Chasing The
Great Smoky Mountains
With Co-leader Ben Williamson
April 21-25, 2026
Tuition: $1,895
Reserve your spot with a non-refundable $500 deposit
Join Ben and Tony in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Get ready for an exhilarating photography adventure in the awe-inspiring Great Smoky Mountains! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your journey, this workshop is your ticket to unlocking your creative potential and capturing the magic of nature like never before. Picture yourself snapping awe-inspiring shots of breathtaking landscapes, encountering magnificent wildlife (yes, Bears!), and basking in the vibrant spring colors that make the Smokies a photographer's paradise. Our hands-on sessions are designed to elevate your skills and bring your artistic vision to life. With our friendly, expert guidance and insider knowledge of the park, you'll experience the Smokies like never before.
Here's what's in store for you:
Master the art of capturing that picture-perfect shot with exclusive tips and tricks.
Connect with fellow photography enthusiasts and receive personalized feedback that will take your skills to new heights.
Benefit from the expertise of Ben and Tony as they lead you through one of America’s most stunning National Parks.
Cade’s Cove
The iconic Cade’s Cove bursts with incredible opportunities to capture stunning photographs in a dazzling range of lighting conditions and artistic styles! Whether you’re reaching for distant mountain scenes with a powerful long lens, carefully framing breathtaking classic landscapes with a wide-angle, or exploring every creative possibility in between, Cade’s Cove consistently delivers exceptional moments. Imagine misty early mornings that weave a magical, ethereal atmosphere, the rustic charm of historic log cabins that tell timeless stories of days gone by, and an abundance of diverse wildlife freely roaming, just waiting to be beautifully photographed. Cade’s Cove is truly the ultimate destination for photographers aiming to create portfolio-worthy images that will both amaze viewers and deeply inspire creativity!
The Foothills
We’ll grab our long lenses and ascend to the enchanting heights of Foothills Parkway, diving into the very soul of the Great Smoky Mountains. From this breathtaking vantage, we’ll chase the swirling mist that weaves the Smokies’ legendary spell, capture fiery sunrises and sunsets that ignite the sky, and frame vast Panoramas are wide-angle views or representations of a physical space, capturing expansive scenes in a single, continuous image. They allow photographers to show a broader perspective than what is possible with standard framing, often highlighting landscapes, cityscapes, and large interiors in greater detail. This technique enhances the sense of scale and immersion for the viewer. stretching endlessly into the horizon. The Parkway’s dramatic viewpoints offer an unparalleled stage to witness the awe-inspiring majesty of the Smokies like never before.
Tremont & Roaring Fork
With vibrant emerald forests stretching as far as the eye can see, cascading waterfalls tumbling gracefully, and streams bursting with rocks and textured surfaces, the Tremont and Roaring Fork areas of the Great Smoky Mountains present photographers with an exhilarating playground to immerse themselves deeply in nature’s stunning beauty. The roaring waters serve as your artistic ally, inviting you to capture mesmerizing long-exposure shots that hypnotize viewers with flowing, silky motion or to freeze their raw, untamed power using crisp, fast shutter speeds—transforming every frame into a stunning, dynamic masterpiece full of life and energy.
Wildlife
No trip to the Great Smoky Mountains is ever truly unforgettable without the experience of capturing the incredible and diverse wildlife that inhabits this breathtakingly beautiful park. Imagine photographing the majestic Black Bears—an impressive population of around 1,900 individuals roaming freely and without any restrictions—allowing for extraordinary close-up shots. Additionally, experiencing the vibrant spring spectacle as countless birds migrate northward adds an exciting dimension to your adventure. This season offers a unique and unparalleled chance to snap stunning images of dazzling Meadowlarks, colorful Buntings, and elusive Warblers, making every moment a thrilling and memorable adventure for wildlife photographers of all skill levels.
Classroom Instruction
Our home base in Gatlinburg, TN provides the perfect launchpad for our photography journey, featuring a fully equipped classroom where we’ll thoroughly explore advanced post-processing techniques, master essential compositional best practices, and carefully strategize our exciting and inspiring daily adventures.
About the Workshop Leaders
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Benjamin Williamson is a full-time professional photographer and photography educator living in Maine. From 2016 to 2022, Ben was the staff photographer, photo editor, and adventure leader for Down East Magazine. He has moved to freelance work to focus on teaching, working on his own photography, and spending more time with his young family. Prints of his work can be seen in major institutions such as Maine Medical Center, Intermed, Bangor Savings Bank, and many others.
Ben loves sharing his passion for photography through teaching. He especially likes to highlight the relationships between humans and nature, and believes we can find ways to live more sustainably and in harmony with each other.
Ben’s work and more can be seen at www.benjaminwilliamsonphotography.com
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Tony Baldasaro is a professional landscape and nature photographer and educator based in New Hampshire. After studying Biology and Ornithology in college, Tony spent the better part of 30 years in public education doing his best to share his passion for the natural world as well as his unwavering belief that everyone has the capacity to learn.
Combining his educator experience with more than 20 years of nature photography, Tony has found immense joy in helping others improve their photography. He does this through one-on-one coaching, speaking, and workshop opportunities.
Learn more about Tony and see his inspirational TED talk by visiting his website www.tb3photography.com
What’s Included
Photography instruction with Landscape and Wildlife Photographers Tony Baldasaro & Ben Williamson
4.5 days of photography with both classroom and in field instruction
Guidance to our favorite photographic spots in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Field guidance on composition and techniques.
Classroom instruction and guidance.
Fully permitted and Insured.
What’s Not Included
Lodging (We’ll work with a local hotel to negotiate group rate options.)
National Park Fees
Meals
While I’ll have some snacks, please plan to bring your favorite snacks and water.
Personal Items
Transportation. Participants should plan to provide their own transportation, although we will set up carpools daily.
Hotel Booking: A discounted room block will be added here soon
Limited to 12 participants
Questions? email tony@tb3photography
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your booking, the Deposit is nonrefundable. You will receive a full refund minus the deposit and 15% admin fee, when your spot is filled.
