Take beautiful photos in a beautiful place
Take beautiful photos in a beautiful place
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.
Explore the Smoky Mountains - Learn from pros Ben Ayling and Tom Yackley!
Day 1
3 PM Arrival and check-in at Highland Manor Inn, Townsend, Tennessee: the peaceful side of the Smokies
After settling in, meet and greet with snacks in the lobby.
4 PM Explore Tremont and the Townsend Wye
Day 2
7:00 Departure for Cades Cove
7:42 AM Vehicles are permitted into Cades Cove at sunrise
Picnic Lunch provided
2:00 PM Two hour editing and coaching session at hotel ballroom
4:30 PM Search for bears and wildlife at Cades Cove
5:30 PM Sparks Lane for golden hour and sunset (6:57)
Day 3
7:00 AM Drive to Gatlinburg to Roaring Fork Motor Tour Parkway
7:43 AM Sunrise at Roaring Fork
Lunch in Gatlinburg provided
2:00 PM Photo stops at Elkmont, Little River, and the Sinks
5:30 PM Hyatt Lane or Wears Valley Overlook for golden hour and sunset (6:56)
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
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 their photos.
Times and locations subject to change based on weather and conditions
Inclusions: Hotel, workshop transportation, all 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 your 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, transportation, breakfasts, and lunches is $1495 with the early-bird price (a $300 discount!) After May 15, 2024 the cost will be $1795. You may pay a $500 deposit now and the balance by May 15 or you may pay the full amount today. You will see all of the choices on the “store” page, where you will also have the option of including the Elk add-on.
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.
