Blackwater Falls Fall Workshop
October 8th to 11th, 2025
This multi-day workshop visits several areas in West Virginia. Workshop locations include Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley, and Bear Rocks Preserve near the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. This is a favorite area to explore, and the variety of terrain to photograph is second to none. From waterfalls to vistas, to valleys, to the unique environment of Bear Rocks Preserve, it will not disappoint.
During this workshop, I will guide you to popular photography locations in various areas. I will also provide group instruction on camera settings, how to use the exposure triangle to get a strong starting image, composition, fieldcraft and more. Once I speak to the group on various landscape photography topics, we start photographing and I will visit each of you for more personalized instruction and ready access for questions.
This workshop consists of many early mornings and late nights, with a little bit of downtime mid-day to catch your breath (or explore Davis and Thomas, West Virginia).
I keep this workshop limited to four participants as it allows for more attentive instruction. It is also handy in several of the locations to allow us to find our compositions without getting in each other's photographs.
This is a multi-day workshop. I intentionally choose to do more weekdays than weekend days to help minimize the number of crowds we will encounter. Due to the popularity of the region, it can get crowded on weekends.
While this is a Fall workshop, fall colors are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed. Autum colors or not, I am certain we will have interesting photography opportunities.
Davis , WV Area
$1095
Oct 8-11,
2025
2 Spots
of 4 Left
Fitness Level
Moderate - Difficult
Itinerary
The itinerary is subject to change based on conditions and other factors.
October 8, 2025 - Arrive in the Davis, West Virginia area earlier in the day or the day before. We will meet at 4:30pm. After introductions and workshop orientation, we will head into the park to a popular sunset location. We will get there early to make sure we have a spot. While we wait for sunset, we’ll talk about camera settings and compositions.
October 9, 2025 - We will head out near sunrise to photograph a pair of waterfalls near Thomas, West Virginia. We’ll spend the majority of the morning in this area. Mid-day, we’ll take a short break to allow people to explore the town of Davis. We’ll reconvene late that afternoon to photograph another pair of waterfalls and aim to catch the sunset at an easy overlook near the road.
October 10, 2025 - This will be a very early morning as we set out to Bear Rocks Preserve near Dolly Sods Wilderness. It takes about an hour to reach this location and we want to allow enough time to find your spot for sunrise at this unique location. After sunrise, we’ll remain at this location for a while longer, exploring this unique landscape. By late morning we’ll head back to Davis for a short break - then back out to Canaan Valley for some golden hour light photography.
October 11, 2025 - Another early morning as we head to Blackwater Falls to wrap up the workshop - photographing the waterfall and a final short Q&A session.
The Instructor
This landscape photography workshop is being led by Jeffrey Tadlock. I have led many regional workshops in the Ohio and West Virginia area. I am ready to help you work on your landscape photography in the scenic setting of West Virginia. A multi-day workshop gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in landscape photography as we visit a variety of locations to practice our craft.
Jeffrey Tadlock
Jeffrey is a professional landscape photographer that enjoys photographing landscapes across the United States. He has traveled with camera in hand across the US - from the depths of the Grand Canyon to the highest points in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Jeffrey has a passion for helping fellow landscape photographers work on growing their landscape photography skills. He emphasizes understanding and practicing exposure fundamentals so photographers are positioned to exercise their creative vision without the technical side holding them back.
Jeffrey has led numerous workshops in the Ohio and West Virginia regions. His familiarity with he locations will help ensure you walk away from the workshop with images to add to your portfolio.
Workshop Information
Fitness:
Moderate to difficult
The longest hikes on this workshop range in the 1+ mile range. The hikes are not long, but many of the waterfall locations require scrambling on steep, slippery slopes with no established trail. Good physical condition is required, including being stable on your feet while traversing potentially slippery rocks and roots. (If you have questions - please contact me before registering).
Lodging:
This is a multi-day workshop in the Davis/Thomas, West Virginia area. We typically will start very early in the morning, so staying close by is important.
You are responsible for securing your own lodging. The following list covers some of the options in the area.
Here are some places to consider staying in the area.
Blackwater Falls Lodge - https://wvstateparks.com/places-to-stay/lodges/blackwater-falls-state-park-lodges/
The State Park Lodge is inside the state park. Great views and a restaurant onsite.Blackwater Falls Campground - https://wvstateparks.com/places-to-stay/campgrounds/blackwater-falls-camping/
65 campground sites located within the state park.AirBnb - https://www.airbnb.com/
There are numerous lodging options in the area available via AirBnB. I am partial to Black Bear Resort cabin options when available. Located outside of Davis, it is still a convenient location for areas we visit.
Transportation:
You are responsible for transportation during the workshop, though car pooling is encouraged among the participants. A couple of the locations do require an SUV with high clearance.
What to Bring:
Please reference my Preparing for a Landscape Photography Workshop page for what to bring and prepare for before a workshop. I will communicate additional information via email prior to the workshop.
Included in Workshop:
Landscape Photography Guiding
Landscape Photography Instruction
Not Included:
Transportation To/From/During the Workshop.
Lodging
Meals
Anything not listed as included.
I recommend travel insurance to protect in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Payment Terms:
Your spot for the workshop is only confirmed when a $200 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.
Registration: