SHUTTER NONSENSE PRESENTS
Smoky Mountains Spring 2027
Workshop Overview
This multi-day workshop visits some of the iconic areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During the course of this workshop, we will visit scenic overlooks, mountain streams, and scenic valleys. We will experience vibrant spring greens, the famous hazy layers of the mountains, flowing water of streams under spring dogwoods. We will also likely see some wildlife along the way, including deer, turkeys, and maybe even a bear or two.
In addition to guiding you through the park to these areas, we will provide photography instruction along the way. Topics will range from capturing a well-exposed image to composition, fieldcraft, and more advanced techniques like exposure bracketing and focus stacking during the workshop. During the mid-day downtime, we will be available to review editing techniques and have more in-depth discussions of topics we touch on in the field.
Our instruction is a mix of group and individual instruction during the workshop. We cover the broad concepts as a group when we visit locations and then more individual attention while we are photographing to help answer specific questions you may have.
We keep the workshop small so that we can give each participant more individual attention in the field. That means more time to work on the specific skills that matter most to you, while still giving everyone room to photograph without crowding each other.
When
April 20 - 25, 2027
Location
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Townsend, TN
Instructors
Jeffrey Tadlock, Michael Rung
Fitness Level
Moderate
Spots Left
8 of 8 remaining
Price
$2,195.00
Is This Workshop Right for You?
This workshop is designed for landscape photographers who want to feel more confident making decisions in the field and creating stronger images from the places they explore.
Photographers at every stage are welcome. Whether you are newer to landscape photography or have years of experience behind the camera, Michael and I will meet you where you are and help you build confidence throughout the week.
We will work through composition, exposure, moving water, changing light, editing, and image review, along with more advanced techniques such as bracketing and focus stacking. Michael and I will tailor our guidance to the things that will make the biggest difference in your photography.
What Past Participants Have Said
“My husband and I recently participated in Jeffrey Tadlock and Michael Rung’s Great Smoky Mountains Workshop. They took us to several beautiful locations, set us free to choose our compositions, and made themselves available for instruction and advice. They were always nearby and kept tabs on all of us to make sure we had the best experience in the field. It was a perfect photo travel experience.”
— Elise, Great Smoky Mountains Workshop Participant
Itinerary
Because mountain conditions can change quickly, we will choose locations based on the weather and the strongest photographic opportunities available. The itinerary below focuses on each day’s activities rather than fixed locations, giving us flexibility throughout the workshop.
October 26th, 2026
Arrive in Townsend, Tennessee, the peaceful side of the Smokies. We base ourselves out of Townsend for the duration of the workshop. We will meet late in the afternoon for introductions, orientation to the workshop, and safety talks. Once we complete that, we will head out for a short time in the park to photograph during golden hour light and on into sunset.
October 27th, 2026
Early morning with sunrise in the park. Early lunch with a brief break mid-day. We will reconvene with a “classroom” session and then back into the park for sunset photography.
October 28th, 2026
Early morning with sunrise in the park. Lunch with a mid-day break. Reconvene with a “classroom” session and then back into the park for sunset photography.
October 29th, 2026
Early morning with sunrise in the park. Lunch with a longer break mid-day for rest and recuperation, and then back into the park for sunset photography.
October 30th, 2026
We will photograph scenes at sunrise on our final morning together. After the sun rises and we have captured what we can, we will have a brief Q&A session to answer any final questions and close the workshop out. The workshop ends by mid-morning to allow time for checking out from lodging.
The classroom sessions are informal group discussions on specific topics. They typically include a look at photo editing workflows in Lightroom Classic, along with deeper dives into subjects chosen based on participant questions and needs. The goal of these sessions is to review topics that are causing you trouble in the field so we have time to understand them better and then put them into practice during the on-location photography sessions.
Locations we visit during this workshop include:
Cades Cove
Foothills Parkway
Tremont
Little River
Kuwohi
Morton Overlook
Newfound Gap
Roaring Fork
Additional Workshop Information
Fitness Level
Moderate
The majority of this workshop takes place at overlooks or driveable locations. There are certain spots where a 1 to 3-mile hike is necessary. Much of the stream photography requires hiking down to the stream on rocks and roots, some of which can be slippery. Because of this, good physical condition is required.
If you have questions, please contact us before registering.
Lodging
This multi-day workshop is based out of the Townsend, Tennessee area. When we meet in the early mornings it will be in Townsend, so staying in town or close by is important. We typically work to secure a block of rooms for a period of time so instructors and participants have the opportunity to stay at the same hotel (subject to availability; more information will be provided to registered partipants well before the workshop begins).
You are responsible for your own lodging arrangements.
There are several motels, campgrounds, and AirBnBs in the area to choose from. The Townsend Visitor Center has a good list to get you started.
Getting There
If you are driving to the workshop, plan your route around reaching Townsend, Tennessee. Our early morning meeting locations will be based from Townsend.
For participants traveling by air, Knoxville is likely the most convenient airport option for reaching Townsend. From there, you should plan on renting a vehicle and driving to the Townsend area, where this workshop is based.
Transportation
You are responsible for transportation during the workshop, though carpooling is encouraged among the participants to minimize our impact on the park and to foster camaraderie within the group. We will be traveling on paved and gravel roads.
What to Bring
Please reference our Preparing for a Landscape Photography Workshop [UPDATE LINK] page for what to bring and prepare for before a workshop. We will communicate additional information via email prior to the workshop.
Included with Workshop
Landscape Photography Guiding
Landscape Photography Instruction
Not Included with Workshop
Transportation to/from/during Workshop
Lodging
Meals
Anything not listed as included
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Payment Terms
Your spot for the workshop is only confirmed when a $400 deposit is received.
The remaining balance is due no later than 60 days before the workshop's date.
Please review the workshop's Terms and Conditions before registering. Payment of workshop fees means you accept the Terms and Conditions of workshop registration.