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Smoky Mountains Photography Workshop

May 1 - 5, 2023
May 6-10, 2024

Beautiful Mountain Streams, Verdant Green Forests, and Stunning Appalachian Landscapes

  Photography Workshop Leader : William Manning
• Includes group and one-on-one instruction, critiques on location and feedback after workshop.
• Devoted to helping you work through the creative process behind your camera in the field. We'll discuss your equipment and help you understand and make the best use of your equipment. You'll learn how to see your subject and make the best decision for a compelling image. One on one instruction is offered throughout your workshop including processing during afternoon breaks. I prefer one on one sessions because it allows me to focus on your needs.
• I have over 30 years experience, friendly, approachable and always there with you.
• Our Photography Workshop locations are well scouted, planned and rewarding.

Workshop Fee: $1500
Workshop is limited to: 6 participants
Skill Level: All skill levels               
Fitness Level: Easy - short hikes up to a half mile. Hiking dirt paths and rough rock surfaces. 
Best Airport for Arrival and departure: Knoxville International Airport, Knoxville, TN.
Arrive in Great Smoky Mountains no later than 6 p.m. on Monday May 1. Workshop will end around 12 noon on Friday May 5 .

  Register Today: Scroll to bottom of page to enroll today


William Manning Photography Workshops are about You and 
Your Photography.
Let's get together in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains is a photographer favorite. Spring colors canvas the surroundings with verdant green vegetation and a palette of colorful soft hues. This southern mountain region is tangled in countless streams which flow at their best after the winters snow melt and late spring flowers carpet the hillsides. This will truly be a fun and rewarding hands-on workshop providing expertise instruction and guidance.

After photographing this park over the past 30Coal Mine Canyon, Near Tuba City on Hopi Indian Reservation in Arizona. years, I find mid to late spring my favorite for beautiful forest canopy, streams flowing at normal water levels, and minimal crowds. Our classroom is the trails and meadows that make up this incredible park.

What you can expect. You can expect to be the focus of attention. Your photography is paramount and it's my job to provide the answers that allow you to grow as a photographer. You'll receive an abundance of one on one instruction in the field along with group discussions. You'll discover the artist within and build on your skills. Mastering your tools in the field and knowing what they can do for you is the foundation to a successful photo journey. I know you want to enjoy this beautiful location behind your camera, therefore, I make every effort to maximize our time in the field and teach with a hands on approach. Learning to see and knowing what to do once you identify your subject is the stepping stone to building a work of art. 

Itinerary. Our daily schedule will vary depending on location and weather. Light is the most important ingredient to a rewarding photo shoot. You can expect early mornings and photograph throughout the good morning light. If the weather conditions are favorable for photography throughout the day you can bet we'll take advantage of it. When afternoon light works against us we'll take in a critique session and/or talk processing and expanding your art beyond the camera. For those in need of an afternoon break, this time is set aside for you as well. Late afternoon and into early evening we'll be back in the field for more hands on photography instruction and shooting opportunities.

April 29 - May 4, 2018

The Details

Great Smoky Mountains Photography Mentorship

May 1 - 5, 2023
May 6-10, 2024 (Registration will open in summer of 2023)

Tour / Workshop Cost: 
$1500. 
Deposit: $500.
Airport Arrival and Departure: Knoxville International Airport is the best airport to arrange both arrival and departure.
Participants: Min 5 - Max 6

What's Included:
• Experienced Photographer, Teacher, and Guide
• One-on-one and group field instruction 
• Photo Critiques and Instruction
• 3 Critiques for up to 90 days after workshop
• Small Group Size- Min 4 - Max 8 participants

Not Included:
• Air transportation
• Ground transportation
• Lodging
• Meals
• Tips and Gratuities
• Park Entrance fees

  • Pay
  • Registration
  • Workshop Policies

Workshops can be paid via PayPal, Venmo or check. To pay through PayPal simply click button below .


To pay by check, cashiers check or money order simply mail to:

William Manning Photography
6396 Birchdale CT
Cincinnati, OH 45230

Important: Please fill out Registration Form by clicking tab above this is where you will indicate the workshop of choice.

Pay with Venmo on your app or online.
Type in William Manning Photography in
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Please indicate which workshop you want payment to be applied to.

You've decided to join us, that is awesome. Just click on the button below and fill out the registration form and we'll get your spot reserved. Thank you for choosing William Manning Photography Workshops for your photography travels.

Photography Workshop Policies

I. Reservations

A deposit and a completed registration form will reserve a place for you on a William Manning Photography Workshop. Payment can be made by via PayPal, Venmo or personal check, cashiers check or money order. Payment in full is due 60 days prior to departure date unless otherwise noted.

II. Payment / Refund Policies

a. Workshop fee: Please see individual workshop to see workshop fee and what is and isn't included.  

b. A $500 deposit is required at time of registration. The balance is to be paid in full 60 days prior workshop date. If registration takes place less than 2 months of workshop date then payment in full will be required.

c. If you are participating in a drone photography workshop and you need to rent a drone the rental fee of $250 is required at time of registration.

d. A $1000 deposit is required at time of registration for international workshops. The balance is to be paid in full 90 days prior workshop date. If registration takes place less than 2 months of workshop date then payment in full will be required.

e. Cancellation Policy: Deposit and balance paid will be refunded minus $100 (administration fees) if cancellation is made 60 days prior to tour date. No refund can be made if cancellation is made less than 59 days before workshop date. William Manning Photography HIGHLY RECOMMENDS travel insurance to cover your investment in case of emergencies or other unforeseen situations arise that may require you to cancel.

Photography Tour Policies

I. Rule Number One, Two, and Three

Safety, safety and safety. My number one priority is to make sure my participants return home the same way they came with the exception of a lot more knowledge. Photography workshops are about learning, meeting awesome people, and having fun in a beautiful and creative environment. We ask all participants to refrain from vulgar language and political discussions. I wish to keep a positive and enjoyable experience for all. Participants should know how to laugh, ask questions and simply have fun. We enjoy having all levels of photographers from beginners to professional. Laptops are not mandatory but will allow participants the opportunity 
to edit, and allow feedback from tour leader. 

II. Workshop Itinerary

The following is a general itinerary but may vary from day to day and from workshop to workshop. Our first day is typically a meet and greet time along with a short introduction, Second day and thereafter – Photograph on location in early morning light and shoot throughout the morning hours. Break for brunch or lunch as a group and depending on time of year we may take a brief afternoon break. Group feedback is a wonderful way to learn and share. I strongly encourage participants to get involved in group discussions. Growth as a photographer and artist comes from listening to opinions from various points of view. We will return to the field for late afternoon light into the evening hours. The last morning of our workshop will vary depending on participants flight schedules etc. If time permits we can go out for a morning photo shoot or group breakfast, or we can decide once we all meet and make a group decision how to handle the last morning.

I love to teach and watch my participants grow as photographers throughout our time together. I am a people person, I find each individual unique and I truly enjoy building friendships with my participants. Please come with plans to have a good time and enjoy the company of others who share their passion for photography as you do. 

III. Transportation

Ground transportation is the responsibility of each participant unless otherwise stated in workshop description. I want to maximize our shooting opportunities therefore when possible I will encourage participants to car pool. The fewer cars we have gives us the opportunity to make sudden stops when we see something special happening on our way to our designated location. I will always have an itinerary but also I like to be somewhat flexible when we come upon an awesome photo opportunity not on our itinerary.  

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance in case you must cancel due to illness, injury, accident, family or work related issues, etc. The company we recommend is Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com).

LIABILITY LIMITS

Please read and sign the Liability form enclosed with registration.

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