Explore the Smoky Mountains - Learn from pros Ben Ayling and Tom Yackley!

Before the workshop begins,

there will be a preliminary zoom meeting with the participants and the instructors. This ensures that participants know what to expect, where we will be going, and park regulations. Instructors will want to know what equipment participants use, and their skill level and interests so that the instruction may be tailored to their needs.

Day 1

3 PM Arrival and check-in at the Highland Manor Inn in Townsend, Tennessee: the peaceful side of the Smokies

Meet and greet/snacks in the lobby of the Highland Manor

4 PM Explore Tremont and the Townsend Wye

Day 2

5:45 Departure for Cades Cove

6:29 AM Entrance into Cades Cove opens at sunrise

Picnic Lunch provided

2:00 PM Two hour editing and coaching session at hotel

4:30 PM Search for bears and wildlife at Cades Cove

7:00 PM Sparks Lane for golden hour and sunset (8:33)

Day 3

6:00 AM Drive to Gatlinburg to Roaring Fork Motor Tour Parkway

6:28 AM Sunrise at Roaring Fork

Lunch in Gatlinburg provided

2:00 PM Photo stops at Elkmont, Little River, and the Sinks

4:30 PM Post-processing session

7:00 PM Hyatt Lane or Wears Valley Overlook for golden hour and sunset

Day 4

6:30 AM Drive to Foothills Parkway overlook

7:00 AM Sunrise over the mountains

Explore favorite locations along the Foothills Parkway

12:00 PM Start for home to process your wonderful photos and memories

Times and locations subject to change based on weather and conditions

The month following the workshop,

there will be a follow-up zoom meeting with the participants and the instructors. This will be an opportunity for all to share some of their photos with the group. We will also do some post-processing to ensure that all have improved, not only in the field, but also in the editing of photos.

Register

Inclusions: Individual hotel accommodations, workshop transportation, breakfasts and lunches, attentive assistance with your photography, zoom meetings before and after the event.

Not included: Dinners, alcoholic beverages, personal items, air travel.

We can accommodate people who wish to room together for a discounted rate. Let us know! Transportation from McGee Tyson airport in Knoxville may be available. Contact us for additional information.

Workshop leaders Ben Ayling and Tom Yackley are lifelong arts educators and award-winning photographers. Their main interest in these workshops is helping participants improve their skills with a camera and with post-processing. Bios are on the About page for each instructor.

The cost for the workshop, including all photo location sessions, post-processing sessions, hotel, workshop transportation, breakfasts, and lunches is $1995. An “early bird” special is available for $1795 until February 1, 2025. You may opt to pay a $500 deposit now and the balance by March 1, or you may pay the full sum today. Those choices are on the “store” page.

Cancellation policy: If you must cancel, and notify us 60 days or more before the start of the workshop, you will receive a full refund minus $100 for a service charge. If you notify us of your cancellation less than 60 days before the start of the workshop, you will not receive a refund unless the workshop is subsequently filled.

In order to provide the best possible instruction and guidance we are limiting the workshop to only eight participants, a 4:1 ratio of participants to instructors.