Join us for an immersive Smoky Mountains Fall Photography Workshop in October 2026, where we’ll capture the breathtaking beauty of autumn in one of the most scenic national parks in the country. This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels who want to refine their landscape photography techniques while experiencing the vibrant fall foliage, misty valleys, and iconic streams of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

What to Expect:

• Peak Fall Colors – Brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows in the forests and valleys.
• Classic Smokies Landscapes – Sunrise vistas, rolling ridges, waterfalls, and winding mountain streams.
• Amazing Stream & Waterfall Photography – Capture silky cascades and flowing mountain streams surrounded by autumn leaves, with expert guidance on composition and long exposure techniques.
• Fog & Atmospheric Light – Early morning mist and golden-hour magic for dramatic compositions.
• Wildlife Opportunities – Potential sightings of black bears, deer, and elk in their natural habitat.
• Personalized Instruction – Hands-on guidance in the field, covering composition, exposure, and creative techniques.
• Image Review & Editing Session – A dedicated class session to refine your images and enhance post-processing skills.

This workshop includes short hikes on uneven terrain to access some of the best photography locations, including streams, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Most locations are easily accessible, but some may require walking on rocky trails, forest paths, or navigating wet and slippery stream banks. Participants should be comfortable carrying their camera gear on moderate hikes of up to 1-2 miles round trip.

We will have dedicated classroom sessions where we’ll review participants’ images, providing constructive feedback on composition, exposure, and editing techniques. You’ll also learn advanced post-processing skills, including fine-tuning colors, contrast, and details to create compelling final images.

Day 1: Arrival & Introduction

2:00 PM – Workshop Begins

• Meet at the designated location for introductions and an overview of the workshop.
• Discussion on shooting techniques, trip logistics, and what to expect over the next five days.

3:30 PM – Sunset Shoot: Clingmans Dome or Morton Overlook

• Capture stunning panoramic views with layered mountain ridges and golden-hour light.

Day 2: Streams, Waterfalls & Iconic Overlooks

6:00 AM – Sunrise Shoot: Newfound Gap or Oconaluftee Overlook

• Capture the classic mist-filled valleys and golden morning light.

8:00 - 9:30 AM – Stream & Waterfall Photography: Tremont or Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

• Focus on long-exposure techniques for silky water effects.
• Work on composition strategies for intimate scenes.

Lunch Break

2:00 PM – Classroom Session: Image Editing & Processing

• Importing and organizing your images.
• Processing techniques for landscape photography.

4:00 PM – Sunset Shoot: Foothills Parkway or Morton Overlook

• Capture warm evening light and distant mountain layers.

Day 3: Wildlife & Intimate Landscapes

6:00 AM – Sunrise Shoot: Cades Cove

• Early morning mist, fall foliage, and potential wildlife photography (deer, bears, turkeys).

12:30 PM – Lunch Break

2:00 PM – Classroom Session: Advanced Post-Processing & Creative Editing

• Work on color grading, contrast control, and advanced masking techniques.
• Participants refine images from previous days.

4:00 PM – Afternoon Streams, Waterfalls and Woodlands

• Capture flowing streams with fall reflections and soft light.
• Work on capturing intimate forest images and macro

Day 4: Iconic Scenery & Final Processing

6:00 AM – Sunrise Shoot:  Occonoluffte Overlook or Clingmans Dome

• A classic Smokies vista with layers of ridges fading into the mist.

10:00 AM – Final Waterfall & Stream Session: Greenbrier or Big Creek

• Photograph intimate forest scenes with peak fall color, moving water, and leading lines.

12:30 PM – Lunch Break

2:00 PM – Classroom Session: Image Review & Print Preparation

• Final critiques and personalized feedback.
• Techniques for preparing fine art prints.

4:00 PM –  Woodland and waterfall photography

Day 5: Final Sunrise & Departure

6:00 AM – Sunrise Shoot: Oconaluftee Overlook or Cades Cove Fields

• Capture your final morning light and misty valleys.

9:00 AM – Farewell & Wrap