Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fall Photography Workshop
Autumn color, layered ridges, streams, forest scenes, and historic buildings in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Workshop overview
Workshop video
About the Smoky Mountains fall photography workshop
Fall in the Smokies is defined by rich color, flowing water, and mountainous scale. Hillsides fade into the distance, layering into overlapping ridges as autumn color ripples through the forest. Streams and waterfalls anchor many scenes, providing structure and visual flow. This time of year, sunrise and sunset can fill the sky with color, while light remains soft beneath the canopy and moves across ridgelines, separating layers and revealing depth.
We respond to what the park offers. Some mornings that means waiting at a location to see whether fog lifts enough to reveal the scene. Other times it means committing to a narrow view, a short stretch of river, or a specific bend in the road where the composition works. Different subjects require different conditions. Waterfalls and streams photograph best under flat light, while ridge views depend more on timing and compositional restraint than on dramatic conditions.
Andy Cook is present in the field throughout the workshop, not to make his own images, but to offer guidance where it's useful, whether at the tripod, during setup, or while talking through a decision that didn't quite work. There are also stretches where participants work on their own as the group naturally spreads out across a location. Experience levels vary, but the emphasis is on creating stronger photographs to help participants return home with a solid body of work.
Workshop highlights
Overlooks and layered ridgelines
Overlooks are an important part of the Smokies in fall, especially when layered ridges separate in early or late light. We watch for moments when haze, cloud cover, or shifting light create depth and reveal structure.
Water and forest scenes
Streams and waterfalls are frequent subjects in the Smokies, often paired with forest settings and historic buildings. We focus on composition, managing reflections, and choosing how water and surrounding elements work together within the frame.
Smaller scenes and fine details
For those interested in closeups, there's room to work with smaller scenes such as leaf litter, fungi, wet rock, and intimate forest details. These subjects reward careful framing and patience.
Workshop itinerary and schedule
Lodging
We'll be based in Gatlinburg, close to the park entrances we use most often during fall. The location allows easy access to the park while keeping evenings simple during a busy season. Final booking details and a reservation link will be sent closer to the workshop date.
Hampton Inn967 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Lodging website · 865-436-4878
Daily outline
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Day 1 (Saturday, Oct. 24)
- — Welcome and orientation.
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Days 2–5 (Sunday–Wednesday, Oct. 25–28)
Some days emphasize waterfalls and forest scenes; others focus on ridgelines, distance, and compression. Evenings are used selectively—there's no obligation to be out until sunset if we're working in the forest.
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Day 5 (Wednesday, Oct. 28)
Workshop conclusion: Photography typically runs into the evening. Because late returns are common, participants should plan to stay overnight and depart Thursday morning rather than scheduling late-night travel.
What to expect
- Morning: Most days begin early. We're usually in position before first light, setting up and watching how a scene unfolds. We stay as long as conditions remain productive.
- Midday: What happens next depends on the weather. On overcast or rainy days, we often continue working, as streams, waterfalls, and forest scenes benefit from soft light. On sunnier days, we may step away for a break, image review, or independent time. These pauses are an opportunity to discuss post-processing questions or revisit decisions made earlier in the field.
- Evening: Evenings are planned around available light. When conditions are right, we'll work a sunset location. At other times, we'll be in the forest along streams, waterfalls, and shaded corridors where soft light settles in gradually and remains usable into sunset.
- Dinner and evenings in town: We don't schedule group dinners because returns can be late—often between 7:30 and 8:30 PM—and vary from day to day. Gatlinburg has plenty of dining options within walking distance of the hotel, and most participants choose whatever fits their energy level: eating out, keeping something simple on hand, or reviewing images before turning in.
Registration
We look forward to seeing you in the Great Smoky Mountains this fall.
→ Register for the Great Smoky Mountains Fall workshop
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Workshop details
- Experience level
- Experience levels vary. Instruction happens in the field and adjusts to both the conditions and the individual, whether that means help with basic setup or a deeper look at composition and decision-making.
- Group size
- Small group (target of 8 participants) to allow for individualized instruction.
- Effort
- Moderate. Many locations are close to parking, but some involve short hikes on uneven terrain. The longest walks are roughly 1.5 miles each way. Near streams and waterfalls, footing can be rocky, slick, or uneven, and careful movement is important. Sturdy footwear with good traction is strongly recommended.
- Conditions
- Fall weather in the Smokies is variable. Mornings can be quite cold, with milder conditions later in the day. Rain and fog are possible and often productive for photography, especially in forested areas. Layered clothing and rain protection are essential.
- Elevation
- We'll work across a wide range of elevations, from roughly 1,300 feet in the valleys to over 6,000 feet along the ridges. Temperature, wind, and visibility can change noticeably as we move through the park.
Getting to the workshop
Air travel
Knoxville, TN (TYS) is the best airport for this workshop.
Drive time from Knoxville: about 2 hours
The route through Townsend is recommended to avoid heavy traffic through Pigeon Forge and keep the drive time above.
Driving and carpooling
A standard rental car is sufficient for the paved roads and maintained dirt roads. During the workshop we encourage participants to carpool when possible to reduce our impact and create a sense of community.
Recommended gear
Lenses
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 can be helpful for photographing fall foliage and is often necessary for capturing stream scenes.
Neutral density (ND) filter
Opt for a 6-stop or higher ND filter. It allows longer exposures that smooth the movement of water when conditions are bright. On overcast days, it may not be needed.
Rain gear
Be prepared for wet weather. Pack waterproof clothing and an umbrella.
Footwear
For working near shallow, cold streams, sturdy waterproof boots are strongly recommended. Footwear suitable for wading can open up additional positions for those comfortable working in cold water.
Related workshops
Fall and spring offer very different compositions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you're interested in spring conditions, details for our spring workshop are available here.
Workshop community
FAQ
- Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
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Yes. Beginners are welcome. Guidance is available throughout the workshop and happens in real conditions, not in a classroom. You're not expected to arrive with everything figured out, and you won't be rushed. Questions come up naturally in the field, and help is there when you need it.
- How flexible is the workshop when weather changes?
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The workshop is planned around changing conditions. Locations and subjects are adjusted daily based on light and weather. Forest scenes, streams, waterfalls, and historic structures often benefit from soft or wet conditions, allowing productive photography even when weather is unsettled.
- How structured is the instruction during the day?
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There's no fixed lecture schedule. Guidance happens naturally during setup, while refining a composition, or when reviewing a decision that didn't quite work. Some participants work on their own; others prefer more conversation. Both approaches are fine.
- Will there be time for image review or post-processing questions?
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Yes. Midday breaks and downtime are often used to review images, talk through editing approaches, or answer post-processing questions. These discussions are informal and tied directly to what you've been photographing.