Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photography Workshop
Spring in the Smokies
April 22 - 27, 2018
Biennial Workshop - Our next Spring in the Smokies workshop will be held in April 2020.
Instructor: Andy Cook
Join our spring workshop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Spring
is a wonderful time to photograph in the Smokies. A vivid assortment of
greens proliferate the surroundings, streams and rivers babble with
fresh runoff and wildflowers abound. During this workshop, we focus
on photographing spring scenes, wildflowers, streams, cascades, scenic overlooks and
historic buildings.
This
workshop concentrates on exploring and photographing locations. Some
days we may spend most of our time in the field photographing, on other days we will have lengthier
midday breaks and provide post processing
assistance. This workshop is geared for
the intermediate to advanced photographer. However, beginners with a
working knowledge of their camera can gain a lot of experience and
instruction. Each participant is assisted at their level. We focus on
helping participants create the most appealing compositions of each
location we visit. As needed we'll delve into extensive discussions on
equipment, exposure, metering, filters and personal tips. This is a
workshop environment, the instructor is present to aid in the field and
teach his techniques for landscape photography. If you're an advanced
photographer he is happy to help or stay out of the way.
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Itinerary
Outline
Participants should check in with
Andy on Sunday, (April 22nd, 2018) in the hotel lobby at 7:00 P.M. We'll have introductions and a
discussion We start photographing on Monday morning.
First Lodging Location: Townsend Gateway Inn, 8270 State Hwy 73, Townsend, TN 37882. 865-238-0123
Check-in Sunday, April 22, 2018; Check-out Tuesday, April 24, 2018.
Relocate to:
Hampton Inn, 967
Parkway,
Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Phone # 865-436-4878
Check-in Tuesday, April 24, 2018; Check-out Saturday, April 28, 2018.
Generally, participants can
expect to be at a
shooting location for the start of early light (about 6:00 - 6:45 A.M.
depending upon location) and
we'll stay in the field into the morning. We will provide breakfast
bars and water
for the early mornings. We will have a meal after the morning
shoot (on Monday this may be lunch). Everyday there is scheduled
midday time at the hotel to download, rest and
on two days there is additional time for the instructor to answer post processing questions. In the late afternoon
we'll eat a meal (picnicking twice)
and return to the field for the evening shoot (sunset about 8:15 P.M.).
Our
itinerary is created to provide the best lighting conditions with mostly clear skies. If we have an overcast day (good for
photography) that day's schedule will be modified. We will photograph in drizzle, but not hard rain.
Formal workshop ends after shooting Friday evening.
COST: $1,395.00 per
participant.
Deposit Amount: $300.00
due at time of registration. This deposit becomes non refundable 90
days in advance of the workshop.
Full payment of the
workshop is due 60 days prior to the start of the workshop. If final
payment is not received when due, we reserve the right to treat the
reservation as canceled, please review the cancellation policy on the
registration page.
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During
this workshop most photography
locations will be within 400 yards of the parking lot, some may involve
trail hiking. Trail hiking surfaces and those beyond the parking lot are
generally uneven,
hiking boots are recommended. At many locations participants will seek
vantage points amongst large boulders and rocks, this increases
one's risk of slipping and falling. If water levels are not too high, we
plan to wade across a stream where one's feet are likely to get wet,
please bring appropriate footwear. One doesn't have to be in tip-top
shape, but a participant's enjoyment will be enhanced by good health and
preparation. Please consult with a doctor before attending our workshop.
Be prepared for possible temperature extremes and sudden changes in weather. Be
aware that mornings can be very chilly. Often we will be out in
darkness before sunrise and after sunset, please bring a flashlight.
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More
Information
LODGING: For this workshop the
instructor's hotels have been selected for ease of access in and
out of the park. There are other hotels, feel free to stay at the instructor's
hotel or select a nearby hotel. Participants
need to contact hotels directly and reserve their rooms
upon registering for the workshop. This
is a busy time of the year in Gatlinburg, hotels may fill to capacity.
If you are considering this workshop please make hotel reservations as
soon as possible. Perhaps, even before registering for the
workshop.
Driving conditions will consist of paved
roads and maintained dirt roads. When possible we
prefer that participants car pool with each other to help limit our
impact and get to know each other. A standard rental car will be
sufficient.
Thankfully, both Gatlinburg and the park are much less crowded in Spring as compared with Autumn.
Our photography locations are selected based on compelling non macro
subjects. However, at many of our locations one will find a plethora of
flowers and other amazing macro subjects.
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 Equipment
Recommendations:
Bring all camera equipment including the camera's manual. We recommend
using a polarizing filter with most photographs on this workshop. Andy
now combines images of various exposures in post processing. Andy will
be happy to teach participants his field (requires a cable release with
some cameras) and post processing techniques (bring laptop with
Photoshop)
for doing so.
A lens range from 18mm to 400mm after the lens multiplication factor is
recommended. However,
we think
participants should bring their entire range of lenses. A macro lens or
extension
tubes or diopters for shooting close-ups may also be useful. To blur
water motion on a bright day, consider bringing a 6
stop or higher neutral density filter, this filter can be the screw on
type. Note: Many variable ND filters have issues with banding and
differential darkening, Andy does not recommend using variable ND
filters.
One should shoot with a sturdy outdoor tripod that can adjust from
standing height without cranking up a center post, to very close to the
ground. This type of tripod does not have attachments connecting the
legs to
the center post; i.e. the legs can move independently. Please use a
cable release or know how to work the camera's timer delay to avoid
camera shake. Unless your camera has a built-in level, we recommend
having a 2 axis flash shoe bubble level, it is the easiest way to make
sure photos are level.
Please buy these at a reputable dealer; they run
about $35.00.
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The
Fine Print
We do not guarantee the weather. Workshop
fee does not include transportation, lodging or meals. Maximum
number of participants is 10. We require an acknowledgment of risks be
signed before going into the field. We will send the acknowledgment of
risks upon registration, please return it at the start of the workshop.
In the event Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. (RMRPI)
cancels a workshop due to unforeseen circumstances such as inability to
obtain permits, instructor injury, death... Then, RMRPI will refund fees
collected by RMRPI for the affected workshop. In the event of a natural
disaster, government closure or other happening of this nature that
causes a workshop to be canceled, RMRPI may be unable to refund
workshop fees. If this happens then funds collected by RMRPI will be
applied as credit toward a future workshop of the participant's
choosing. RMRPI will not be held responsible for other expenses
(airline tickets, hotel deposits, rental car...) that may be associated
with any canceled workshop.
Rain is a real possibility. Yes, we may shoot in the rain, bring an
umbrella and rain proof cloths.
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BRING
Flashlight
Tripod
Spare Camera Batteries
Camera's Manual
Lots of Memory
Filters
Extra Shoes and Socks
Camera
Rain Gear including Rain Pants
Hiking Boots
Shoes for wading in water, yes, it's cold, but may be worth
it; Andy uses Tevas.
Warm Clothes
Umbrella
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View workshop
videos & photos.
Membership not required. |
 2016 Spring Group Photo
Rocky
Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. is authorized by the
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, to conduct
services in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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