. Alternatively, we might eat early or tailgate at the group’s discretion. In the field, we will discuss composition, light, and exposure, as well as logistics, and most anything relevant.  Formal lectures and post-processing sessions are not planned but critique and image review will take place as the opportunity presents. If we have a day where we just cannot photograph, we’ll do indoor work, and I will extend field work on Sunday until we must quit to leave for home.

How do you plan a trip? What about the weather? How do you interpret the forecast? What apps work best for photographers? These are generic concerns that apply to any location, but there are specifics to learn for the Parkway itself. How do you work in bad weather (rain, snow, high wind)? What do you do with a blank blue sky (aka blue sky of death)? Come away with answers to these questions and more.

 To maximize individual benefit, group size is limited to 6 photographers. Carpooling offers the option for more conversation about things photographic, so is encouraged (no politics please). I typically rotate from one vehicle to the other to that end. Masks will be required when inside any park service facilities. Full vaccination is required for attendance, as we will be in very close contact while carpooling. If you have concerns about sharing close space, you are of course welcome to drive and follow the group. At times we may pull over on the shoulder at unpaved locations, and wet grass has gotten many people stuck in the past. If driving your own vehicle, AWD or 4WD is strongly recommended, not only to avoid getting stuck, but also to avoid damaging the turf. 

On the afternoon of the 2nd, we will meet at the host hotel starting at 3 PM for introductions and orientation followed by a field session with dinner to follow after last light.  We will have a full day on the 3rd and 4th followed by a morning session on the 5th before departing home. During downtime (or dinner) we can have discussions about whatever you choose. Bring some jpegs on a thumb drive to share and frame a discussion – they don’t have to all be yours if you think an image you found on the web is a basis for learning. 

The Best Western Smoky Mountain Inn is the host hotel in Waynesville, NC, 130 Shiloh Tr, Waynesville, NC 28786 Phone: (828) 456-4402. You may pay at the property and take over the costs for your room at check-in. If you live nearby then meeting at the hotel is an option, and if you have a camper that is another option. Lodging and meals are not included in the workshop price. This is both a workshop and tour, meaning I may also make images. I have found it to be instructive to show my workflow and field techniques; rest assured that you will be my main focus.  

 Participants should have a thorough working knowledge of how to operate their equipment - buttons, etc. Activity level is "easy," we will be working from the vehicles with the possibility of short walks of less than 1/4 mile. However, uneven ground makes hiking boots desirable. Bring rain gear, unless it’s a washout we will work in "bad" weather. It occasionally snows in early May so be prepared for cold weather. Mornings can be quite chilly, afternoons are usually moderate.

Cost per participant is $795.00. Optional extensions may be available. Deposit of $200.00 US due by February 1st. Final balance due March 31st.

There is a $100.00 discount to prior attendees of any workshop.    There is a discounted rate option on the payment menu.

• Cost - $795.00

• Includes instruction and guiding,

• Does not include meals lodging and transportation.

• Covid vaccination required for attendance.

  Antigen testing with a home kit requested no more than 24 hours prior.