WILDFLOWERS & WATERFALLS IN THE GREAT BALSAM MOUNTAINS
I’ve been wanting to offer this special photo tour for years but it hasn’t worked out until now. What’s so special about it? Of course, there’s the unbeatable combination of waterfalls and wildflowers, but it’s the location and timing that makes it exceptional. I’ve planned this photo tour for the high-elevation wildflower explosion of the Great Balsams, as well as the emerging spring-green foliage of the lower elevations. Imagine the forest floor carpeted with wildflowers and emerging greenery, colorful spring landscape views that rival autumn, and waterfalls and cascades all over the place. Sounds pretty special to me!
HIGHLIGHTS
Small group size—only 5 participants
Sunrise and sunset opportunities
Wildflowers galore
Waterfalls, cascades, stream scenes
Mountain landscapes draped in spring greenery
Learn special techniques for photographing wildflowers and waterfalls
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Guiding and instruction
Transportation during the photo tour
Light breakfast Friday-Sunday and lunch in the field on Friday and Saturday
Water and refreshments throughout the photo tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Lodging
Dinner
Transportation to host hotel
SKILL LEVEL
This photo tour is suitable for everyone who has a basic understanding of their camera.
GENERAL ITINERARY
I do not establish a precise itinerary for photo tours ahead of time because I want to choose the subjects based on the weather and other conditions. We will meet in the afternoon of Thursday, May 1. After orientation, I will give a program on photographing waterfalls and wildflowers, after which we’ll have dinner as a group. After dinner, we’ll go out for sunset shoot. On Friday, we’ll be in the field all day, with a break before dinner. We’ll have lunch in the field (provided) and dinner will be together as a group. Saturday will be a repeat of Friday. On Sunday, we’ll go out for a sunrise shoot and perhaps another stop on the way back to the hotel.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Most of the shooting locations are easily accessible and near the road, but at some of the waterfalls you may need to scramble on rocks or roots or climb up and down short banks to get into the best positions. If you’re in decent physical condition, you’ll have no trouble, but if you have difficulty walking on uneven surfaces or you’re not used to being in the field all day, you may struggle.
LODGING & TRANSPORTATION
Lodging is not included and you are free to stay wherever you like. However, it is recommended that you stay at our host hotel, where we will have our Friday meeting and breakfasts. We will provide hotel info after you register. Transportation is included during the photo tour, but if you are staying at a different location, you’ll have to drive to and from the host hotel each day.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT INFO
Full payment is required at the time of registration. You can register online by clicking the “Register Now” buttons on this page. If you prefer to pay by personal check, please contact me.