2021 Fall Landscape Field Photography Workshops

October 21 - 24

Full

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October 28 - 31

Full

Inquire about wait list

 Autumn in the Smokies is a special season and the one that photographers seem to cherish the most. Due to the elevation ranges in the park there is always something worthy of your time and effort. From splashes of brilliant color to the muted scenes of more subtle, past-peak color with attendant branches and structure — just move to a zone that suits your taste.

Join me for a long weekend of creative photography — and fun! There are many talented photographers offering workshops in the Smokies, but only one wrote the book; — that would be me. I will leverage 30+ years of experience photographing the Smokies to help you be in the right place at the right time to ensure you make the most of your efforts The emphasis will be on landscape photography — “making, not taking” photographs. While there are iconic scenes to be explored, I will also help you find more personal images — the undiscovered icon — the great image that no one else has taken. The icons are such due to their beauty, but great undiscovered beauty also awaits. Each moment is a “soup du jour” - the chef’s special. What ingredients are on mother nature’s menu today? Go ahead and create - Iron Chef! To that end, the thrust of the workshop is on creativity, the use of light, and developing a sense of personal vision.

Autumn is easier on the body, with shorter days and later sunrise times. The lower sun angle makes it possible to photograph throughout the day although an afternoon nap is not to be scoffed at. Weather and energy will both be factors. Logistics likewise will be dictated by weather and group goals. In general think of a sunrise session followed by a breakfast break with followup opportunities until you can’t stand it either before or after breakfast. Lunch can be a sandwich on the run or a mid-day break with a nap. Nothing set in stone, flexibility is the key.  Evening light and last light will likewise depend on the weather and destination.

 To maximize individual benefit, group size is limited to 6 photographers.   Due to the pandemic, non-photographic partners cannot be guaranteed accommodation until the last minute. National Park Service restricts number of vehicles to 4 per workshop, so if we are fully subscribed some carpooling will be required. Masks and appropriate distancing will be observed. To this end, formal discussions will be outdoors as weather allows.

 For the first workshop we will meet for introductions and orientation at 3 PM at the hotel followed by a photo session nearby (unless amazing clouds offer promise). Time and pandemic allowing we can meet for dinner on October 21st following the field session. We will have a full day on the 22nd  and 23rd  followed by a morning session on the 24th  before departing home. The second will mirror the first with informal gathering the afternoon of the 28th  followed by full days on the 29th and 30th  and morning of October 31st..  

 The Highland Manor (865-448-2211) in Townsend, TN is holding a block of rooms until October 15th. Lodging is up to you; call them to take over the reservation for your room. You are of course, free to stay where you like, and if you live locally, commuting is not out of the question. There are camping options if you are so equipped.

You should have a thorough working knowledge of how to operate your 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 its a washout we will work in "bad" weather. It occasionally snows in October, so be prepared for weather.

E-mail with any questions using the contact menu on the nav bar.

Cost per participant is $425.00. Optional extensions may be available. Deposit of $200.00 due at registration, balance due 30 days prior to workshop. Fully refundable up to 30 days prior to workshop. 50% credit to future workshop or private instruction if cancellation less than 2 weeks prior to start date.