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Blue Ridge Waterfalls
At a Glance
Location
North Carolina, USA
Tuition
$5,995
Dates
October 19 – 24, 2028
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 5 Guests
Collections
- Learning Lab
- US National Parks and Wilderness
Blue Ridge Waterfalls Photography Workshop
The Best of North Carolina's Scenic Waterfalls
October 19 – 24, 2028
- Waterfalls framed by vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow foliage
- Soft, lingering fog weaves through the trees—seen from overlooks above
- Learn long exposure, macro, and telephoto-lens landscape techniques
Morning mist rolls through the valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains, softening the ridgelines and setting the stage for one of the most photogenic places in the US. Dozens of waterfalls flow through old-growth forests surrounded by reds, oranges, and golds of fall color. Water, light, and color—this is a landscape photographer’s playground.
Throughout this workshop, we’ll visit many waterfalls – from the iconic and well-known to the hidden and off the beaten path. We’ve timed it for peak fall color when the fog rolls through the hollows and the light is soft and diffuse. You’ll have time to refine your compositions, balancing wide scenic views with more intimate studies of rock patterns, leaves, and water movement.
In the field, we’ll will work alongside you to demonstrate techniques such as long exposures, using filters to control reflections, and managing dynamic range in challenging light. We’ll move from fieldwork to image reviews and post-processing sessions, where you’ll learn how to bring depth and clarity to your waterfall photography through tonal control and layering.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a cohesive set of landscape images that capture the Blue Ridge Mountains in autumn and the technical and creative skills to approach any waterfall with confidence and precision.
Your Pro
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
October 19, 2028: Arrive in Asheville, Evening Orientation and Dinner
Arrive today in Asheville, North Carolina, by 2:00 PM, and we can pick you up at the airport or one of the nearby hotels for transfer to our hotel in Little Switzerland. We’ll photograph the sunset, enjoy a nice dinner, and have an orientation session to discuss waterfall shooting techniques.
October 20, 2028: Sunrise Hike in Blue Ridge, Hidden Waterfall Exploration, Sunset Dinner Views
We will depart early to catch the sunrise at one of our favorite vistas overlooking the iconic rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a short uphill hike but well worth the reward! We will head to a lesser-known hidden gem waterfall in the afternoon before returning to our hotel for dinner and a sweeping sunset view.
October 21, 2028: Morning at Catawba Falls, Afternoon Hidden Waterfall, Scenic Sunset Return
We will start early in the morning and head to the breathtaking multi-terraced Catawba Falls, which features various compositions to explore. This is one of our all-time favorite locations in the fall, and you will understand why the moment you see it. Plan to spend several hours exploring this location’s limitless compositions!
In the afternoon, we will head to another beautiful hidden waterfall before catching the sunset with a view on our way back to the hotel.
October 22, 2028: Early Sunrise View, Relocate to Brevard, Roadside Waterfall and Lake Sunset
We will depart early for one of the best sunrise views in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The off-roading to reach this location ensures that we will likely have this sweeping vista all to ourselves! Following sunrise, we will return to the hotel to pack and change locations to Brevard to have easier access to other waterfalls. After checking into our hotel, we will depart to a tiny roadside treasure that you won’t believe is hidden in plain sight. If the conditions are right, we will catch a sunset reflection over a small lake before returning to our hotel.
October 23, 2028: Private Waterfall Access After Sunrise, Sunset Hill Views
After sunrise, with an unbelievable view, we will head to a jaw-dropping waterfall where we have secured private entry to have it all to ourselves. This location is perfect for exploring grand and small scenes alike. Depending on the conditions, we may visit another waterfall or hunt for sunset views over the rolling hills in the afternoon.
October 24, 2028: Sunrise in Pisgah National Forest, Explore Unique Waterfall, Departure from Asheville
We will shoot sunrise in the Pisgah National Forest and hopefully catch some gorgeous fog in the valley before heading to our final waterfall scene. This short morning hike has a unique feature that makes it a fun shooting location.
Check out of our hotel and transfer to the Asheville airport for flights after 2:00 PM.
Fitness
Moderate: Be prepared for short uphill hikes and early starts to capture sunrise vistas and explore waterfalls. Terrain may be uneven and slippery near water, requiring careful footing. Days are often full with limited rest, as we move between locations to capture the best light and compositions. Expect to walk up to 3–4 miles per day.
Flights
Arrive at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Asheville before 2:00 PM on October 19, 2028. Flights out can be made after 2:00 PM on October 24, 2028. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for a $1,025 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from Talor Stone.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Asheville, North Carolina.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming is available for a $1,025 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $2,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- The balance is due not later than June 1, 2028.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply, including our cancellation and refund policy.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll practice long exposures, using filters to control reflections, and managing dynamic range in challenging light. You'll also refine your compositions, balancing wide scenic views with intimate studies of rock patterns, leaves, and water movement.
Yes, this workshop is refundable. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150–91 days, you’ll get a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90–61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are given within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you receive a 100% refund. All refunds are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee and are issued by the original payment method.
The workshop requires a moderate fitness level. Be prepared for short uphill hikes and early starts to capture sunrise vistas and explore waterfalls. Expect to walk 3–4 miles per day on uneven and sometimes slippery terrain.
Bring a sturdy tripod for long exposures, a range of lenses including wide-angle lenses from 14–35mm for landscapes, and filters to control reflections and manage dynamic range. A camera with manual settings is recommended to fully benefit from the instruction.
The workshop has a maximum capacity of 5 participants, ensuring personalized attention and guidance from the instructor.
Yes, double occupancy lodging and all meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop are included. Single accommodations are available for an additional supplement.
Travel medical and trip cancellation insurance is optional but recommended to protect your investment and cover unforeseen circumstances.
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