ABOUT THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS SPRING PHOTO WORKSHOP
Spring is one of the best times to capture the natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During this season, the park comes alive with vibrant greens, crystal-clear streams, and waterfalls cascading through the landscape. Wildflowers bloom in abundance, offering endless opportunities for stunning photos. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of spring in the Smokies.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
SPRING LANDSCAPES
Capture the ethereal beauty of foggy mornings—a common spring phenomenon that creates dreamy, atmospheric landscapes. With the park's wildflowers in full bloom, you'll also have the opportunity to photograph stunning intimate nature shots.
MOVING WATER & WATERFALLS
Spring's higher water levels bring rushing streams and cascading waterfalls to life, offering you incredible opportunities to practice waterfall photography and capture the dynamic flow of water in the Smokies.
HIDDEN GEMS
We'll guide you to off-the-beaten-path locations that many overlook, providing unique perspectives of the Great Smoky Mountains that will elevate your portfolio.
ICONIC LANDSCAPES
Explore and photograph the iconic landscapes of the Smoky Mountains, including panoramic views from scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding wilderness.
HISTORIC CHARM
Discover and photograph the historic buildings and iconic locations in the Smokies, capturing the blend of history and nature that makes this park so special.
Join us for an unforgettable experience where you'll refine your photography techniques and capture the essence of spring in one of America's most picturesque national parks.
WORKSHOP ITINERARY & SCHEDULE
WORKSHOP START: THURSDAY, April 23, 2026:
The workshop kicks off at 7:00 PM with introductions and an overview of the schedule in the conference room at our first lodging location, Townsend Gateway Inn.
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS: FRIDAY, April 24, 2026 - TUESDAY, April 28, 2026:
We begin our spring photography workshop early Friday morning, diving into landscape and nature photography in the Great Smoky Mountains. Expect hands-on instruction while exploring this amazing national park.
WORKSHOP CONCLUSION: TUESDAY, April 28, 2026:
The Great Smoky Mountains spring photography workshop will conclude after an evening photography session on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
LODGING LOCATIONS & DATES:
Talley Ho Inn, 8314 State Hwy 73, Lamar Alexandar Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882. (865) 448-2465
Check-in Thursday, April 23, 2026
Check-out Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Hampton Inn, 967 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 865-436-4878
Check-in Saturday, April 25, 2026
Check-out Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
While our workshop will take you to some of the best photography locations in the park, the Smoky Mountains are vast, and it's impossible to capture every stunning spot during the workshop itself. We encourage participants to stay a few days after the workshop and continue exploring on their own.
We will reserve a block of rooms at each hotel. Once the group reservations are available, we will email participants with instructions for selecting their rooms.
WHAT TO EXPECT
MORNING: Each day begins at a carefully selected photography location to capture the soft, early light. We'll stay in the field, taking full advantage of the best morning photography conditions until the light changes. After our morning shoot, we'll gather for a group meal (on Monday, this may be lunch).
MIDDAY: The midday break offers time to return to the hotel, download your images, and rest. On two days, we'll also set aside extra time to assist with post-processing techniques, helping you enhance your photos and learn new editing skills.
EVENING: In the late afternoon, we'll enjoy a group meal (picnicking twice during the workshop) before heading back out into the field for evening photography. Expect to capture the beauty of the Smoky Mountains at sunset, with the sun setting around 8:15 PM during the spring.
NOTE: Our itinerary is designed to take full advantage of days with clear skies, shifting photography sessions to early morning and late afternoon for optimal light. However, if we experience an overcast day (which can offer excellent conditions for moody and atmospheric photography), we'll adjust our schedule accordingly. While we'll still photograph in light drizzle, we'll avoid shooting in heavy rain or high winds to ensure the best possible experience.
Ready to Capture the Beauty of Spring in the Smokies?
Join us for an unforgettable Great Smoky Mountains Spring Photography Workshop! Whether you're a beginner or an advanced photographer, you'll have the chance to explore breathtaking landscapes, wildflowers, waterfalls, and hidden gems while honing your photography skills in a stunning natural setting.
Spaces are limited, so don't wait—reserve your spot today and start planning your adventure in one of the most beautiful national parks in the country!
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION / DEPOSIT $300 USD
CONTACT US - MasterCard / Visa.
or
PayPal buttons below offer GUEST CHECKOUT with CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS.
- DEPOSIT or FULL
- BALANCE
- REPEAT BALANCE
WORKSHOP DETAILS
EXPERIENCE LEVELS: Suitable for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced photographers. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers something for everyone.
SMALL GROUP SIZE: Our target number of participants is 8, ensuring an intimate, personalized experience with plenty of one-on-one instruction.
EFFORT LEVEL: Easy to Moderate. Most photography locations are within 400 yards of the parking lot, though some may involve light trail hiking. While photographing near streams, you may encounter large boulders and rocks, requiring extra caution and strength to navigate. Hiking boots are recommended to ensure stability and safety, especially around slippery areas.
CONDITIONS:
Be prepared for potential temperature extremes and sudden changes in weather. Spring mornings can be chilly, so layering is key. We recommend bringing weather-appropriate clothing and gear to stay comfortable throughout the workshop.
ELEVATION: Photography locations will vary in elevation from 1,300 to 6,600 feet. Be prepared for varying conditions as you explore the diverse landscapes of the Smoky Mountains.
GETTING TO THE WORKSHOP
SUGGESTED WORKSHOP AIRPORT: The most convenient airport for this workshop is McGhee Tyson Airport (Knoxville, TN), which offers the best access to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Driving Time: From Knoxville, TN to Townsend is approximately 45 minutes.
Driving Time: From Gatlinburg, TN to Knoxville is approximately 1 hour.
DRIVING CONDITIONS: Travel will involve paved highways and well-maintained dirt roads, which may become muddy depending on weather conditions. To minimize our impact and foster camaraderie, we encourage participants to carpool whenever possible during the workshop. It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow photographers before we hit the trails.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
FOR SPRING SMOKIES:
LENS RANGE: For optimal coverage, we recommend bringing lenses that range from at least 18mm to 400mm (after factoring in the lens multiplication). A polarizing filter is essential to reduce reflections and enhance colors, and a 6-stop or higher neutral density filter will help you capture those stunning waterfall shots and long-exposure photography.
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY: While our photography locations are selected to highlight landscape and nature photography, many spots also offer a wealth of macro photography opportunities. Expect to find a variety of wildflowers and other small, captivating subjects perfect for close-up shots.
RAIN GEAR: Spring in the Smokies means rain is a real possibility. While we do photograph in light rain (it can add beautiful mood and texture to your photos), we recommend bringing an umbrella and rainproof clothing to stay dry and comfortable.
WADING SHOES: For those willing to wade into streams for those perfect shots, waterproof shoes or wading boots are a must. Yes, the water can be cold, but the unique perspectives you'll capture are definitely worth it.
While spring is a time of rebirth, gentle beauty and swollen streams, the fall season in the Smokies offers a dramatic display of color. The mountains transform into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a breathtaking spectacle. For those that love the vibrant colors of autumn, we also offer a Fall Photography Workshop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.