sunset from clingmans dome

Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains Photography Workshop

Spring wildflowers covering the forest floor, rushing mountain streams surrounded by glowing green moss, cabins flanked by flowering dogwood, freak spring storms covering the mountain tops with snow are just a few of the photographic possibilities in the Great Smoky Mountains in the spring. This workshop will focus on areas where the spring is showing off and will compliment my fall workshop by visiting different areas of the park.

Dates: April 14 to 18, 2025

Costs: $1099 total. A non-refundable deposit of $550 is due at registration. The remainder of $549 is due 90 days before the workshop on January 14, 2025.

Bryan Hansel Photography is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service and operates under a Commercial Use Authorization from the National Park Service.

$550.00

SKU: Great Smoky Spring Category: Tag:

Description

Itinerary

The itinerary for the Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains Photography Workshop is completely in the field. We’ll start at sunrise and end the day at sunset, so be prepared for long days. Depending on the conditions, we may swing into town for either lunch or dinner. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is vast, so it’s hard to see it all on one workshop, so this workshop has been designed to complement the locations on my Fall in the Smokies Workshop. We’ll go to locations that my fall workshop doesn’t visit (other than sunrise and sunset locations). The workshop will concentrate on the historic cabins in the park, the waterfalls and the spring flowers.

  • Day One: Meet for an early morning and stay in the field until sunset.
  • Day Two: Sunrise to sunset in the field. We’ll discuss composition.
  • Day Three: Sunrise to sunset in the field. We’ll continue to fine-tune your compositions and techniques.
  • Day Four: Sunrise to sunset in the field. We’ll continue to fine-tune your compositions and techniques.
  • Day Five: Workshop ends after sunrise.

Note: The itinerary will be fluid based on the weather.

Lodging

The lodging partner for this workshop is in downtown Gatlinburg, TN. It’s within walking distance of many of my favorite restaurants and hangouts. After you register I’ll send you details about the room block and how to get the discounted room rate.

Getting There

Gatlinburg is a small resort town serving the northern side of the park. The closest big city is Knoxville, TN. The closest airport is TYS-McGhee Tyson. TYS is about an hour drive from Gatlinburg. You take US-411 to Pigeon Forge and then US-321 into Gatlinburg. Atlanta is approximately 4 hours away on US-23 to US-441.

The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in the park, so if you stay longer or come early, you could spend time exploring the parkway. If you plan on doing that, then I’d recommend flying into Asheville, North Carolina. While further away from Gatlinburg than Knoxville, it makes much more sense for visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Photo Gallery

Additional Information

  • Maximum number of participants: 10
  • Level: This workshop is for all levels of photographers and works best for photographers using digital cameras.
  • Activity level: Expect 3 to 5 miles of hiking each day.
  • What’s included in the workshop fee: Quality small group and one-on-one instruction. Fun!
  • What’s not included in the workshop fee: Transportation to the Smokies and photography locations. Carpooling. Lodging. Meals.
  • Lodging partner: The lodging partner is within walking distance of downtown Gatlinburg. After you register, you’ll receive information about booking your room in the room block. You’ll need to make your room registration separately from the workshop fee.
  • Check-in date: April 13
  • Check-out date: April 18
  • Getting there: Gatlinburg is a small resort town serving the northern side of the park. The closest big city is Knoxville, TN. The closest airport is TYS-McGhee Tyson. TYS is about an hour drive from Gatlinburg. You take US-411 to Pigeon Forge and then US-321 into Gatlinburg. Atlanta is approximately 4 hours away on US-23 to US-441.The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in the park, so if you stay longer or come early, you could spend time exploring the parkway. If you plan on doing that, then I’d recommend flying into Asheville, North Carolina. While further away from Gatlinburg than Knoxville, it makes much more sense for visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway.
  • Weather: The average temps are 42°F for lows and 71°F for highs. Lows could be much lower in the mountains, especially at sunrise. While not common in April, it could snow. I’d suggest bringing multiple layers of clothing for this workshop and prepare for brisk conditions, especially at our sunrise and sunset locations.
  • Equipment list: After registration, you will receive a suggested equipment list and participant package. The package will discuss equipment options, photography techniques and more.
  • Registration and Cancellation Policies

 

Member of the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Additional information

Max Participants

10
Min Participants

4 or the workshop is canceled. You will be notified 30 days before the workshop and refunded your deposit.
Level

This workshop is for all levels of photographers and works best for photographers using digital cameras. It involves moderate physical activity.
What's Included

Quality small group and one-on-one photography instruction. Fun!
What's Not Included

Transportation to the Smokies and photography/kayaking locations. Car pooling is highly recommended. Lodging. Meals.
Lodging Partner

There is no lodging partner for this workshop. There is camping in Elkmont and plenty of lodging options in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. I'm booked at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River in Gatlinburg. I suggest you stay there, too.

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