Autumn in the Smokies
Photo/Video Workshop

Food:

There are several restaurants in walking/driving distance and there is a well stocked grocery store nearby. There will be an option for dinner at a restaurant every night and lunch stops will be part of the itinerary on any full days of location shooting. It is recommended that you carry some snacks and drinks along when we travel to photo locations. We will also gather together each evening to download, process, and share our work while relaxing with drinks and snacks. 

Weather:

We will be enjoying our visit in early autumn in a mountain environment. There can be significant day to night temperature transitions. Prepare to be able to dress in layers on most days to be prepared for the temperature variations. 

Rain is likely to occur at any time during the workshop there and occasionally we have encountered early season snowfall during the event. Bring appropriate rainwear for yourself and your camera equipment. Light to moderate rain/snow will not stop us from shooting in most locations and can even be desirable in some instances.

Terrain:

Most of our time will be spent in outdoor environments. The trails and access to all of the locations we will go to are rated as easy to moderate level of difficulty. At some locations there are options to utilize access routes that are more difficult in nature for those that are so inclined. No attendee is obligated under any circumstances to go anywhere that they are not comfortable. Please remember that waterfalls by their very nature are typically found in steep environments and that good photo vantage points at waterfalls, streams, and rivers may be wet, muddy, and/or rocky and are always slippery. Comfortable and sturdy shoes that have good grip on wet or muddy surfaces are a must-have. Make certain that you break in your shoes in advance. Unfortunately a few guests have ignored this caveat in the past and have had to miss out on days of adventure due to being crippled by new shoes. Spare shoes and extra clothing  are highly recommended to keep in your vehicle as it is quite likely that you will get wet at some point. Hip boots or waders can be valuable accessories to gain access to mid-stream vantage points for photography.

We will travel to many different locations and the amount of walking at any location is typically not far as far as distance is concerned. a few locations require a mile or more round-trip to reach scenic photo ops. Please be cognizant of your personal abilities with respect to walking distances and tackling steep terrain. In locations with varied terrain the group may split with the more active members going on the more challenging routes and the less active members going on easier routes. As mentioned previously, you will never be obligated to go anywhere that makes you uncomfortable.