Spruce Photo Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Have you ever wanted to visit New England, one of the oldest areas of America? How about seeing and photographing scenic lighthouses along the rugged Atlantic coastline? Join me for this workshop, and I will show you where and how to photograph these iconic lighthouses from the 1800’s. To say I have abundant experience is an understatement as I was born and raised on the coast of New England. Journey with me this summer up and down the coast photographing all of my favorite destinations. Along the way I give you the history of the earliest towns and fishing villages. Each day we eat local fare which of course includes some of the freshest seafood in the country. This 5-night and 5-day workshop begins and ends with flights to and from Logan International Airport in Boston, MA. Once you arrive on the scheduled date, your transportation is provided for the rest of your stay. We use the largest SUV’s available to chauffeur you and the other participants from lighthouse to lighthouse. Two lighthouses on our itinerary are the most photographed and iconic in the country. There will be many highlights to the Land and Sea Workshop. One is to lodge beside a lighthouse for both sunrise and sunset photography. We stay in an iconic inn that was once the home of a fishing captain. To be able to walk out the front door and just down the road to do these shoots is very special indeed. It is a beautiful inn and a great photographic opportunity itself. Another very special part of the workshop is to photograph the same lighthouses from both land and sea. I have secured reservations with a company for two 4-person helicopters for our excursion. There will be 3 of us and a pilot traveling up the coast in each helicopter. There are no doors attached permitting direct inline shots of all of the lighthouses. 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 fee includes the following: -Lodging for the 5 nights of the workshop. -Shuttle to and from Boston Logan International airport. -Transportation during the workshop. -Park fees and tolls. -Guiding services and photography instruction during the workshop. -Helicopter ride to photograph lighthouses. The workshop fee 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 and Refund Policy for the workshop on the workshop registration page.

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.

This photography workshop is for those who have a love of both birds and photography. It was designed to allow people to photograph northern species and some boreal species of birds. The workshop includes North Atlantic shorebirds, interior woodland and meadow species as well as boreal species. Our target birds on the coast will include Least Tern and Piping Plovers just days old. Our targets inland will include Willow and Alder Flycatchers, Bobolinks, and even nesting Mississippi Kites. Targets for boreal species include Black-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers. As we travel along the coast, we will make brief stops to photograph small towns, fishing villages, and lighthouses. Of course, we won’t miss the opportunity to eat local fare – some of the freshest seafood in the country. Two of the hotels that we stay at have lots of history. One was once headquarters for a fishing guide business in the Allagash of Maine and is the last outpost before the Maine wilderness. The other was once the home of a merchant sailing captain and is next to a lighthouse on the Maine coast. A highlight of this workshop is 2 boat excursions to see and photograph bird species of the North Atlantic. The favorite bird of the boat excursions is the Atlantic Puffin. Besides the birds we often see and photograph seals, porpoise, and even whales. NOTE: The workshop fee includes the following: - Pick-up and drop-off at Boston Logan International airport. - Transportation during the workshop. - Lodging during the workshop. - Breakfast, lunch and dinner for 2 days of the workshop. - Park entry fees and tolls. - Boat excursions. - Guiding services and photography instruction during the workshop. NOTE: The Workshop fee DOES NOT include the following: - Transportation to and from the area. - Lodging before or after the workshop. - Other meals. - Snacks and incidentals during the workshop. - Travel / trip insurance. Please, review the Terms & Liability and Refund Policy for the workshop on the workshop registration page.

If you love owls and birds as much as I do, this Workshop is for you. Join me for a Florida trip in February to see and photograph many different Southern owl species as well as Florida birds. Our target list will include Screech Owls, Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, Burrowing Owls, Snail Kites, Crested Caracaras, Bald Eagles, Reddish Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Herons, Green Herons, American Oyster Catchers, American Bitterns, Least Bitterns, Purple Gallinules, and Painted Buntings. We will also see and photograph many other bird species – too many to list. Day 1, begins with pick-up in the morning from your hotel at the Tampa Airport. So, plan on flying into Tampa Airport the day before the Workshop begins. Reserve a hotel of your choice at the airport. This is a 5-day / 4-night Owl and Bird Workshop that encompasses more than half the state of Florida. It is a destination to destination photography excursion covering multiple parks each day. We will cover the Western, Gulf side of Florida, the Eastern, Atlantic side of Florida, and Central Florida. I have decades of experience traveling to and photographing in the parks and areas of Florida that we will be visiting. I will drive you from location to location and will provide insight and information on the target bird species and their habitat. On Day 5, we will finish up midday and travel back to Tampa for those needing to catch an evening flight out. For those staying the night and leaving the next morning, you will be dropped off at your hotel at the Tampa Airport. Note: before booking an evening flight on the day the Workshop ends, communicate with us to ensure that the flight timing will work with the end of the Workshop. After registering for the Workshop, you will receive a Welcome Letter by email. Additional Workshop information and details will be included. NOTE: The Workshop fee includes the following: -Lodging for the 4 nights of the Workshop. -Breakfast at the hotel each morning of the Workshop. -Transportation during all 5 days of the Workshop. -Pick-up at your Tampa Airport Hotel the first morning of the Workshop. Drop-off at the Tampa Airport or Tampa Airport Hotel the evening of the last day of the Workshop. -Park entry fees and tolls. -Guiding services and photography instruction during the 5-day Workshop. NOTE:  The Workshop fee DOES NOT include the following: -Transportation to and from Tampa. -Lodging the night before or after the Workshop in Tampa. -Lunch, dinner, snacks, and incidentals during the Workshop. -Trip / travel insurance. Please, review the Terms & Liability and Refund Policy for the workshop on the workshop registration page.

If you're a photography enthusiast looking to capture the stunning beauty of fall colors, covered bridges, mountain vistas, and quaint New England towns, then our photography workshop in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is the perfect opportunity for you. Led by Barry Spruce, who grew-up photographing New England, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills to take your photography to the next level. During the workshop, we will explore the White Mountains region during the peak of fall foliage. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves create a breathtaking backdrop. Capture the rich reds, oranges, and yellows that blanket the landscape, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The White Mountains are known for their picturesque covered bridges, and you'll have the opportunity to photograph these iconic structures. These bridges not only add a touch of charm to the landscape but also provide interesting subjects for your compositions. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture their unique beauty. The White Mountains offer awe-inspiring mountain vistas that are a dream for landscape photographers. From the summit of Mount Washington to the panoramic views from the Kancamagus Highway, you'll have plenty of opportunities to capture the grandeur of these majestic mountains. Learn how to compose your shots to convey the sense of scale and beauty that these landscapes offer.    Our lodging will be in an elegant hotel in the heart of the White Mountains. Each day of the tour will be filled with amazing mountain views, covered bridges, and the beauty of the White Mountains region. We will also take two train adventures for a unique experience of the area. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your photography skills while immersing yourself in the beauty of the White Mountains. Whether you're a beginner, an experienced photographer, or use your cell phone this workshop will provide you with amazing opportunities to capture stunning images. The workshop is limited to 5 participants providing ample one-on-one instruction. Sign up today and embark on a journey of creativity and inspiration. The workshop price includes guide services, lodging, transportation during workshop, photography instruction, parking and toll fees, and two train rides. Each participant is responsible for additional costs including, but not limited to, transportation to and from the workshop, meals, and other incidentals. Registered participants will receive a Welcome Letter by email that will include a detailed itinerary and information for planning your trip. NOTE: The workshop itinerary is flexible. Based on weather, unexpected closures, etc... last minute adjustments may have to be made.

Have you ever seen a Snowy Owl? How would you like to photograph some? Our Snowy Owl Workshop is our longest running workshop. It started during the irruption migration year of 2013 when many Snowy Owls came down from the Arctic. In addition to Snowy Owls, many other raptors and birds are photographed in a New England winter landscape. This workshop is not just for photographers. Birders will, also, definitely enjoy all the different bird species we encounter. Sign-up and join us on this exciting workshop for Snowy Owls and other northern species of raptors and birds in New England. Experience and photograph birds along snow-covered dunes of the Atlantic coast. Other times we may find them atop a snow-covered spruce or fir tree. Many times we will photograph bird species in and around harbors and in the sea itself. During recent tours we have seen and photographed raptors such as Golden Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harrier Hawks, and Peregrine Falcons. Besides Snowy Owls we also sometimes see and photograph Short-eared Owls, Long-eared Owls, Barred Owls, and Screech Owls. Other bird species seen include Common Loons, Red-breasted Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers, American Tree Sparrow, Red Crossbills, Common Redpoll, Snow Bunting, Brown Creeper, Black-capped Chickadee, Horned Lark, and Purple Sandpiper. It is always fun seeing old New England towns when traveling from one destination to another. We pass by many harbors and lighthouses photographing Snowy Owls who have migrated South from the Arctic for the winter. It goes without mention that local seafood is always everyone’s favorite. After registering for the workshop, you will receive a Welcome Letter by email which will include more information about pick-up at the airport, your lodging during the workshop, and additional workshop details. NOTE: The Workshop fee includes the following: -Lodging for the 4 nights of the Workshop -Transportation during all days of the Workshop -Pick-up and drop-off at Boston Logan Airport -Park entry fees and tolls -Guiding services and photography instruction during the Workshop NOTE: The Workshop fee DOES NOT include the following: -Transportation to and from Boston -Meals and incidentals during the Workshop -Trip / Travel insurance Please, review the Terms & Liability and Refund Policy for the workshop on the workshop registration page.

The Smoky Mountain Fall Colors Workshop is a must for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It offers a unique chance to capture vibrant fall colors, witness breathtaking sunrises, encounter majestic elk, and explore enchanting waterfalls. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your photography skills and create stunning images in one of nature's most beautiful settings. All skill levels (including those who use a cell phone) will enjoy this workshop with a knowledgeable local guide who has decades of experience. During the workshop, we will explore the Southern Appalachian Mountains during peak fall foliage. We will have a 4.5-hour train excursion on the GSM Railroad from a historic train depot in Bryson city, NC. A highlight of the workshop is the sunrise photography sessions. Capturing the first light of the day illuminating the fall foliage is a special experience that you will not want to miss. The Smoky Mountains are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk. During the workshop, we will have the chance to observe and photograph these magnificent creatures. Learn the technique of “wild landscapes” when you photograph Smoky Mountain Elk with peak fall colors in the background. It's a great opportunity to capture stunning wildlife shots with surrounding fall foliage and learn about these fascinating animals. To experience a bull elk bugling is truly amazing and something you will never forget. Some of the best subjects during the workshop will be the many waterfalls we photograph. Waterfalls are always an awesome subject by themselves. Add the fall colors to the background of these, and the compositions are second to none. Time permitting, we could visit as many as 5 different waterfalls. Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness and photograph the Appalachian Mountains with their fall splendor. The workshop is limited to 4 participants providing ample opportunity for one-on-one instruction. Sign up today and join us on this amazing autumn excursion. After registering for the workshop, you will receive a Welcome Letter by email that 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 -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.