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 Morning light 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

10:30 AM Return to the hotel for checkout

11:00 AM Start for home to process your wonderful photos and memories. Those continuing on to the elk rut add-on will have lunch provided and more adventures to come!

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

REGISTER

Inclusions: Hotel, all breakfasts and lunches, attentive assistance with your photography, zoom meetings before and after the event.

Not included: Dinners, alcoholic beverages, personal items, transportation.

We can accommodate people who wish to room together for a discounted rate. Let us know. 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, breakfasts, and lunches is $1995. There is currently a $200 early bird registration discount! Click the register button to bring you to 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. Due to requirements of the National Park Services, it is necessary for participants to car pool.