Spring in the Smokies

May 27-31, 2027 - 1 Spot Left!!

June 1-5, 2027 - Sold Out

Photograph one of the Smokies’ most unforgettable spring spectacles as the synchronous fireflies light up the forests in a magical display. Even better, we'll be far from the crowds! You'll capture lush green forests, blooming wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, misty mountain sunrises, quaint cabins, and active wildlife. As an added bonus, we'll have access to a private bear blind for photographing black bears and their playful cubs. Take your skills to the next level with hands-on field instruction, creative guidance, and post-processing support to help you build a diverse portfolio of spring images.

Tuition

$2450
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Max Group Size

4 Students per Instructor
Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

Kevin McNeal
A.J. Rich

Physical Intensity

Great Smoky Mountains Spring Photo Workshop Synchronous Fireflies

Highlights

Photograph the magical glow of blue ghost and synchronous fireflies, with dates timed for minimal moon interference.
Escape the crowds and experience the firefly display from carefully selected, off-the-beaten-path locations.
Access a private blind to photograph black bears and playful cubs.
Capture blooming wildflowers, waterfalls, gushing creeks, lush spring forests, historic cabins, misty sunrises, and much more!
Enjoy a small-group experience limited to 8 students with 2 pro instructors for personalized instruction and more shooting flexibility.
Refine your images with post-processing instruction and constructive image critique sessions.

Book Now May 27-31

Itinerary

The itinerary will be kept flexible to account for weather, conditions, and group interest. The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.

Day 1: Meet at 1PM near Gatlinburg, TN for a mandatory introductory session. We'll cover logistics and many of the shooting techniques you'll use during the workshop. After dinner we photograph sunset from a high viewpoint overlooking the mountainous layers and then head into the forest for our first shoot with the fireflies. As it gets dark, the lights start to appear and suddenly they are all around us! We photograph for a couple hours, arriving back after midnight.
Day 2: This morning we head out to photograph a beautiful series of waterfalls. After a quick lunch, we photograph bears at the private blind and meet for a post-processing session where the instructors will show you how to put together your firefly images. Later that evening we head up for a sunset shoot in the mountains. When darkness falls, we are in the perfect spot to capture the fireflies as they light up the peaceful forest.
Day 3: With a good potential for sunrise today, we get up early after just a few hours sleep to photograph sunrise from Clingman's Dome. Low-hanging clouds grace the valleys below as the sky turns various shades of pastels. We photograph various spots on the way down before returning for breakfast and rest breaks. That afternoon we do a hike along a creek with many photogenic cascades and waterfalls. For sunset we go up to a place with 360-degree views and capture many shots of the layered mountain peaks. We decide to take a break from the fireflies tonight so we can get some sleep.
Day 4: It's another early morning as we head into Cade's Cove for first light. You'll be busy pressing that shutter button with numerous pastoral scenes and wildlife around us. It's even more amazing with morning fog! We stay and shoot for several hours before returning to town. That afternoon we hold an image critique and post-processing session and then photograph some curious black bears and their cubs from our private blind! With lots of clouds and light rain in the forecast, we focus on shooting creeks, streams, and forests in the evening.
Day 5: We finish with a final sunrise shoot and a morning session at the private blind photographing black bears, cubs, and a curious raccoon. The workshop will conclude no later than 11AM.

Book Now May 27-31

Great Smoky Mountains Spring Photo Workshop

Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains Photo Workshop

Great Smoky Mountains Photo Workshop Spring

Logistics

Please arrive in Gatlinburg, TN by 1PM on the first day for our orientation session (make sure you eat lunch first). The nearest major airports are either Knoxville (TYS) or Asheville (AVL). If you are flying in, we recommend renting a car to get to Gatlinburg. We will be providing transportation for all workshop outings but you will need to drive to our central meeting point(s) depending on the days itinerary.

It's important that the group stay in the same hotel for the workshop to simplify driving distances and pickups. At check-out, a 4-night lodging package will be added to your booking at a top-rated property in Gatlinburg with breakfast included.

Everyone on this trip should be in reasonably good physical condition. We aren't planning any long hikes but you should be comfortable walking 1-3 miles per day while carrying your photo gear. We rated this workshop as "Difficult" since we need everyone to be able to walk these distances while carrying their photography gear. Some of the hikes can have steeper grades over short distances. The waterfall locations may require walking in water. We recommend bringing a pair of water shoes or sandals. Hiking poles can help with the slippery rocks.

Food is not included as part of the workshop. You are free to bring your own food or eat at restaurants in town. Having your own car will give you more options for dining and shopping between workshop outings. Note that transportation is NOT provided for dining in-between our outings.

Temperatures are pretty mild in spring but it can get quite chilly in the high country, especially in the morning. Afternoon storms and rain are not uncommon this time of year, so come prepared with a rain jacket and backpack rain cover. Please see the gear list further down.

Book Now May 27-31

Fireflies

The two main types of fireflies we will photograph are the blue ghost and synchronous. The blue ghosts create the longer streaks while the synchronous create only discreet flashes. At any one time, we’ll likely have a mix of both types. Fireflies are very sensitive to ground temperature, so each year is different for when each type will be more active. But rest assured you’ll be able to capture some great firefly images! Also, no permits are needed for the areas we will be taking you to and we'll be far away from the crowds.

Note that these firefly images are not a single frame straight out of camera. They require taking multiple exposures and blending them together in post-processing. We will be teaching you how to do this. But you will need baseline proficiency in Lightroom and Photoshop for best results.

Blue Ghost

Synchronous

Great Smoky Mountains Photo Workshop Wildflowers

Pricing

$2450/Person + Tax

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Trip Includes:

5-Day Photo Workshop with 2 Pro Instructors.
Private Blind for Black Bears and Cubs
Ground Transportation During the Workshop
Night Photography for the Fireflies
Entrance Fees
Post-processing and Image Critique Sessions.
Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting.
At checkout, a 4-night lodging package at a top-rated property in Gatlinburg will be added to your booking. $425 for double occupancy or $850 for single occupancy.

Trip Does NOT Include:

Transportation to/from your home to Gatlinburg, TN.
Meals, Beverages, and Snacks
Instructor Gratuities.

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due Jan 27, 2027
If you need to cancel, a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be given once your spot is filled by another participant.
See the full Terms and Conditions.

Book Now May 27-31

Great Smoky Mountains Spring Photo Workshop Black Bear

Physical Difficulty

This trip is rated Moderate for physical difficulty, meaning that all participants must be able to walk a daily cumulative distance of 1-3 miles while carrying their photo gear. The terrain is not difficult and most walking is done on proper forest trails under moderate grades.

When we photograph the creeks and waterfalls, the rocks can be loose and slippery. Hiking poles can come in handy for better balance. You will need to bring a pair of sandals or water shoes to walk in the water for better photos.

There will be some locations with optional longer hikes to different areas. If you are fit and want to do those hikes, it could increase the daily mileage to 4-5 miles. But this is not required and we may split the group depending on interest.

Recommended Camera Gear

Sturdy tripod and ballhead
Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-70mm or 24-105mm.
Telephoto zoom lens for wildlife and landscape compression. A 100-400mm works best from our experience. A 200mm lens is not long enough for most wildlife shooting.
Circular polarizer filters and ND filters for your lenses. A 9 or 10-stop ND filter will be useful for creating very long exposures.
Backpack to carry your gear along with a rain cover for the pack.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Laptop if you wish to back up or review your photos during the trip.

Personal Gear List

Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and long pants.
Rain jacket and a warm layer for cold mornings. Hat and gloves are also recommended.
Sandals or shoes you can walk through water in.
Headlamp
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat.
Water bottle or hydration bladder.
Hiking poles if you like having them.

Book Now May 27-31

Great Smoky Mountains Photo Workshop Autumn Fall in Tennessee and North Carolina

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

Kevin McNeal

Photography Instructor

Kevin McNeal is a Washington-State photographer who is passionate about photographing grand landscapes that reflect the most unique places on earth. Capturing moments of magic light and transferring this to print is the ultimate goal. His images hold a combination of perseverance, patience, and dedication to capture landscapes in fresh ways. The stories of how these images are rendered come across in the feelings the images convey. He has traveled all over North America, shooting diverse landscapes and finding remote places with the hope that we can convey to the public that this earth is worth caring for. His award winning images can be seen in galleries and showings across the United States. He was recently invited to the Art Wolfe Art Gallery for the Environmental Photography Invitational. Kevin was the grand winner of the Landscape category for the Natures Best Magazine and was selected for the Smithsonian National Museum of History in Washington D.C.. He is a regular contributor to publications like Outdoor Photographer.

Artist’s Statement

“I believe that the Earth shares secrets with us that only can be discovered by trying to understand our position on this planet. We are never fully intimate with the planet but are given brief moments that make our souls want more. These glimpses of nature’s power are fleeting and never the same twice. I also believe it is important to share with those who want it. The treasures that await us given the patience that is out there. What I try to do is bring some of that magic to my images to share with the rest of the world. Each of my images tells a story that everyone can relate to in some way whether it is success, fear, or challenging oneself to overcome obstacles

View Kevin's Portfolio.

A.J. Rich

Photography Instructor

Ever since he was young, A.J. Rich has had a passion for all things visual. Growing up on the edge of St. George, Utah, he often sketched his favorite sports players and designed logos for his youth sports teams. A.J. also spent countless hours around his childhood home climbing rock mesas and exploring the unknown, including at nearby Zion National Park.

Since graduating with a degree in graphic design and a minor in photography from Brigham Young University in 2001, A.J. has worked in graphic design for over 20 years. He is currently a senior graphic designer and has earned multiple national awards. In 2006, A.J. grew his photography portfolio as a contributor to Getty Images. In recent years, he continues to focus on his award-winning landscape photography—where his true passion lies.

Today the quest for the “timeless story” drives A.J. on all his outdoor adventures. While out in nature he seeks the ethereal and spiritual planes, and if he can capture them in a photograph, even better.

Currently A.J. works by day as a graphic designer and art director for BYU Brand & Creative, always dreaming of and planning for his next photography adventure.