Waterfalls of Eastern Tennessee

Overview:

In this Photography Workshop, get ready to experience some of the most waterfalls on the East Coast during peak Rose Bay rhododendron bloom!  These are some of the lesser known waterfalls in Eastern Tennessee and they are some beauties!  We will start this adventure in Boone, NC and venture out from there, driving out Hwy 421 to hit our first sunrise multi tiered waterfall at sunrise and keep on trucking.  We will continue working our way West across Tennessee hitting some the most beautiful waterfalls in the region eventually landing in the area of the Eastern Smoky Mountains for our final night to photograph all of my favorites in that area.  Get ready to fill those cards with all of the very best that I know of.  This is a compilation of over 38 years of work all planned out for you over the course of 3 days.  And, as an added bonus, I’ve added a free online course of how I retouch all of my waterfalls for you to enjoy at your own pace to follow this amazing workshop.  Don’t miss this one folks!

Photographing waterfalls in the southeastern region of Tennessee is an awe-inspiring experience, with each location offering a unique blend of natural beauty, serenity, and adventure. The waterfalls in this area are nestled within the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by lush, dense forests, rocky outcrops, and vibrant plant life that change with the seasons. Photographers visiting this region are treated to scenes of rushing water flowing through narrow gorges, cascading over rock ledges, and pooling into crystal-clear basins, all while being immersed in the tranquil ambiance of the wilderness.

Timing is everything when it comes to capturing these natural wonders. Early mornings, particularly in spring and fall, provide a mystical experience, with soft, diffused light filtering through the trees and illuminating the mist that rises from the base of the falls. After a rainfall, waterfalls in southeastern Tennessee swell with dramatic power, creating dynamic compositions full of movement and energy.

For those seeking the perfect shot, the slower pace required in waterfall photography offers a meditative quality. Using a slow shutter speed allows the photographer to blend the constant motion of the water with the stillness of the surrounding environment, creating that signature silky effect. Many of the waterfalls are located within heavily wooded areas, where the canopy filters out harsh light, making it easier to shoot long exposures without needing neutral density filters. However, the use of a tripod becomes essential to ensure sharpness in both the landscape and the water's fluid motion. This careful balance of light and movement adds to the artistry of the experience, making each photograph a unique interpretation of the waterfall’s beauty.

Regardless of the way you “see” waterfalls or the way you choose to capture them, slow or showing it’s energy, you will find plenty of opportunities on this Workshops.  I have chosen the waterfalls carefully and only the best to include a very diverse selection for you.  I have photographed hundreds of waterfalls in my time and all are simply not created equal.  They are ALL beautiful in their own way, but not all are photogenic.  The ones I have chosen for this trip are highly photogenic and will challenge even the most seasoned photographer, so grab your gear and get ready to spend 3 of the most engaging days you’ve had in a while immersed in the cool mountain waters of the Southern Appalachians!  Hope to see you there!!

Topics we will cover

• How to research potential shoot locations

• How to maximize your foreground.

• Learn how to create powerful compositions and bring your artistic vision to life

• Learn how to find balance and harmony in the field and use important elements to support your subject.

• Learning how to identify important foreground elements and how to photograph them

• Focus stacking. How to capture and process it.

• Macro Photography. Capture and process.

• Focal Length Blending. How to capture and process it.

• Angle of View and Perspective

• Capturing textures, shapes and patterns

• Visual interpretation of the landscape. How to “see” and use the light

• The importance of Storytelling. How to find and capture your story to enhance your image and tie it all together.

• 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

• Post Processing and Digital Workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop, including third party softwares

About this Trip

Fitness
Average fitness level is great! Distances can be up to 1 trail mile. Most are very close to the car.

Experience
Aspiring - Advanced. Some trail experience is helpful. Basic knowledge of the camera is helpful but not required.

What’s Included

• Photography instruction with Professional Landscape Photographer Tommy White

• Lightroom and Photoshop training

• 3rd party programs like TK Actions, John Weatherby’s Pro Panel, Luminar AI, and Nik by DXO

• 3 Full days of Photography and field Instruction at the Waterfalls of Eastern Tennessee.

• One on One field guidance in composition and how to frame your subject.

• Guidance and safety throughout the entire trip

• Drinks and Snacks are provided during Workshop

What’s not included

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

• Meals during the trip. I will always have drinks and snacks on hand but plan to travel with your own favorites as well.

• Lodging - We will provide information for you on Lodging upon registration. As photography is all about the weather, we will plan to move about for the best conditions. We will have a secured place to stay on the night of our arrival and the night before our departure

• Park and admission fees. We are fully permitted in State and National Parks, but occasionally there are other fees per individual.

• Alcoholic beverages

• Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)

• Personal Items

Cancellation Policy:  If you need to cancel your booking, the Deposit is non refundable 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.