Art of the Firefly — Fireflies of the Smoky Mountains
June 3-7, 2026
2 instructors Maximum 8 Photographers
There are several different techniques for firefly photography, each yielding different types of images. The techniques will vary depending on the situation and desired appearance of the final image. Join me and Michele to explore those different techniques.
A mid-summer’s night dream awaits you in the forest.
Fireflies… Lightning bugs… They go by those names and more. These incredible bioluminescent beetles put on their annual courtship display in the fields and forests of the Southern Appalachians in late spring and early summer. In the Smoky Mountains this means early June. Spring greens are turning a bit more, well, green. The delicate, almost electric greens of early spring are maturing. Wildflowers have mostly wilted to be replaced by mountain laurel and rhododendron. The traditional photo workshop season is over. Yet this is a time that those in the know come to the Smokies for some of the best and most unique photographic opportunities. While fireflies are a primary draw, there are other worthy landscape photographic opportunities to be explored. We will explore the daytime (evening) landscape with all it has to offer and the after dark landscape for FIREFLIES.
The synchronous firefly is what most of the hype is about, but there are many more species in the park—19 in all, go figure. Spoiler alert. While the synchronous firefly display is amazing to watch in person, you cannot really tell which sort they are from a photo. The Park Service holds a lottery each year to control viewing at Elkmont to prevent massive overcrowding, but there are many more locations that are as good or better, minus the crowds.
Join award winning photographer Michele Sons and me, the author of the Greater Smoky Mountains Photographer’s Guide for an in-depth exploration of firefly photography as well as the late spring landscape of the Smoky Mountains. While the fireflies will be the main focus, we will use the daylight hours to complete your Smokies experience. The pace is timed to avoid exhaustion and make this a fulfilling workshop. We want you to learn as well as have the opportunity to make images that will last a lifetime.
I have photographed this park for 50 years and Michele for 15 years. Let us leverage our experience to your advantage. Firefly photogra[hy has benefitted from advances in camera design and chip technology. The limitations imposed by then-available camera systems are behind us now. There are several different techniques to use when making firefly images depending on location and the desired result. We will share them with you. There will be instructional videos available after April 1st.
View Michele’s website here.
Approximate Daily schedule:
Day 1
Meet and greet in the afternoon at the host hotel at 3PM, with orientation and final prep for the evening’s activities. 4PM early dinner at a local restaurant or takeaway for later with an evening field session. Sunset allows just enough time to be in position for our first firefly session. Local restaurants close early so there is not enough time to have a sit-down restaurant dinner squeezed in.
Note that no sunrise sessions are on the schedule. The days are long and sunrise is early in June. Expect to be in bed no earlier than midnite. Creativity requires sleep. You are welcome to do that on your own and we can offer guidance if you are so inclined.
Day 2
Morning classroom session at 10:30 AM, lunch on your own. 3 PM classroom session followed by early dinner or takeaway for later with an evening field session then our firefly session.
Day 3
Morning classroom session at 10:30 AM, lunch on your own. 3 PM classroom session followed by early dinner or takeaway for later with an evening field session then our firefly session.
Day 4
Morning classroom session at 10:30 AM, lunch on your own. 3 PM classroom session followed by early dinner or takeaway for later with an evening field session then our firefly session.
Day 5
Our last day together will be spent in the classroom. We will enjoy brunch together (provided), discuss any remaining questions about processing, and then we will conclude with an Image Celebration where we share our best work made during our time together.
Special note: It is impossible to know the peak firefly dates each year, as it depends on many factors over which we have no control. The dates we have chosen are based on prior year peaks as well as our own experience, but you understand that firefly encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Activity Level: What to expect.
Some of our working locations are essentially drive-up. Others may require walking possibly up to a mile or so (one way) with your gear. This could be on pavement or on a maintained trail. The return hike will be in the dark with headlamp. You may stand while photographing or bring a camp chair if you prefer to sit.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
2 Experienced Instructors
4 Firefly Field Sessions
4 Short Evening Field Sessions
8 Classroom Sessions
1 Brunch
1 Image Celebration
Exclusive pre-conference video so you know what to expect
FREE eBook covering etiquette and technique
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
Hotel accommodation
A block of rooms is being reserved in Townsend until April 1 at the Highland Manor 865-448-2211.
We ask you to call the hotel to give your name and payment details after registering, and identify yourself as part of this group.
Transportation - participants are expected to car pool themselves to and from locations
Parking fees required by the national park
Meals that are not listed above
Snacks
Airfare
Trip insurance
Basically, anything not listed as included is excluded
WHAT TO BRING
DSLR or mirrorless camera body (or multiples)
Selection of wide angle and telephoto lenses
Tripod (or multiples)
Intervalometer capability (in-camera or plug-in device)
Gaffer tape or wraps to cover all lighting emitted from your camera
Headlamp or flashlight with red-beam capability
Camp chair if desired
Rain gear and bug repellent
Laptop with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop installed
COVID vaccine required for attendance
Cost $2195.00
Please review the Terms & Conditions which you agree to be bound by upon registration.
Your $500 deposit is nonrefundable and balance is due no later than April 1 at which time reserved rooms will be released.
We strongly encourage all participants to purchase travel insurance to cover any cancellation costs for unforeseen emergencies.
All fees paid are fully refundable (less credit card processing fees) in the event we are able to fill your spot.