Great Smokies Autumn Color Workshop

Workshop Overview

The Smokies are easily one of my very favorite spots in the Southeast. There is a reason it is the most visited Park in the United States. As you may already know, the park is host to many groves of old growth forests and springs that are literally just bursting out of the moss covered ground. We will be up before dawn each morning to take advantage of the mist filled mountains that gave the Smokies their name followed by a quick trip to a local waterfall or mountain stream before heading to a wonderful mountain style breakfast. Our days will be spent under the shaded canopy along the many trails of the park enjoying the vast array of colors looking for foggy light peaking through and small late season macro opportunities along the forest floor. We will also be on the lookout for the abundant wildlife that lives throughout the Park. Black Bear, Deer, Elk, Otter, Beaver and Eagle just to name a few. I will always be nearby to make suggestions on compositions and opportunities to look out for. I never want you to feel that I’m being overbearing… but rather, always available. After the Workshop, we will all get together again for a post processing session to share our captures. This is where I will demonstrate all techniques and answer any last questions. As a guest of Tommy White Photography, you will always receive 10% off of any future Workshops. I hope you will consider joining me on this amazing adventure!!

A little more info.

Come explore the far reaches of the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains! I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Smokies several times each year for as long as I can remember, and during these adventures, I have discovered and explored some of the most magical places I have ever seen. The Smokies are truly unique in their own right. There is an incredible variety of plant and animal life there that exists nowhere else in the Eastern United States. And, did I mention that things grow remarkably BIG over in that region? Well, they certainly do—everything from towering virgin timber to ferns that soar up taller than my waist! On this trip, we’re excited to see it all and more. We’ll be making our way to some of our favorite spots as well as venturing to a few new locations that await our exploration. We promise to send you home feeling starry-eyed and thoroughly satisfied!

As autumn unveils its vibrant tapestry, the Great Smoky Mountains transform into a spellbinding realm of incredible photographic marvels. The once-lush green foliage gradually gives way to a breathtaking symphony of warm hues, painting the expansive landscape with an exquisite palette of rich reds, burnt oranges, and shimmering golds. Against the backdrop of clear blue skies that stretch endlessly above, the fiery foliage creates a stunning visual contrast, offering photographers not just a scene, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the very essence of nature's grand finale.

The Great Smoky Mountains' enchanting autumnal magic extends far beyond just the trees, as misty mornings and chilly, crisp evenings lend an ethereal quality to the ever-changing landscape. Streams gracefully meander through lush valleys, adorned with a multitude of fallen leaves, providing captivating reflections that enhance the depth and complexity of every shot taken. Whether beautifully framed against the rugged, towering mountains or mirrored in the tranquil, still waters, the resplendent foliage transforms into a vivid canvas of inspiration, inviting photographers from all walks of life to capture the fleeting beauty of this enchanting season. In the very heart of the Smokies, autumn's breathtaking photographic wonders unfold, weaving intricate stories of transformation and capturing the soul-stirring essence of nature's remarkable transition.

This is truly a fantastic trip to explore the many enchanting Autumn wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains. Additionally, we’ll also be focusing on various techniques that we use frequently in landscapes as mesmerizing as this one. The first aspect that typically comes to my mind is shutter speed. Whether we’re capturing wildlife in motion, the delicate dance of blowing leaves, or the gentle flow of a subtle mountain stream, each element plays a significant role in our compositions! We’ll dive into great detail, sharing our techniques and unique style so that you can effectively incorporate them into your own photography workflow.

Join us for the Autumn in the Smokies landscape photography workshop and seize the opportunity to capture the breathtaking beauty of fall foliage in one of nature's most stunning settings. During this immersive experience, you'll hone your skills alongside fellow photography enthusiasts, guided by expert insights that will elevate your technique and inspire your creativity. As the vibrant colors of the season paint the landscape, you'll create lasting memories and stunning images that tell the story of this extraordinary time of year. Don’t miss your chance to connect with nature and unleash your artistic potential—reserve your spot today and step into the enchanting world of autumn in the Smokies.

Booking Info: Contact the Bearskin Lodge in Gatlinburg and mention Mountains to Sea Workshop for our block discount. 840 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 865-430-4330

*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 1-2 mountain miles.   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.

What’s included

• Photography instruction with Professional Landscape Photographer Tommy White.

• 4 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

• Food. Plan to bring snacks and water.

• Lodging

• Park Fees

• Alcoholic beverages

• Travel Insurance (optional)

• Personal Items

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

PACK LIST

Click HERE to view the Packlist

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.

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

• How to research potential shoot locations

• How to read the weather

• Image Critique

• Post Processing and Digital Workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop