OCTOBER 23rd - 27th, 2024
DESCRIPTION
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the best place to merge autumn color and flowing water into stunning landscape photography. Not only that, fall is a great time to capture the classic, layered Smoky Mountains image and the park's historic buildings look absolutely captivating surrounded by vibrant autumn colors.
FOCUS: Photograph fall colors with streams, cascades, waterfalls and a few historic buildings.
ADDITIONAL: Photograph several sunrises and sunsets from different overlooks, and photograph intimate details such as leaf litter or fungi.
ITINERARY
The workshop starts on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 at 7:30 pm with an introduction and discussion in the hotel lobby. We start photographing on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024.
LODGING LOCATION: Hampton Inn, 967 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 865-436-4878
Check-in Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024; Check-out Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.
Workshop ends after photographing on Sunday evening, Oct. 27, 2024.
During our workshop it is impossible to visit all of the wonderful locations in the park. We feel participants may benefit by staying a few days after the workshop and continue photographing on their own.
We will reserve a block of rooms at this hotel that will give the best available rate. When the group link/code is created we will email it to participants.
DAILY ROUTINE
MORNING: We'll be at a photography location for the start of civil twilight. Usually we relocate to another photo location before going to breakfast.
MIDDAY: On some days we continue to photograph throughout the day, on others we have midday time at the hotel.
EVENING: Photography is finished prior to evening meal. We do not schedule an evening group meal because Gatlinburg is very busy and often we return late (7:30 and 8:30 pm) from the field. There are many diverse restaurants in walking distance. Some choose to dine in small groups. Others dine on pre purchased meals while downloading and preparing for sleep.
REGISTRATION / DEPOSIT $300 USD
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- DEPOSIT or FULL
- BALANCE
- REPEAT BALANCE
DETAILS
EXPERIENCE: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
GROUP SIZE: Target number of participants is 8.
EFFORT: Moderate - Some photography locations are just beyond the parking lot, others will involve trail hiking and mild elevation gain. The longest trail is about 1.5 miles each way. When photographing along streams participants will seek vantage points amongst large boulders and rocks. This takes extra strength and increases one's risk of slipping and falling. Hiking boots are recommended.
CONDITIONS:
Be prepared for changes in weather. Mornings can be very cold, like winter.
ELEVATION: The elevation range of our photography locations is 1,300 to 6,600 ft.
TRANSPORTATION
AIR TRAVEL: Most people flying to this workshop will find flying into Knoxville, TN to be the best choice.
Driving time from Knoxville to Gatlinburg, TN is estimated at 2 hours. To reach the hotel, participants are highly advised to access via Townsend and then through the national park to Gatlinburg. Avoid the apparently shorter route through Pigeon Forge as it usually takes twice as long due to heavy traffic.
DRIVING CONDITIONS: Paved roads and maintained dirt roads. A standard rental car will be sufficient. When possible, we prefer participants car pool with each other to limit our impact and get to know one another.
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS: MORE WORKSHOP INFORMATION
FOR SMOKY MOUNTAINS AUTUMN: Lens range from at least 18mm to 400mm after the lens multiplication factor, polarizing filter and a 6 stop or higher neutral density filter.
Rain is a real possibility. Yes, we may photograph in the rain, if we're lucky, bring an umbrella and rain proof cloths.
Shoes for wading in water, yes, it's cold, but worth it.
NOTE: The hotel has been selected for ease of access in and out of the park during a very busy season. It is highly recommended that participants stay at this hotel.