I attended the Nature Photo Workshop’s fall program in the Smoky Mountains in October. I had taken photography classes from Tom at our local Arts Center, so I was familiar with his teaching style and his skill as a professional photographer. Both of the workshop hosts, Tom and Ben, are career educators so they can certainly teach!  But they can also “read the room.”  They knew which participants needed handholding and which ones just needed some guidance, a little direction or even a challenge and then be left to create their own art.

Our workshop began with a meeting in the hotel to get to know each other and to determine each participant's goals.  Composition was an area where we could all agreed we could improve. The next day, while we were waiting for our sunset photography shoot, Tom presented us with a Powerpoint on composition. He covered basic rules of composition and times when it’s ok to break the rules.  We were then fortified with new knowledge or just timely reminders as we took in the views of the Smoky Mountains that evening.

Tom and Ben had done their homework.  They had chosen ideal sights for sunrise and sunset shots, they knew how to find bears, and they understood where the light would be perfect for some awesome reflection photography.

I discovered that although I could learn about photography in a classroom, I could learn watching YouTube videos and I could learn reading about photography, nothing compares to being on location with a professional photographer. With their guidance on composing a great photo, adjusting camera settings, compensating for low light etc, I have a collection of photos I love that I get to share with those I love.

Leslie Ballard