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EXPERIENCE
Beginner - AdvancedACTIVITY
EasyTERRAIN
Mountains, Forests, Flower FieldsGROUP SIZE
8 People![grey_dark_compass_2_banff.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/564fb251e4b027b5077f3e7b/1580864284169-RSQ0XPZD2FHLNFRCSNK3/grey_dark_compass_2_banff.jpg)
Excursion Outline
There's no place more charming than the beautiful Smoky Mountains! There are over 1,500 species of wildflowers that bloom in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, making this an extraordinary location for macro photography. Whether you're interested in wildflowers or the intricate patterns and features of the forest floor, this one day workshop is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their macro photography skills.
During this one day workshop, we'll enjoy a slow pace but a very full day. The best macro photographs are achieved when you slow down, stop, study and observe the tiny world around you. Quite literally, dozens of beautiful and unique compositions can be hidden in one location. Finding them is something we consider a treasure hunt and best achieved when you slow down and listen to nature.
After our morning session we’ll head to a local restaurant for brunch. At that time you have the option of bringing a small portfolio of macro images for feedback and helpful critique. We’ll then head back to the hotel to focus on post processing techniques. Please bring your laptops as you’ll be working on the images you photographed that morning.
In the afternoon/evening we’ll head back into nature and you’ll be armed with fresh knowledge and inspiration to continue creating pieces you’ll want to print and hang in your home!
General Info
DESTINATION:
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
TENNESSEE - USA
WORKSHOP DATE:
APRIL 4, 2026
INSTRUCTORS:
TIFFANY BRILEY
TOTAL:
$475.00 USD
Recommended Lodging
Townsend Gateway Inn
8270 TN-73
Townsend, TN 37882
865-238-0123
We have group rates available for our guests. Info will be included with your booking.
8270 TN-73
Townsend, TN 37882
865-238-0123
We have group rates available for our guests. Info will be included with your booking.
Highlights
Learning to capture breathtaking macro photography. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing your technical skills to capture the sharpest images, master selective focus, creating your own textures to apply to your images, and the art of processing your photography in a painterly way.
![green_smokies_macro.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/564fb251e4b027b5077f3e7b/1590015175068-WUKGOVTSR71JSH9KGHTQ/green_smokies_macro.jpg)
![blue_smokies_macro.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/564fb251e4b027b5077f3e7b/1590015502858-9BBETD06WTQCR58I2X7D/blue_smokies_macro.jpg)
EXPERIENCE • BEGINNER - ADVANCED
Our excursions are beneficial for both the beginner and seasoned photographer. All guests will experience one-on-one instruction, with the emphasis being on the individual's strengths and desires.ACTIVITY • EASY - MODERATE
Most of the locations we have scheduled will be within the ability of anyone who is in moderate shape. Although a short hike will be necessary to arrive at some locations, the trails are not trecherous.TERRAIN • MOUNTAINS - FORESTS - FLOWER FIELDS
The Great Smoky Mountains offers intimate photo opportumites around every corner. We'll experience mountain trails, rivers, streams and wander through large fields of wildflowers.GROUP SIZE • 8 GUESTS
We believe group size is important for the ability to provide as much one-on-one instruction in the field as necessary. Due to the leisurely atmosphere, this group size will be four guests per instructor.![grey_dark_banff.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/564fb251e4b027b5077f3e7b/1581718075664-BKV4O9SM304NSPWTMREA/grey_dark_banff.jpg)
“Over the years I’ve attended quite a few photography workshops led by various leaders. Keith and Tiffany Briley’s knowledge of photography and personal commitment to assuring participants of an exceptional experience places them in a league all their own. Absolutely the best!”
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Your Experience
This one day workshop is a great opportunity for those wanting an immersive experience with macro photography and with their camera. Whether you are just beginning your journey with photography or if you've been shooting for a long time, there is something for everyone. During this workshop we'll spend time time discussing art, the beauty of the subjective experience, composition and learning the rules so you can break them. In addition, we'll also learn to create techniques such as creating our own textures to apply to our photographs to give them a painterly expression!
Bonus Session
We've listened to our guests and have implemented something that has been hugely beneficial in our time together. Each workshop group will be invited to a live, recorded, online critique and post processing session, a short time after the workshop. This makes way for more shooting in the field and the option to learn from the comfort of your home and the ability to refer to the recorded session for future reference.
April 4th, 2026
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![A-Reminder.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/564fb251e4b027b5077f3e7b/1705090279580-44MLRSXL5UXP5ZNOZL5U/A-Reminder.jpg)
Topics We’ll Cover
• The secret to making an impact with your images
• The art of listening to your subject
• Understanding the value of being intentional
• The use of natural light
• Creating intriguing compositions
• Making full use of your histogram
• Focusing techniques
• Capturing Water droplets
• Applying, creating and implementing textures
• Steps to creating a painterly approach to your art
• Fundamental compositional tools
• Sometimes rules are meant to be broken
Recommended Gear
• Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera
• Multiple Batteries & Memory Cards
• Macro Lens
• Sturdy Tripod
• Circular Polarizer Filter
• Micro-Fiber Cloths
• Your Favorite Gear Backpack
• Spring Clothing (Temps can drop into the 40's)
• Hiking Boots
• Rain Jacket
• Camera / Lens Rain Cover
• A Spirit of Adventure!
![grey_smokies_macro.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/564fb251e4b027b5077f3e7b/1590261177222-UDIGLFVZ5NY11FUXTJML/grey_smokies_macro.jpg)
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