Overview

Come explore the far reaches of the Great Smoky Mountains! I’ve been coming to the Smokies several times a year for as long as I can remember and have discovered and explored some of the most magical places I have ever seen. The Smokies are very unique. They’re are plant and animal life there that is no where else here in the East. And, did I mention that things grow BIG over there! Well they do, everything from Virgin timber to ferns that grow up taller than my waist! We’re to see it all on this trip. We’ll be making our way to some of our favorites and we have a few new spots to explore. We promise to send you home starry eyed and satisfied!

We will also “see” in the grand landscape and bring new life to a scene that might look rather ordinary during the harsh light hours. We will be on the constant hunt for new mushrooms and more intimate scenes that have popped up overnight.

As autumn unveils its vibrant tapestry, the Great Smoky Mountains transform into a spellbinding realm of photographic marvels. The lush green foliage gives way to a breathtaking symphony of warm hues, painting the landscape with a palette of reds, oranges, and golds. Against the backdrop of clear blue skies, the fiery foliage creates a stunning contrast, offering photographers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the essence of nature's grand finale.

The Great Smoky Mountains' autumnal magic extends beyond the trees, as misty mornings and crisp evenings lend an ethereal quality to the landscape. Streams meander through valleys, adorned with fallen leaves, providing captivating reflections that add depth and complexity to every shot. Whether framed against the rugged mountains or reflected in tranquil waters, the resplendent foliage becomes a canvas of inspiration, inviting photographers to capture the fleeting beauty of this enchanting season. In the heart of the Smokies, autumn's photographic wonders unfold, weaving stories of transformation and capturing the soul-stirring essence of nature's transition.

This is a great trip to just explore the many Autumn wonders of the Great Smokies, but we’ll also be working on techniques that we use often in a landscape like this. The first I usually think of is shutter speed. Whether it’s will Wildlife, blowing leaves or a subtle mountain stream, it all matters! We’ll be going into great detail sharing our techniques and style so that you can incorporate them into your Workflow.

Got your attention yet?…. Check this out, we’ll also dive into image blending and Black & White conversions! Techniques that can transport your images to a place far beyond what you ever dreamed.

Booking Info: Old Creek Lodge – 865-430-7200 and mention Mountains to Sea Workshop for our block discount.

Join us on this once a year trip with all the luxuries and experience the seasonal bliss of the Smokies!

*We are fully Permitted in the Park and promote “Leave No Trace”

Important:  Your safety is always our highest priority.  Please make sure you are able to hike at least one mountain mile.  The terrain here is uneven and can be steep to our shoot locations.  An equipment list will be provided prior to the Workshop. *If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we will need to know about this in advance to assess your ability for this trip.

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What’s included

• Photography instruction with Landscape Photographers Tommy White and Alistair Nicol.

• 5 Full days of Photography and field Instruction in the Great Smoky Mountains

• Guidance through the most visited National Park in America

• Snacks are provided during the Workshop

• One on One field guidance in composition, tension, balance, and harmony

• Visual interpretation of the landscape. How to see and use the light

• Fully park permitted and Insured

What’s not included

• Transportation. Participants should plan to provide their own transportation. Carpooling will be available at your own discretion

• Food. Plan to bring snacks and water.

• Lodging

• Park Fees

• Alcoholic beverages

• Travel Insurance (optional)

• Personal Items

PACK LIST

Click HERE to view the Packlist

Topics we will cover

• Learn how to create powerful compositions and bring your artistic vision to life

• Visualizing your composition, capturing and guiding the viewer

• How to identify and control: Balance and visual flow

• The use of filters to enhance and control light. How to “see” light

• Histograms, how to read them, and why they play an important role

• Focus Stacking for extreme front and back focus

• How to use lens compression

• How to blend focal lengths

• How to create beautiful Long Exposures to unveil a hidden visual world

• Photographing the night sky: Stars, Milky Way, Star Trails and Time Lapse Photography

• Light Painting in the Twilight and night Landscape

• How to research potential shoot locations

• How to read the weather

• Image Critique

• Post Processing and Digital Workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop

Cancellation Policy:  If you need to cancel your booking, the Deposit is nonrefundable on all Seasonal and Group Photography Workshops.  If the cancellation is less than 90 days, you will receive a full refund minus the deposit and 15% admin fee, when your spot is filled. If the cancellation is more than 90 days, you will receive a full refund when your spot is filled, or, you may move to another available workshop (minus a 15% admin fee) in the current calendar year. The remaining balance on the new Workshop is due upon transfer.

If you are booked for a Private Workshop and you need to cancel, you may reschedule your workshop one time within the current calendar year during an available time