2024 SPRING Smokies PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

APRIL 22-25, 2024

Full Inquire for waitlist

Spring in the Smokies offers a parade of photo opportunities beginning with the first wildflowers in early April and ending with the eruption of sarvis and maple buds at the higher elevations at the end of the month into early May. The timing varies from year to year but this should be in the prime window for dogwoods. The display varies from year to year with some scenes waxing and others waning but there are always gems to be found. This workshop will focus on landscapes both grand and intimate and is not designed as a wildflower workshop. That is not to say that an intimate landscape focused on flowers will be overlooked.

Join me, author of the Greater Smoky Mountains Photographer’s Guide for a creative excursion into the world of spring in the Smokies. The emphasis will be on landscape photography — “making, not taking” photographs. While there are iconic scenes to be explored, we will also look for more personal images — the undiscovered icon — the great image that no one else has taken. The thrust of the workshop is on creativity, composition and the use of light. Developing photographic vision takes time — a few blessed souls have it instinctively — the rest of us have had to develop it through study, experience, and hard work. Many look without actually seeing. It is my mission on this workshop to help you see better, not just look.

Spring is tough — the days are long, and sunset is deep into the dinner hour. Plan for the day to be broken into morning and afternoon sessions with downtime in the middle of the day for siesta, lunch, image review, and group discussion as time and energy allow. If sunset at an overlook is in the cards, an early dinner or sandwich on the go may be part of the plan. In the field, we will discuss composition, light, and exposure, as well as logistics. As time allows, we will review images and approach to processing. Formal lectures are not planned but will be discussed in real time as we go. How do you plan a trip? What about the weather? How do you interpret the forecast? How do you work in bad weather (rain, snow, high wind)? What about a blank blue sky (aka blue sky of death)? Come away with answers to these questions and more.

 To maximize individual benefit, the group size is limited to 6 photographers. National Park Service restricts the number of vehicles to 4 per workshop, so if we are fully subscribed some carpooling will be required.

We will meet for introductions and orientation starting at 3 PM followed by a field session departing the hotel at 4 PM with dinner following either as a group or individually. We will have a full day on the 23rd and 24th followed by a morning session on the 25th before departing home. During downtime we have the option for discussions regarding composition that usually spins off into some post-processing direction. bring some jpegs on a thumb drive to share. 

The Highland Manor Inn in Townsend is the base hotel 865 - 448 - 2211 and is holding a block of rooms until March 15th. Lodging is up to you; call them to take over the reservation for your room, which is currently in my name. The rooms have 2 queen beds and if you are comfortable sharing a room there is considerable cost savings. There are camping options if you are so equipped, and if you live close by then commuting can work for you. Lodging and meals are not included in this price.

 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 short walks less than 1/4 mile. However, uneven ground and scrambling on stream banks make hiking boots desirable. Bring rain gear; unless it’s a washout we will work in "bad" weather. It occasionally snows in April, so be prepared for unusual weather.

We will meet for introductions and orientation starting at 3 PM

followed by a field session departing the hotel at 4 PM

Cost per participant is $795.00. Optional extensions may be available. Deposit of $200.00 US due at registration, Final balance due March 1st. Fully refundable up to start of workshop. Prior attendees receive a $100.00 discount.

• Cost - $795.00

• Includes instruction, guiding, and as time allows image critique and “classroom” session regarding composition.

• 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.