Golden Waters

Moving water can be some of the most pleasing subjects to photograph. The movement of the water, the colors reflected in it, and the calm joy of being next to a pristine stream or waterfall combine to make for a great experience.

Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park brings all these elements together and more. Known not only for its superb displays of wildflowers in April, the Smokies has a multitude of streams which are some of the most beautiful anywhere. And they are at their very best in April. In the springtime the streams and waterfalls come to life and create a waterworld of sorts.

The upcoming photo workshop in the Smokies in April will put us close to superb opportunities to photograph moving water.  Swift-running streams are everywhere and we know the best places to find them within easy access. No back-breaking hikes, no slogging over hill and dale, we know all the back roads and will put you close to steams and not far from our vehicles. There are some lovely, relatively easy hikes for those who might want to venture farther afield, but that will be an optional personal choice.

And in addition to the spring wildflowers and exciting streams, there will be opportunities to photograph lovely landscapes and sweeping vistas. We will seek out sunrises and sunsets, and of course will always be on the lookout for wildlife as well. Black bear, deer, fox, coyote, and wild turkey are some of the animals that frequent the park.

Pro Tips For Photographing Moving Water:
-  use a sturdy tripod
-  ISO 100
-  f/11 or smaller aperture for good depth of field
-  shutter speed 1/2 sec. or longer (experiment with a variety of slow shutter speeds)
-  cable release or remote trigger (if you do not have one, set your camera on 2-second delay to allow it to settle down after pressing the shutter button)
-  try some shots with a wide angle lens, and also do some close-ups with a moderate telephoto lens
-  early morning and late afternoon are best, but using a neutral density filter (8 stops or more) can allow you to get great moving water shots at any time of day

So plan now to come along on the best Smokies photo trip available anywhere! The trip runs from April 22 - 27. Register before January 1 and save $300. Limited to only 10 photographers, it is already half full. So don't delay. Call us at 757-773-0194 or email awakethelight@charter.net with questions and for more information.

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/2 sec.  Aperture f/14.  ISO 100.  Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS set at 200mm.  Camera: Canon 5D Mark III.  Gitzo tripod with Really Right Stuff ballhead.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins. Not through strength, but through persistence."  --Buddha