Name: Great Smoky Mountains Fall Photography Workshop
Start: 2024-10-23T19:30
End: 2024-10-27T21:00
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Join photographer Andy Cook for an immersive fall photography workshop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This panoramic image captures the breathtaking beauty of backlit autumn colors on each side of the frame, forming a V shape. In the center, hazy blue layered mountains echo this V shape, extending into the distance. This composition showcases the natural symmetry and vibrant hues of autumn in the Smoky Mountains, offering a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts.

OCTOBER 23rd - 27th, 2024

Space Available

$1690 USD

Instructor: Andy Cook

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS FALL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Discover the Ultimate Fall Photography Workshop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of autumn with our Fall Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Renowned for its vibrant fall foliage and picturesque waterfalls, this workshop offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture the essence of the season through your lens. Experience the iconic layered vistas of the Smoky Mountains and photograph historic structures framed by a tapestry of fall colors.

WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS:

AUTUMN SPLENDOR: Capture the vivid hues of fall as you photograph cascading waterfalls, serene streams, and the rich tapestry of foliage.

ICONIC LANDSCAPES: Photograph classic Smoky Mountains landscapes and stunning views from various overlooks.

HISTORIC CHARM: Explore and photograph the park's historic buildings, beautifully set against the backdrop of autumnal splendor.

SUNRISE & SUNSET: Enjoy multiple opportunities to shoot breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from diverse viewpoints.

DETAILED CLOSE-UPS: Delve into the intricate details of nature, including leaf litter and unique fungi, to enhance your photographic skills and add depth to your portfolio.

Join us for an unforgettable experience where you'll refine your photography techniques and capture the essence of fall in one of America's most picturesque national parks.

Explore the serene beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park during our fall photography workshop led by photographer Andy Cook. This captivating image features three layers of cascades and waterfalls filling the foreground, flowing over shelves of rock adorned with green moss and freshly fallen autumn leaves. Rhododendrons hug the sides of the stream, beneath the vibrant autumn colors of a hardwood forest. This scene epitomizes the tranquil allure and natural splendor of autumn in the Smokies, providing an ideal opportunity for photography enthusiasts. — Waterfalls in Smokies Autumn Forest

Join photographer Andy Cook for an immersive fall photography workshop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This captivating image showcases a golden autumn forest with vibrant foliage glowing intensely in the distance. From the bottom of the frame, Roaring Fork Road meanders through the forest, eventually disappearing into the serene wilderness of the Smokies. The scene evokes the peaceful beauty and natural splendor of autumn in the Smoky Mountains, offering a perfect setting for photography enthusiasts. — Roaring Fork Road

FALL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ITINERARY: GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

DAY 1, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024:
7:30 PM: Welcome and Orientation in the Hotel Lobby. Get to know fellow photographers and prepare for an exciting workshop.

LODGING: Hampton Inn, 967 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 865-436-4878
Check-in Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024; Check-out Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

DAY 2, THURSDAY. OCTOBER 24, 2024:
MORNING: Embark on a captivating photography journey in the Great Smoky Mountains, where you'll capture the vibrant fall foliage and breathtaking landscapes. Each day's shooting locations will be carefully chosen based on the latest weather forecasts to ensure optimal conditions for your photography.

DAYS 3-5, FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25-27, 2024:
GOLDEN HOURS: Rise early for sunrise photography from different overlooks. Witness the park bathed in soft morning light.

HISTORIC CHARM: Capture the park's historic buildings against vibrant autumn foliage.

INTIMATE DETAILS: Explore leaf litter, fungi, and hidden wonders.

WATERFALLS & STREAMS: Photograph the park's iconic waterfalls, serene streams, and autumn landscapes.

WORKSHOP CONCLUSION, SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 27, 2024:
PHOTOGRAPHING ENDS: Reflect on your experiences and newfound skills.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
EXTENDED STAY: We encourage participants to extend their stay to explore more of the park and refine their photography skills independently.

LODGING: A block of rooms will be reserved at the Hampton Inn for workshop participants at the best available rate. We will provide a booking link/code via email closer to the event date.

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.

Discover the charm of fall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with photographer Andy Cook during our photography workshop. This captivating image captures the view from inside a historic cabin, where a six-pane window frames a picturesque scene. Outside, a zig zag fence leads the eye to a dogwood tree adorned with vibrant red autumn leaves, set against the backdrop of a Smoky Mountains forest. This composition perfectly encapsulates the serene beauty and historic ambiance of autumn in the Smokies. — Historic Cabin Window

DAILY ROUTINE
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS FALL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

MORNING: Kick off your day with early morning photography at a prime location, starting at civil twilight to capture the serene beauty of the Smokies at dawn. We typically move to another scenic spot before heading to breakfast, ensuring you get the most out of the morning light.

MIDDAY: On certain days, we continue capturing the park's stunning landscapes throughout midday. On other days, you'll have free time to relax at the hotel and review your photos. This flexible schedule allows you to maximize your shooting opportunities or take a well-deserved break.

EVENING: Photography sessions conclude before dinner. We do not schedule a group dinner due to the busy nature of Gatlinburg and the potential late returns from our shoots (often around 7:30 to 8:30 PM). Instead, you'll find a variety of dining options within walking distance. Whether you prefer to dine in small groups at local restaurants or enjoy a pre-purchased meal while editing your photos and unwinding, the choice is yours.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of fall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with photographer Andy Cook during our photography workshop. This stunning image captures a large red tree dominating the foreground, surrounded by smaller golden trees. In the far background, a distant mountain adorned with autumn colors completes the picturesque scene. This composition perfectly encapsulates the vibrant colors and natural splendor of fall in the Smoky Mountains, providing an ideal setting for photography enthusiasts. — Autumn Trees in Cades Cove

Don't miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in one of America's most stunning landscapes during its most vibrant season. Join our Fall Photography Workshop and enhance your skills while photographing the breathtaking autumn foliage, iconic waterfalls, and historic charm of the Smoky Mountains. Book your spot today for an unforgettable experience!

REGISTRATION / DEPOSIT $300 USD

TERMS-CONDITIONS CANCELLATION POLICY

DEPOSIT or FULL

Registration / Payment

BALANCE

Pay Balance

REPEAT BALANCE

Pay Repeat Balance

Experience the serene beauty of fall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with our photography workshop led by Andy Cook. This captivating image showcases a long exposure of a river gently flowing around moss-covered boulders, adorned with vibrant autumn leaves. Framed by lush rhododendrons and a backdrop of yellow, orange, and red hardwood forest, the scene highlights the essence of autumn and the perfect setting for capturing fall landscapes during our Smoky Mountains photo workshop. — Smoky Mountains Fall Photo Workshop

AUTUMN SMOKY MOUNTAINS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP DETAILS

EXPERIENCE LEVELS: Suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced photographers.

SMALL GROUP SIZE: Enjoy a supportive and collaborative environment with like-minded photographers. Target number of participants is 8.

EFFORT LEVEL: Moderate - Our Fall Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photography Workshop features a variety of photography locations with varying accessibility. While some spots are conveniently located just beyond the parking area, others will require moderate hiking and mild elevation gains. The longest trail is approximately 1.5 miles each way. When photographing along streams, participants may need to navigate rocky terrain and large boulders, which requires extra care and stability. For safety and comfort, sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended to help prevent slips and falls.

CONDITIONS: Embrace the unpredictability of fall in the Smokies. Mornings can be as chilly as winter, so layering is essential. Staying updated on weather forecasts and dressing in versatile, weather-appropriate clothing will ensure a comfortable and productive photography experience during our Fall Smoky Mountains Photo Workshop.

ELEVATION: Our Autumn Great Smoky Mountains Photography Workshop spans a diverse range of elevations, from 1,300 to 6,600 feet. This variety offers a rich array of landscapes and perspectives from misty valleys to lofty peaks, allowing you to capture the full spectrum of fall beauty in the park. Be prepared for changes in air density and temperature as you explore different elevations.

Join photographer Andy Cook for an unforgettable fall photography workshop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This stunning image, captured in the soft morning light, showcases a long exposure of water cascading over the elevated water chute at Mingus Mill. Surrounding the chute, the trees of the hardwood forest are adorned with vibrant autumn colors, creating a picturesque scene that exemplifies the beauty of autumn in the Smokies. — Mingus Mill Water Chute

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.

MORE WORKSHOP INFORMATION

Explore the dramatic beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with photographer Andy Cook during our fall photography workshop. This striking black and white image, captured from a high viewpoint, showcases numerous ridge lines and layered mountains. The haze and clouds create a mystical atmosphere, allowing sun beams to project in from the top half of the frame, and dance across the layered mountains, adding depth and drama to the scene. This photograph exemplifies the raw natural beauty and serene landscapes of the Smokies. — Layers - Smoky Mountains

EQUIPMENT FOR SMOKY MOUNTAINS AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY

RECOMMENDATIONS: MORE WORKSHOP INFORMATION

FOR SMOKIES:

LENS RANGE: Bring lenses covering a wide focal range—from at least 18mm to 400mm (after considering the lens multiplication factor). This versatility ensures you're ready for sweeping landscapes and detailed close-ups.

POLARIZING FILTER: Enhance color saturation and reduce reflections. A polarizer is essential for capturing the Smokies' vibrant foliage and water surfaces.

NEUTRAL DENSITY (ND) FILTER: Opt for a 6-stop or higher ND filter. It allows longer exposures, perfect for silky waterfalls and dreamy streams.

RAIN GEAR: Be prepared for wet weather. Rain is a possibility, and often the best Smoky Mountains photos are captured in the rain. Pack an umbrella and waterproof clothing.

FOOTWEAR: For wading in shallow, cold streams and getting close to those captivating water shots, wear sturdy waterproof boots. Want to go a little further in? Bring shoes suitable for wading in streams. The unique perspectives you'll capture can be worth the chill.