Known the world over for its stunning landscapes of cloud enshrouded high peaks and cornucopia of creeks, rivers, and waterfalls, this temperate rain forest is by far the most popular (in terms of visitation) national park in the world. Within a half days drive of the majority of the US population its no wonder that GSMNP has become the iconic image of national parks in the East. One little known fact however is that there have probably been more magazine covers taken of whitetails in this park than anywhere else in the country. When it comes to photographing these majestic creatures – there really is no better place around.
Timed to both avoid the crowds and to coincide with pre-rutting behavior, this photography workshop will put you face to face with some really big bucks just after they have shed their velvet. During the peak rutting season, its every man for himself with these boys. However, the pre-rut brings a time when the big boys can still be found in bachelor groups and sparing with each other in practice for the real thing. This time of year also coincides with the peak of the elk rut as well. So after you have gotten your fill of all things whitetails, we will head out to the least visited corner of the park to photograph these behemoths in battle royal.
Lens requirement: 300mm or longer.
Dates: September 22- 25, 2011
Price: $655
Limited to 4 participants
Price includes all transportation during the workshop, lunch the 24,25, and 26th, both drinks and snacks while out in the field.
Itinerary:
Meet in Townsend TN at the hotel (TBA) Thursday evening and drive to dinner. At dinner, we will discuss the plan for the coming days, and handle all logistical maters and any gear related issues that needs to be addressed.
Friday morning, we leave the hotel before dawn to arrive at out destination before the gates are opened. We will shoot until the light becomes too harsh and then head back into town for lunch. After lunch we will return to the field for to photograph until sunset.
Saturday morning, we will repeat this process. After lunch we will begin the journey around the the other end of the park to photograph the elk rut until dark. Afterwords, we will return back to Townsend TN to the hotel. This will be our longest day.
Sunday morning return to photograph whitetails inside the park. Participants planning on leaving the 26th will need to be checked out of hotel rooms before we depart in the morning. For the afternoon session, several options will be provided for photographing other subjects if participants so choose.