Wild Death Valley
March 13 – 18, 2026
2 Spots Left
Waterfalls and Wildflowers
2 Spots Left
At a Glance
Location
North Carolina, USA
Tuition
$5,495
Dates
June 20 – 24, 2026
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 5 Guests
Collections
- Signature Collection
- US National Parks and Wilderness
Waterfalls and Wildflowers Photography Workshop
Waterfall Photography in North Carolina's Majestic Blue Ridge Mountains
June 20 – 24, 2026
- Rolling cascades draped in emerald from blooming rhododendrons
- Learn to focus on small elements that tell the story of an ecosystem
- Enhance your use of ND filters for silky waterfalls with our pro tips
In the southern Blue Ridge, cascades thread through rhododendron and laurel, stepping over mossy ledges and pouring into clear pools. Early summer brings fresh greens, blooming wildflowers, and soft, even light under the canopy. The falls are close at hand here, and each one offers a different rhythm, from veils that drift over rock to tight chutes that carve through granite.
We base in Highlands, North Carolina, which puts us within easy reach of famed waterfalls and quieter corners. Mornings and late afternoons are spent on location, working from wide vistas to intimate scenes. Expect to wade carefully where it is safe, to change vantage points often, and to build thoughtful foregrounds with stone, leaf, and visual flow that give each frame structure and depth.
Learning is constant throughout this workshop, with focused practice on reading water and light, choosing shutter speeds that match the character of each fall, and using neutral density filters when longer exposures will simplify the scene. We will work beside you to grow your photographic vision and help you see in exciting and fresh perspectives, teaching you lasting skills in composition, camera techniques, and post-processing that will improve your photography long after the workshop.
You will leave with a cohesive set of waterfall photographs that show both power and delicacy, along with small scenes of wildflowers and ferns—the details that define this region. Just as important, you will come away with a reliable approach to working around moving water, from safe positioning and exposure control to processing files with detail and natural color.
Your Pro
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
June 20, 2026: Arrive in Asheville, Transport to Highlands, Photograph Dry Falls
Arrive at the Asheville airport. We’ll arrange for a ride to Highlands to check into our hotel. After settling in and a welcome orientation, we’ll shoot the famous local highlights, Dry Falls, before returning to town for dinner.
June 21, 2026: Explore Yellow Branch Falls, Discover Chattooga River Waterfalls
We will start early in the morning and head to the breathtaking multi-terraced Yellow Branch Falls, which features a huge variety of compositions to explore. After lunch, we will explore some lesser-known waterfalls nestled among the rhododendron thickets along the mighty Chattooga River .
June 22, 2026: Morning Waterfall Hike, Visit Secluded Cascades, Photograph Whitewater Falls
We will start our morning with a brisk but worthwhile hike to an impressive waterfall. Bring your water shoes because you’ll want to get up close and personal with this beauty! After lunch, we will visit some of our favorite lesser-visited waterfalls, which feature an unbelievable array of white rhododendrons, before ending our day at the overlook of the massive Whitewater Falls.
June 23, 2026: Capture Multiple Cascades, and Sunset Scenes
Our morning begins at yet another incredible waterfall featuring multiple cascades and limitless photographic opportunities. After lunch, we will work on post-processing and refining techniques for editing gorgeous waterfall shots. In the evening, we will explore another small but lovely waterfall and perhaps even catch some color over the rolling hills as the sun sets.
June 24, 2026: Sunrise at Hidden Waterfall, Farewell Breakfast, Workshop Conclusion
At dawn, we will chase our final waterfall – an absolute hidden gem encircled by breathtaking rhododendrons and mountain laurels. Afterward, we enjoy our last breakfast and bid farewell. The workshop concludes by 11:00 AM.
Fitness
Moderate: Hiking on possibly slippery and uneven trails, up to 1.5 miles each way, with totals of 3-4 miles a day.
Flights
Arrive Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Asheville, North Carolina before 12:00 PM on June 20, 2026. Flights out can be made after 2:00 PM on June 24, 2026. 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 $800 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- 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.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Travel Medical (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $800 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $2,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
- The balance is due not later than March 1, 2026.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
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