2025 Fall Color Blue Ridge Parkway Landscape PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

October 16-19, 2025

Limited to 6 photographers

Color comes early to the high country on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina, much sooner than the traditional “workshop season” in the nearby Smokies. The elevation offers potential for exciting weather, as well as vibrant color. As the leaves fall, the structure of branch and trunk emerge, so there is no such thing as “too late.” Join me, author of Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Blue Ridge Parkway Celebration for a creative excursion into the world of fall color in the high country of Western North Carolina on and near the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is also one of my absolute favorite times and places to photograph — come find out why.

The National Park Service has traditionally prohibited commercial activity on the Parkway in the month of October, but has lifted that restriction this year due to economic impacts of Hurricane Helene. This offers us a unique opportunity to experience the Parkway together during this glorious time of the year.

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 — a few blessed souls have it instinctively — the rest of us have had to develop it along the way. Many look without actually seeing. It is my mission during this workshop to help you see better. Come learn how to “make, not take” photographs. While there are a few iconic scenes to be explored, we will look for more personal images – the undiscovered icon — the great image that no one else has taken. Let’s look deeper than the pretty postcard scene to find that vision, that special unique image.

Autumn is much easier on the body. The sun comes up at a gentle hour and sunset allows time to make dinner before the last seating. Plan for a morning and afternoon session with downtime in the middle of the day, conditions permitting. If conditions are favorable, however, we will work all day. 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. This is intended as a field workshop. Formal lectures, post-processing sessions, critique, and image review will take place as an opportunity presents. Would you rather be in front of a computer or out making art?

How do you plan a trip? What about the weather? How do you interpret the forecast? 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. I typically rotate from one vehicle to the other to that end. Masks will be required when inside any park service facilities. Vaccination is required for attendance due to the close proximity we will find ourselves in, including carpooling.

On the afternoon of the 16th, we will meet for introductions and orientation at 3 PM followed by a field session with dinner to follow after sunset. We will have a full day on the 17th and 18th followed by a morning session on the 19th before departing home. During downtime (or dinner) we can discuss whatever you like. Ask me anything.

The Best Western Smoky Mountain Inn is the host hotel in Waynesville, NC, 130 Shiloh Tr, Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-4402. You may pay at the property and take over the costs for your room at check-in. There are camping options if you are so equipped, and if you live nearby then meeting at the hotel is an option. Lodging and meals are not included in this price.

 Participants should have a thorough working knowledge of how to operate their equipment – menus, buttons, etc. Activity level is "easy," we will be working from the vehicles with possibly short walks 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. Mornings can be quite chilly; afternoons are usually moderate.  

Cost per participant is $895.00. Deposit of $200.00 US due at registration, Final balance due September 1st. Fully refundable up to start. There is a $100.00 discount to prior attendees of any workshop.

• Cost - $895.00

• Includes instruction, guiding, and as time allows image critique and “classroom” sessions, as noted above.

• Does not include meals lodging and transportation.

Covid vaccination required for attendance.