Great Smoky Mountains Fall Workshop
October 26th to 30th, 2026
This multi-day workshop visits some of the iconic areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During the course of this workshop, we will visit scenic overlooks, mountain streams, and scenic valleys. We will experience the colorful autumn leaves, the layers of the mountains, the flowing water of streams under colorful canopies of trees, and likely see some wildlife along the way - including deer, turkeys, and maybe even a bear or two.
In addition to guiding you through the park to these areas, we will provide photography instruction along the way. Topics will range from capturing a well-exposed image to composition, fieldcraft, and more advanced techniques like exposure bracketing and focus stacking during the workshop. During the mid-day downtime, we will be available to review editing techniques and have more in-depth discussions of topics we touch on in the field.
Our instruction is a mix of group and individual instruction during the workshop. We cover the broad concepts as a group when we visit locations and then more individual attention while we are photographing to help answer specific questions you may have.
We keep the workshop small so that we can give each participant more individual attention in the field. That means more time to work on the specific skills that matter most to you, while still giving everyone room to photograph without crowding each other.
Great Smoky Mountains
$1895
Oct 26-30,
2026
Two
Instructors
5 of 8
Spots Left
Fitness Level
Moderate
Reserve your spot with a $300 deposit. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the workshop.
Is This Workshop Right for You?
This workshop is designed for landscape photographers who want to feel more confident making decisions in the field and creating stronger images from the places they explore.
Photographers at every stage are welcome. Whether you are newer to landscape photography or have years of experience behind the camera, Michael and I will meet you where you are and help you build confidence throughout the week.
We will work through composition, exposure, moving water, changing light, editing, and image review, along with more advanced techniques such as bracketing and focus stacking. Michael and I will tailor our guidance to the things that will make the biggest difference in your photography.
What Past Participants Have Said
“My husband and I recently participated in Jeffrey Tadlock and Michael Rung’s Great Smoky Mountains Workshop. They took us to several beautiful locations, set us free to choose our compositions, and made themselves available for instruction and advice. They were always nearby and kept tabs on all of us to make sure we had the best experience in the field. It was a perfect photo travel experience.”
— Elise, Great Smoky Mountains Workshop Participant
Read More Workshop Testimonials →
Itinerary
Because mountain conditions can change quickly, we will choose locations based on the weather and the strongest photographic opportunities available. The itinerary below focuses on each day’s activities rather than fixed locations, giving us flexibility throughout the workshop.
October 26th, 2026 - Arrive in Townsend, Tennessee, the peaceful side of the Smokies. We base ourselves out of Townsend for the duration of the workshop. We will meet late in the afternoon for introductions, orientation to the workshop, and safety talks. Once we complete that, we will head out for a short time in the park to photograph in the golden hour.
October 27th, 2026 - Early morning with sunrise in the park. Early lunch with a brief break mid-day. We will reconvene with a “classroom” session and then back into the park for sunset photography.
October 28th, 2026 - Early morning with sunrise in the park. Lunch with a mid-day break. Reconvene with a “classroom” session and then back into the park for sunset photography.
October 29th, 2026 - Early morning with sunrise in the park. Lunch with a break mid-day. Reconvene with a “classroom” session and then back into the park for sunset photography.
October 30th, 2026 - We will photograph scenes at sunrise on our final morning together. After the sun rises and we have captured what we can, we will have a brief Q&A session to answer any final questions and close the workshop out. The workshop ends by mid-morning to allow checkout from lodging.
The classroom sessions are informal group discussions on specific topics. They typically include a look at photo editing and workflow, along with deeper dives into subjects chosen based on participant questions and needs. The goal of these sessions is to review topics that are causing you trouble in the field so we have time to understand them better and then put them into practice during the on-location photography sessions.
Locations we visit during this workshop include:
Cades Cove
Foothills Parkway
Tremont
Little River
Kuwohi
Morton Overlook
Newfound Gap
Roaring Fork
Workshop Information
Fitness:
Moderate
The majority of this workshop takes place at overlooks or driveable locations. There are certain spots where a 1 to 3-mile hike is necessary. Much of the stream photography requires hiking down to the stream on rocks and roots, some of which can be slippery. Because of this, good physical condition is required. (If you have questions - please contact us BEFORE registering.)
Lodging:
This multi-day workshop is based out of the Townsend, Tennessee area. When we meet in the early mornings it will be in Townsend, so staying in Townsend or close by is important. You are responsible for your own lodging arrangements.
We do have a block of rooms reserved in Townsend, TN. After registering for the workshop we will share the information on the hotel block should you wish to book there. You are responsible for claiming a room from the block. Our block of rooms expires on July 1st, 2026.
In addition, there are several motels, campgrounds, and AirBnBs in the area to choose from. The Townsend Visitor Center has a good list to get you started.
Getting to Townsend:
If you are driving to the workshop, plan your route around reaching Townsend, Tennessee. Our early morning meeting locations will be based from Townsend.
For participants traveling by air, Knoxville is likely the most convenient airport option for reaching Townsend. From there, you should plan on renting a vehicle and driving to the Townsend area, where this workshop is based.
Transportation:
You are responsible for transportation during the workshop, though carpooling is encouraged among the participants. A couple of the locations do require an SUV with high clearance.
What to Bring:
Please reference our Preparing for a Landscape Photography Workshop page for what to bring and prepare for before a workshop. We 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 Workshop
Lodging
Meals
Anything not listed as included.
We recommend travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Payment Terms:
Your spot for the workshop is only confirmed when a $300 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.
Jeffrey Tadlock
Jeffrey is a professional landscape photographer based in Ohio who 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. He also emphasizes more than the technicals by also helping people learn to enjoy the process of landscape photography and the natural surroundings.
Jeffrey has led numerous workshops in the Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, and California regions. His familiarity with the workshop locations will help ensure you walk away from the workshop with images to add to your portfolio and new confidence in your landscape photography.
The Instructors
Michael Rung
Michael Rung is a photographer based out of north Texas, but he's passionate about exploring woodlands and photographing forest streams and waterfalls, subjects not generally found in Texas. He found his passion for such scenes, and photography in general, in Ireland and has also spent time in northern Arkansas photographing its lesser-known yet equally beautiful waterfalls.
As someone who deeply appreciates the beauty and magnificence of the natural world, Michael feels strongly about protecting the authenticity of nature photography through representational work. To him, it's not just about capturing visually stunning images; it's about preserving genuine moments and scenes that evoke a sense of wonder and awe.
After close to three decades working for the same company, where he was largely responsible for the coaching and development of others, Michael stepped away from his corporate career in early 2022 to pursue his passion for nature and landscape photography, and teaching, full-time.
