Smoky Mountain Wildflowers - Barry Spruce Photography Tours

Overview

The Smoky Mountains and its natural beauty are reason enough to come visit and break out your photography gear. Couple that with the early spring wildflowers, and the experience is truly one of a kind. Blue, purple, pink, and white flowers grow all together. In some locations there will be banks of yellow Trillium as far as you can see. To witness and photograph blankets of white Phacelia with its green foliage is to become one with nature.

The Smoky Mountains are one of the top destinations in the world for wildflowers. There are over 1500 kinds of flowering plants in the national park. That is more than any other national park in America. The workshop is timed for the end of the early spring ephemerals and the beginning of the trilliums and orchids. Photograph Trout Lily, Mayapple, Columbine, Violets, Squirrel Corn, Dutchman’s Breeches, Wild Geranium, Fire Pink, Fringed Phacelia, Phlox, and Buttercups, as well as, Trillium varieties in their peak season.

Let me show you my favorite wildflower spots. I have spent decades learning the best locations and timing. Some are beside the highways just along the road while others are along meandering pathways that wind through the gentle slopes of the mountains.

Drive to Townsend or fly into Knoxville, TN and stay in the quaint town of Townsend, a gateway to the Smoky Mountains. We will have a meeting Monday night followed by group dinner. Tuesday morning, we will be off to our first workshop destinations. Each day we will travel to unique wildflower destinations to capture the amazing variety of wildflowers and flora in the Smokies stopping only for a midday lunch break. The workshop will conclude Thursday evening. Participants will check out of their lodging Friday morning. For those who flew into Knoxville McGhee Tyson airport, a shuttle ride to the airport will be arranged for Friday morning.

Tour size is limited to 5 participants to allow hands-on guidance and technique instruction as needed. Wildflower and macro / close-up photography require a little past experience and a few special pieces of gear. For this tour, I recommend a good supportive set of tripod legs, a tripod head you have used for macro photography in the past, a designated macro / close-up lens, a wide-angle lens, 1 or 2 reflectors, and fill flash of some sort.

There will be some moderate hiking, so hiking shoes, sturdy pants or jeans, layered clothing, backpack with snacks and water, ball cap and bug spray are recommended.

After registering for the workshop, you will receive a confirmation by email and a Welcome Letter which will include additional information and details for planning your trip.

The workshop price includes the following:

- Lodging during the workshop.
- Shuttle to and from McGhee Tyson airport.
- Transportation during the workshop.
- Park fees including parking pass.
- Guiding services and photography instruction during the workshop.

The workshop price DOES NOT include the following:

- Meals, snacks, and other incidentals during the workshop.
- Flight or travel to and from the area.
- Trip / travel insurance.

Please, review the Terms & Liability / Statement of Risk and Refund Policy for the workshop on the workshop registration page.

Authorized permittee of Great Smoky Mountain NP.

Quick Info

Type Landscape
Date March 31 - April 4, 2025
Price $3,000
Tickets Good Availability

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What You'll See

Other Workshops & Tours

Smoky Mountain Big Buck Rut

If you are looking to photograph white-tailed deer, specifically big bucks in rut, there is no better place than the Smoky Mountains. Use an experienced guide to help learn the ins and outs of the white-tail herds during the rutting season. Photograph big bucks at their favorite scrape areas scraping their trees. Spend time with them in their natural environment for the best opportunity to get amazing images. Watch and photograph interactions between bucks including sparing and possibly a big match. There will also be opportunity to photograph bucks with early morning frost on their backs and antlers and the quintessential buck jumping a fence. Occasionally you can walk with a buck following a doe and photograph the lip curl when the buck catches her scent. On rare occasions you can capture the breeding process. Join us on this Smoky Mountain workshop and experience photographing these amazing bucks in their natural habitat with a guide who has over 30 years of experience. The workshop is limited to 5 individuals to permit one on one instruction. Plus, a smaller group provides better opportunity to capture the bucks acting naturally. Drive to Townsend or fly into Knoxville, TN and stay in the quaint town of Townsend, a gateway to the Smoky Mountains. We will have a meeting Monday night followed by group dinner. Tuesday morning, we will be off to our first workshop destinations. The workshop will conclude Thursday evening. Participants will check out of lodging Friday morning. For those who flew into Knoxville McGhee Tyson airport, a shuttle ride to the airport will be arranged for Friday morning. After registering for the workshop, you will receive a confirmation by email and Welcome Letter which will include additional information and details for planning your trip. The workshop price includes the following: - Lodging during the workshop - Shuttle to and from McGhee Tyson airport - Transportation during the workshop - Park fees including parking pass - Guiding services and photography instruction during the workshop The workshop price DOES NOT include the following: - Meals, snacks, and other incidentals during the workshop - Flight or travel to and from the area - Trip / Travel insurance Please, review the Terms & Liability / Statement of Risk and Refund Policy for the workshop on the workshop registration page. Authorized permittee of Great Smoky Mountain NP.

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Smoky Mountain Waterfalls

Join me on this one of a kind Smoky Mountain Waterfall Workshop. This will be a destination to destination journey covering Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. I have mapped out some of the best waterfalls in the Smokies and have them planned for minimum time driving and maximum time shooting. We will travel scenic byways along mountain streams and rivers as we wind our way to each waterfall. You just sit back and enjoy the beauty and leave all the driving to your guide. I have over 15 years of experience photographing these mountains on a professional basis and have traveled all the roads many times. I will also give you some history of the area as we drive. Need some pointers on waterfall photography? I’m there to share my knowledge and expertise. Want some additional instruction on setup? I will help you with your camera settings. Let me help you get to some of the best waterfalls in the Smokies and also help you get the best compositions possible. Drive to Townsend or fly into Knoxville, TN and stay in the quaint town of Townsend, a gateway to the Smoky Mountains. Tour size is limited to 4 participants to allow hands-on guidance and technique instruction as needed. After registering for the workshop, you will receive a confirmation by email and Welcome Letter which will include additional information and details for planning your trip. The workshop price includes the following: - Lodging during the workshop - Shuttle to and from McGhee Tyson airport - Transportation during the workshop - Park fees including parking pass - Guiding services and photography instruction during the workshop The workshop price DOES NOT include the following: - Meals, snacks, and other incidentals during the workshop - Flight or travel to and from the area - Trip / Travel insurance Please, review the Terms & Liability / Statement of Risk and Refund Policy for the workshop on the workshop registration page. Authorized permittee of Great Smoky Mountain NP.

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Alaska Brown Bear Experience

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime photographic adventure with us in Alaska, where the majestic brown bears roam freely in their natural habitat. Imagine photographing awe-inspiring moments as these powerful creatures fish for salmon and play in pristine waters. Join us in witnessing the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier. This journey promises not only remarkable photo opportunities but also a profound connection with nature. We will observe and photograph brown bears in their natural element. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting your photographic journey, this experience will undoubtedly provide unforgettable memories. Gain a newfound appreciation for the awe-inspiring wildlife that call Alaska home. Come, join us for this brown bear photographic experience in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.

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Smoky Mountain Birds

The Smoky Mountains are home to a great variety of birds. Besides species found in other southeastern states, you can also find some species from the north brought down with glaciers millions of years ago. That being said, some of the best birds to locate and photograph are the migratory ones. Many birds migrate to the Smoky Mountains every year to nest and have their young. I have spent decades photographing birds and teaching others to do the same. I have taught bird photography at the university noncredit program, been the administrator for local birding clubs, been published in numerous bird photography media, and lectured and presented on bird photography. Join me for this special workshop to photograph the birds of the Smoky Mountains. During this workshop we will have the lush green backdrop of newly leafed-out deciduous trees and flowers in open areas as well. Birds will be plentiful and many will be in their first nesting cycle of the year. Local birds such as Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, American Goldfinch, and Common Yellow-throat are easy targets. The migrating birds such as Indigo Bunting, Orchard Oriole, Blue Grosbeak, and Great Crested Flycatcher provide even more colorful subjects. Drive to Townsend or fly into Knoxville, TN and stay in the quaint town of Townsend, a gateway to the Smoky Mountains. We will have a meeting Monday night followed by group dinner. Tuesday morning, we will be off to our first workshop destinations. Each day we will travel to destinations to capture the amazing variety of birds in the Smokies stopping only for a midday lunch break. The workshop will conclude Thursday evening. Participants will check out of lodging Friday morning. For those who flew into Knoxville McGhee Tyson airport, a shuttle ride to the airport will be arranged for Friday morning. Tour size is limited to 5 participants to allow hands-on guidance and technique instruction as needed. After registering for the workshop, you will receive a confirmation by email and Welcome Letter which will include additional information and details for planning your trip. The workshop price includes the following: - Lodging during the workshop. - Shuttle to and from McGhee Tyson airport. - Transportation during the workshop. - Park fees including parking pass. - Guiding services and photography instruction during the workshop. The workshop price DOES NOT include the following: - Meals, snacks, and other incidentals during the workshop. - Flight or travel to and from the area. - Trip / Travel insurance. Please, review the Terms & Liability / Statement of Risk and Refund Policy for the workshop on the workshop registration page. Authorized permittee of Great Smoky Mountain NP.

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$3,000

Smoky Mountain Black Bear

The Smoky Mountains have many great photographic opportunities for beginners as well as for seasoned photographers. Some subjects are easier than others. Some are seasonal and others are far more elusive. In those situations, using a seasoned photography guide pays huge dividends. Join me for this black bear workshop to learn the habits of individual bears and their families. Learn the territories of the bears for several different locations. Photograph 2 and 3-year-old single bears as well as moms and cubs. Many people visit the Smoky Mountains because they are home to many American black bears. The Smokies are one of the top destinations to photograph black bears in their natural habitat. Whether you have visited many times or this is your very first visit, let me teach you the ins and outs of finding and photographing the American black bears of the Smoky Mountains. Tour size is limited to 5 participants to allow hands-on guidance and technique instruction as needed. Drive to Townsend or fly into Knoxville, TN and stay in the quaint town of Townsend, a gateway to the Smoky Mountains. We will have a meeting Monday night followed by group dinner. Tuesday morning, we will be off to our first workshop destinations. The workshop will conclude Thursday evening. Participants will check out of lodging Friday morning. For those who flew into Knoxville McGhee Tyson airport, a shuttle ride to the airport will be arranged for Friday morning. After registering for the workshop, you will receive a confirmation by email and Welcome Letter which will include additional information and details for planning your trip. The workshop price includes the following: - Lodging during the workshop - Shuttle to and from McGhee Tyson airport - Transportation during the workshop - Park fees including parking pass - Guiding services and photography instruction during the workshop The workshop price DOES NOT include the following: - Meals, snacks, and other incidentals during the workshop - Flight or travel to and from the area - Trip / Travel insurance Please, review the Terms & Liability / Statement of Risk and Refund Policy for the workshop on the workshop registration page. Authorized permittee of Great Smoky Mountain NP.

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Jackson Hole & The Grand Tetons

Join us for a photographic journey to the crown jewel of national parks, the Grand Tetons. Stay in Jackson, Wyoming and explore Jackson Hole and all that it has to offer. Spend 5 days and 5 nights in this beautiful valley with soaring mountains rising straight up to almost 14,000 feet. Experience moose, bighorn sheep, mountain elk, mule deer, grizzly bear, and much more with the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Walk among the ranches and barns of Mormon Row, and visit other sites, such as Bar Flying U Ranch, for impressive landscapes. The workshop will be led by experienced photographers and guides, Barry Spruce and Mary Jo Cox. Participants will be limited to 10 ensuring plenty of one-on-one instruction. Lodging is centrally located in Jackson within easy walking distance to restaurants for dining each evening. Transportation will be in the comfort of extended, large SUVs, such as Chevy Suburbans. This is a hotel based workshop from November 4 - 9, 2024. The cost per person is $3500 for a single occupancy room. After registering for the tour, you will receive additional information by email for booking your flights and planning your trip. NOTE: The workshop fee includes the following: - Lodging and breakfast (5 nights and 5 days) - Transportation during workshop - Free shuttle to and from airport - Park entry fees - Photography instruction and guiding services for both landscape and wildlife NOTE: The workshop fee DOES NOT include the following: - Transportation to and from Jackson Hole, WY - Lunch, dinner, other incidentals - Trip insurance Authorized Permittee of Grand Teton National Park

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August 12 - 17, 2024
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Smoky Mountain Wildflowers

The Smoky Mountains and its natural beauty are reason enough to come visit and break out your photography gear. Couple that with the early spring wildflowers, and the experience is truly one of a kind. Blue, purple, pink, and white flowers grow all together. In some locations there will be banks of yellow Trillium as far as you can see. To witness and photograph blankets of white Phacelia with its green foliage is to become one with nature. The Smoky Mountains are one of the top destinations in the world for wildflowers. There are over 1500 kinds of flowering plants in the national park. That is more than any other national park in America. The workshop is timed for the end of the early spring ephemerals and the beginning of the trilliums and orchids. Photograph Trout Lily, Mayapple, Columbine, Violets, Squirrel Corn, Dutchman’s Breeches, Wild Geranium, Fire Pink, Fringed Phacelia, Phlox, and Buttercups, as well as, Trillium varieties in their peak season. Let me show you my favorite wildflower spots. I have spent decades learning the best locations and timing. Some are beside the highways just along the road while others are along meandering pathways that wind through the gentle slopes of the mountains. Drive to Townsend or fly into Knoxville, TN and stay in the quaint town of Townsend, a gateway to the Smoky Mountains. We will have a meeting Monday night followed by group dinner. Tuesday morning, we will be off to our first workshop destinations. Each day we will travel to unique wildflower destinations to capture the amazing variety of wildflowers and flora in the Smokies stopping only for a midday lunch break. The workshop will conclude Thursday evening. Participants will check out of their lodging Friday morning. For those who flew into Knoxville McGhee Tyson airport, a shuttle ride to the airport will be arranged for Friday morning. Tour size is limited to 5 participants to allow hands-on guidance and technique instruction as needed. Wildflower and macro / close-up photography require a little past experience and a few special pieces of gear. For this tour, I recommend a good supportive set of tripod legs, a tripod head you have used for macro photography in the past, a designated macro / close-up lens, a wide-angle lens, 1 or 2 reflectors, and fill flash of some sort. There will be some moderate hiking, so hiking shoes, sturdy pants or jeans, layered clothing, backpack with snacks and water, ball cap and bug spray are recommended. After registering for the workshop, you will receive a confirmation by email and a Welcome Letter which will include additional information and details for planning your trip. The workshop price includes the following: - Lodging during the workshop. - Shuttle to and from McGhee Tyson airport. - Transportation during the workshop. - Park fees including parking pass. - Guiding services and photography instruction during the workshop. The workshop price DOES NOT include the following: - Meals, snacks, and other incidentals during the workshop. - Flight or travel to and from the area. - Trip / travel insurance. Please, review the Terms & Liability / Statement of Risk and Refund Policy for the workshop on the workshop registration page. Authorized permittee of Great Smoky Mountain NP.

Landscape
March 31 - April 4, 2025
$3,000

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