Great Smoky Mountains Fall Photo Workshop 2026 | Focus on Wonder
Aerial view of fall-colored ridgelines in the Great Smoky Mountains at sunset

Great Smoky Mountains Fall Photo Workshop

Join us for an unforgettable journey capturing the expansive fall colors of America's most visited national park — small-group instruction, camper-van adventure, and bonus drone & night-sky sessions included.

7 Days / 6 Nights Camper Van All Skill Levels
$7,500
$3,800
per person Reserve Your Spot Now Questions? Book a Quick Call

$750 deposit reserves your seat. Balance due 60 days before departure.

Workshop Dates
Oct 18–24, 2026

7 days, 6 nights in the field

Difficulty gauge pointing to Easy
Difficulty Level
Easy

Short walks, mostly flat terrain

Group Size
Max 10 People

Personalized guidance and instruction

The Blue Ridge Parkway winding through fall-colored Appalachian mountains

What’s Included?

  • Guided photography sessions with professional coaches
  • Exclusive sunrise & sunset location access
  • Dedicated editing & post-processing instruction
  • All park entrance fees & campground site fees
  • BONUS: Drone and Astrophotography sessions

What’s NOT Included?

  • Camper van (rentals recommended — sources provided)
  • Flights or transportation to/from Asheville, NC
  • Meals, except the final night's dinner
  • Health or travel insurance (recommended)
  • Personal expenses & gratuities
Bonus

Drone & Night Sky Photography

The night sky sessions are always a hit at our workshops! Here's your opportunity to learn new techniques and create awe-inspiring images in some dynamic locations.

And while we cannot fly in the National Park, if you have a drone, we'll take you to some viewpoints most tourists miss!

★★★★★

"A Lot of Individual Attention"

"Because it was a small group, we knew we'd get a lot of individual attention. Both Greg and Lynda are very hands on and wanted to make sure we got wonderful photos... and we did!"

Mary M. Portrait of Mary M., workshop guest
Looking Glass Falls cascading over rock beneath autumn foliage near Asheville, North Carolina

Meals & Accommodations

Meals

Meals are not included, except for dinner on our last night. There aren't many nearby restaurants that will be open when we are finished shooting, so we'll pick up supplies to cook at our campsite.

Accommodations

We'll be sleeping in our camper vans! All campground site fees are included.

Entrance Fees

All passes to enter the parks are included.

What to Bring

A complete list of everything that we recommend for this workshop will be sent to all participants after sign-up. Here are the primary things you might need:

Required Gear

  • Mirrorless or DSLR camera
  • Sturdy tripod
  • Wide-angle lens (16–35mm range)
  • Medium zoom lens (24–70mm range)
  • Camera bag
  • Headlamp for night shoots
  • Laptop for post-processing sessions

Optional Gear

  • Fast prime lens for night work (14mm f/1.8)
  • Telephoto lens (70–200mm)
  • Remote shutter release
  • External SSD for photo backup
  • Personal drone (non-park flights only)

Clothing

  • Multiple layers — base, mid, windproof
  • Hiking shoes with ankle support
  • Hat and gloves for cold night sessions

Meet Your Instructors

Greg Koorhan adjusting a camera on a tripod along the Continental Divide

Greg Koorhan

Greg is an award-winning film director, photographer and mentor with more than four decades of experience to share. Greg believes that truly remarkable images are born from deeply immersive experiences. With a filmmaker's eye for storytelling and years of international travel under his belt, he leads photography retreats that inspire creativity, foster community, and help photographers create breathtaking images that tell a story, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impact.

Lynda Green photographing wildlife from a boat with a telephoto lens

Lynda Green

Lynda is an award-winning commercial photographer and devoted university educator with more than two decades of guiding others with artistry, warmth, and genuine care. Her advertising, landscape, wildlife, and drone photography has touched audiences around the world, but her deepest joy lives in the workshop. There, she creates a welcoming, uplifting space where students are treated like family and encouraged to grow with confidence. Guided by the belief that every person holds a story that comes alive through the lens, Lynda ensures students leave with refined skills, renewed inspiration, and a mentor who continues cheering them on long after the class has ended.

★★★★★

"Working alongside Greg at a workshop is literally the best you could hope for. His patience and overall knowledge are second to none."

Portrait of Sarah G., workshop guestSarah G.
★★★★★

"Greg creates a supportive learning environment and genuinely wants his students to succeed. I highly recommend any class he teaches."

Portrait of Luanne G., workshop guestLuanne G.
★★★★★

"Lynda's years of experience show in every moment — her thoughtful guidance and instinctive understanding of light, angles, emotion, and skill."

Portrait of Phaedra W., workshop guestPhaedra W.
Sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of photography knowledge will I need?

Both experienced and beginner photographers are welcome. Instruction adjusts to your individual skill progression, portfolio goals, and the level of personalized support you need.

What physical shape do I need to be in?

Our locations feature short, easy walks on mostly flat terrain with minimal hill climbing or rock stepping. You should be comfortable carrying your own gear up a flight of stairs.

Am I too old or too young for this workshop?

All ages are welcome — we've had guests from 18 to 80. The only requirement is a genuine desire to learn and grow.

Can my non-photographer companion join us?

Yes — non-photographers are welcome under the same booking terms and pricing. They're free to enjoy nature while respecting the photography group's schedule.

Can I bring my drone?

It's optional, not required. Drones are prohibited inside national parks, but permitted at select non-park locations for unique aerial perspectives.

What if I need to cancel?

Cancellations prior to 180 days before the workshop will receive either a full refund or credit to a future workshop minus a 10% administration fee. Cancellations within 90 days of the workshop cannot be refunded, but if we are able to fill the vacancy, you can receive a credit to a future workshop minus the administration fee. Workshop credits are good for one calendar year from the date of the missed workshop.

Cancellations within 30 days of the workshop (for any reason) will forfeit their entire registration fee as it is extremely difficult to fill the space on that short of notice.

Spots Are Limited — Reserve Yours Today

A $750 deposit holds your seat for the Great Smoky Mountains Fall Photo Workshop, October 18–24, 2026.

$3,800 Per Person
Reserve Spot