A workshop for scenic and wildflower photography,
led by Robert Nunnington
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a national treasure. It was also designated a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve, as a result of its biological diversity and unique natural resources. For photographers, it offers diverse opportunities in any season, but springtime offers a dazzling menu of spectacular and rare wildflowers, high peaks shrouded in mist and the many pristine waterfalls and mountain streams.
Robert has photographed this region extensively and knows the premier locations for a wide range of imagery encompassing many subjects. He will individually instruct and share his experience and understanding, together with the key techniques for photographing both grand vista and intimate landscapes, and wildflowers. The use of a wide array of lenses from wide angle to macro and telephoto will be demonstrated as landscape and close-up photography tools. Such techniques are not just limited to the subjects at hand, but will also encompass those learned from many years of photographing in Southern Africa.
Specific scenic locations will be used to demonstrate individual photographic concepts and techniques (both traditional and innovative) and to encourage and develop individual photographic vision. The timing of this late spring workshop is geared to the blooming of wildflowers, trees such as dogwoods and redbuds and possibly the opportunity to photograph this year’s newly-born animals.
Note that we will hike to some locations, including some steep uphill stretches, so some degree of physical fitness and preparation is required. This is particularly so as the trails lie over 6000ft, and the cumulative effect of altitude on physical exertion should not be underestimated. In addition, a full list of topics which will be covered during the workshop, together with a suggested packing list will be forwarded to attendees prior to the workshop.
View some images taken during the 2010 workshop.
Read testimonials from participants on recent Workshops.
Who should attend?
- This is a hands-on workshop for photographers who prefer to have their tuition in the field, rather than in the classroom. However, there will be opportunity of critique and review of the days shooting and discussion of Photoshop techniques for optimizing images during rest periods and evenings.
- The workshop is aimed at amateur nature photographers of moderate to advanced skills; it is less suitable for beginners. However, because of the small group size, individual attention can be given to attendees, irrespective of experience or expectations. Digital or film shooters are welcome.
- Wonder how that shot was made, what do I need to know to nail that picture or effect? Robert will share his experiences and the professional techniques to help in your creative and technical development as a natural history photographer. Attending the Workshop should be viewed as an investment in your future growth as a photographer.
What is the focus for the Workshop?
- Mid April presents unique opportunities for photographing the many species of wildflowers, new growth and trees in bloom and dramatic skies for sunrise and sunset images. However, specific locations will be used to demonstrate techniques and develop individual photographic vision. Please note this should not be viewed as a traditional photographic tour to shoot the rote Smokies images.
- The primary focus is to learn how to capture the scene to the very best effect; to distill it into its most important elements, by using sweeping wide angle foregrounds or selective cropping or focusing techniques. In order to develop these techniques, the tools of compositional development such as the rule of thirds and the Golden Mean will be demonstrated.
- Included in the techniques will be the creation of multi-layered images with sweeping and interesting foregrounds using wide angle or ultra wide angle lenses. This can be considered as “photography from the ground up”!
- The workshop is suitable for both photographers on a tight schedule, or those who wish to spend more time on learning techniques in detail over several days. The workshop is also valuable for those who wish to learn some of the premier wildflower and scenic locations for possible future visits to the region.
What can the attendees expect from the Workshop?
- Excellent opportunities to photograph many wildflower species; including trilliums, phacelia, violets, irises, orchids, showy orchis, and dogwood trees in flower; the sunrise from the higher peaks of the range, and Cades Cove. Other opportunities to photograph insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians will be taken as they arise.
- Techniques specific to wildflower and scenic photography will be demonstrated and discussed; including manual control of exposure, depth of field, use of flash, maximizing the use of digital and lens technology, composite panoramas, graduated neutral density and polarizing filters and much more. Above all, compositional development and balance with a view to developing a landscape photographic vision will be emphasized.
- Photographing the grand vista and intimate landscapes, using a wide array of lenses from wide angle to macro and telephoto. When to get closer and when to back off.
- Learning how to use the technology for what it does best – but not letting your approach be dictated by it. Technology is not a crutch for a fine art landscape photography, it a tool to be used – or not.
- We make the most of the daytime opportunities, and are out well before dawn for the first light on the mountains. We will then concentrate on intimate scenics, flowers and wildlife. A rest break will be taken during the day, depending on the weather, followed by an afternoon session and sunset locations. The day is paced to maximize the photo opportunities, and the schedule is flexible to maximize the best light. Feedback and critique will be given after each day, but the maximum time will be spent in the field, rather than behind a laptop.
Why is the Workshop different from others?
- The teaching, discussions and photography are mainly in the field, not the classroom. The workshop is about photography and using techniques to achieve a desired image, where the field techniques will encompass the use of equipment and how to get the best out of it.
- Robert will share his knowledge, techniques and pro-shooter tips with the group members. There is no substitute for experience and the ability to pass it on. He has 20 years of knowledge and experience of shooting in Southern Africa, together with 10 years of shooting in the US, and brings a somewhat different perspective to the art of nature photography.
- Knowing the region is a key aspect of teaching in a new location, for both the learning experience and taking away some creative and unusual images.
- The teaching is tailored to the individual’s aspirations and requirements, and can cover other techniques not specifically associated with the subjects or theme of the workshop.
- Robert has 20 years of knowledge and experience of shooting in Southern Africa, together with nearly 10 years of shooting in the US, and brings a somewhat different perspective to the art of nature photography.
- His extensive knowledge of animal ecology and ethology, together with many fascinating experiences of working with large game in Africa and the US, make for great discussions and stories to share over dinner.
Spring time in the Great Smoky Mountains Workshop details
| Dates available: | Two 3-day workshops - April 13th to 15th or April 20th to 22nd, 2012. |
| Price: | $600 per workshop. This includes the introductory session on the evening prior to the first day of shooting. Please contact us for rates for extended participation. |
| Payment: | A 25% deposit must be received prior to the workshop. |
| Maximum No. of people: | 4-6 |
| What is included: | Evening get-together to demonstrate some the techniques to be addressed during the workshop.Three full days of workshop tuition. |
| What is NOT included: | Travel including airfares to Gatlinburg, TN. Accommodation. Meals. Park entrance fees. Guarantee of “good” weather! |
| Nearest Airport: | Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge airport, or Knoxville TN. |
| Hotel Information: | Bales Town & Country motel. However, there are many hotels, motels and other accommodation types in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. |
| Contact details: | Robert Nunnington at nni@nunningtonimages.com Tel: (937) 291-1733 Website: www.nunningtonimages.com |