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This Workshop includes Waterfalls and Vistas in Brevard, Cashier, Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC, and the Blue Ridge Escarpment into upstate South Carolina!
There’s something timeless about the Blue Ridge Mountains — the way the light filters through a morning mist, the sound of water cascading over ancient rock, the burst of wildflowers along a quiet trail. This landscape has shaped my photography for years, and I’m excited to share it with you on this immersive, hands-on workshop right here in my backyard.
Based near beautiful Sapphire, this Waterfalls Workshop is designed to explore some of the most scenic and photographically rich areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We’ll spend our days chasing light, discovering tucked-away waterfalls, and soaking in expansive mountain vistas — all while learning how to create stronger, more meaningful images. For Sunrise and Sunset, we will be in place to capture the Blue Hour at these stunning waterfalls. If we happen to catch good conditions for Sunrise, we will plan to head up to the nicest overlook I know up on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a stunning Sunrise.
We’ll photograph:
Hidden waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery and mossy rock
Wildflower-filled meadows and forest trails, especially vibrant in late spring and early summer
Iconic overlooks and sweeping ridge-top views - the highest on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Quiet scenes — reflections in mountain streams, trails disappearing into mist, and intimate forest details that bring depth to your portfolio
Sunrise and Sunset - At soaring elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway
As always, we’ll build each day around the light. Mornings might take us to a misty overlook for first light stretching across the ridgelines. Afternoons could bring us deep into shaded forests, where the light softens and the water moves slow and silky. Evenings are for color, contrast, and that golden light that brushes the mountaintops just before sunset.
I’ll be right there with you — showing how I approach a scene, how I work with composition, light, and weather, and how to slow down and really see the landscape. Whether you're just starting out or have years behind the camera, you’ll get personal instruction tailored to where you are in your creative journey.
This Workshop is ideal for anyone who wants to:
Master waterfall and long exposure photography techniques
Improve composition in forested and mountainous environments
Learn how to handle changing light in real-world conditions
Build a stronger connection between what you see and what you feel when you make an image
We’ll move at a comfortable pace, with time to soak in the scenery, shoot deliberately, and connect with a small group of like-minded photographers. I’ll also share some local knowledge — the best trails, lesser-known viewpoints, and the kind of hidden corners you won’t find on a typical tourist map.
If you’ve ever wanted to photograph the Blue Ridge Parkway at its best — with a guide who knows the light, the land, and the experience — I’d love to have you join me.
TERRAIN
Mountain woodland trails, Rocks, Blue Ridge Parkway, Mountain Streams. Good sturdy footwear is recommended. Water shoes
ACTIVITY
Easy to Moderate trail walking up to a 2 miles
EXPERIENCE
Aspiring to Advanced. Cell Phones are welcome
GROUP SIZE
6 Participants
TEMPERATURES
55-80 degrees. Summer Waterproof/Breathable Outerwear is recommended.
HUMIDITY
70 %
NEAREST AIRPORT
Asheville, NC
Charlotte, NC
Itinerary
Day 1 (1/2 day)
Meet in Brevard, NC and check in to Hampton Inn. We will do a short orientation and hit the trail to our first Waterfall.
Day 2
We will wake up early to head over to the Blue Ridge Parkway for the Rhododendron Blooms in Sunrise light. Dill Falls will be on tap for Golden Hour followed by several other waterfalls on our way back. Sunset Waterfall shoot to wrap up the day.
Day 3
Sunrise Waterfall shoot at a surprise location! In the afternoon, we will meet in the Hotel Conference Room for a Presentation on retouching, advanced composition, and creating dynamic angles. Sunset photoshoot at a nearby Waterfall
Day 4 (1/2 day)
Sunrise Waterfall Session. Working on what we’ve learned. Workshop adjournment and Check Out at 11am.
Topics we will cover
How to research potential shoot locations
How to read the weather
Learn how to create powerful compositions and bring your artistic vision to life
Visualizing your composition, capturing and guiding the viewer
The use of Neutral Density and ND Graduated filters to enhance and control light.
How to identify and control: Balance and visual flow
The use of filters to enhance and control light. How to “see” light
How to control shutter speed for the look you want
Histograms, how to read them, and why they play an important role
Focus Stacking for extreme front and back focus
How to use lens compression, when to use it, and when to go wide
How to blend focal lengths and exposures to maximize Dynamic Range
How to create beautiful Long Exposures to unveil a hidden visual world of intrigue and wonder
Light Painting in the Twilight
Image Critique and the Visual Experience. How do others interpret and read your images?
Post Processing and Digital Workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop, including third party softwares
What’s Included
Photography guidance with professional Landscape Photographer Tommy White
Lightroom and Photoshop training
3rd party programs like TK Actions, Luminar, and Nik
3 Full days of Photography, field Instruction, and workflow demonstration.
One on One field guidance in framing, settings, visual flow, and “seeing” in the landscape.
GPS field guidance to track our shoot locations
Drinks and Snacks are provided during the Workshop
Identifying important subjects both near and far
Capturing textures, shapes, and patterns
Visual interpretation of the landscape. How to “see” and use the light
Guidance and safety throughout the entire trip
Limited field equipment and accessories
What’s not included
Participants should plan to provide their own transportation. Carpooling will be available at your own discretion
Meals during the trip. I will always have drinks and snacks on hand, but plan to travel with your own favorites as well.
Lodging - We will provide information for you on Lodging upon registration. We will have a secure place to stay on the night of our arrival and the night before our departure. You are welcome to stay at an Airbnb at your own discretion.
Park and admission fees. We are fully permitted in State and National Parks, but occasionally there are other fees per individual.
Alcoholic beverages
Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
Personal Items
PACK LIST
Click HERE to view the Packlist
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your booking, the Deposit is nonrefundable on all Seasonal and Group Photography Workshops. If the cancellation is less than 90 days, you will receive a full refund minus the deposit and 15% admin fee, when your spot is filled. If the cancellation is more than 90 days, you will receive a full refund when your spot is filled, or, you may move to another available workshop (minus a 15% admin fee) in the current calendar year. The remaining balance on the new Workshop is due upon transfer.
If you are booked for a Private Workshop and you need to cancel, you may reschedule your workshop one time within the current calendar year during an available time.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your booking, the Deposit is nonrefundable on all Group Photography Workshops. If the cancellation is less than 90 days, you will receive a full refund minus the deposit and 15% admin fee, when your spot is filled. If the cancellation is more than 90 days, you will receive a full refund when your spot is filled, or, you may move to another available workshop in the current calendar year.(minus a 15% admin fee)
If you are booked for a Private Workshop and you need to cancel, you may reschedule your workshop one time within the current calendar year.