Workshops & Tours

Over the years we have been asked by clients to conduct a workshop or tour in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but would not because of the amount of tourism and traffic we would have to contend with. After a lot of research and networking with people we trust, we have found an excellent location outside of the National Park, one which provides ample opportunities for landscape and close-up photography. A few years ago, after doing a lot of scouting, we were so excited by what the area had to offer photographically that we decided to offer this tour.

Dogwood and Redbud in Peak Bloom~ Tellico River

Tour Location Description

The Tellico River corridor within the Appalachian Mountain region features many cascading waterfalls, bluffs and other scenic views. Another highlight of the area is the Cherohala Skyway which is not well known to photographers. This 43-mile National Scenic Byway contains numerous valleys, rivers and overlooks much like the Smoky Mountain National Park but without the nightmare of dealing with hoards of tourist and traffic.

We'll also spend time within the southern district of Cherokee National Forest. This region is home to more than 11 designated Wildernesses, totaling nearly 67,000 acres and provides habitat for 43 species of mammals, 154 species of fish 55 species of amphibians and 262 species of birds. It also has more than 500 miles of cold water streams! In addition, we'll explore portions of the Nantahala National Forest which lies in the mountains and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. The largest of North Carolina's National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 to 1,200 feet.

Tributary of the Tellico River, TN

While spectacular landscapes are the main focus of this workshop, we'll also search out of a variety of late spring flowers, red-bud blossoms, several species of Southern trilliums, ferns and insects to make close-up images. To get the most out of the workshop, participants need to have a full photographic system which includes the tools to photograph a diverse selection of subjects - landscapes, plant life and insects (natural light.)

Simile Trillium

Participants must be advanced photographers who should arrive with a clear understanding of photographic fundamentals and a thorough knowledge of their camera system as it relates to their photographic goals. Since this is a tour we will spend most of our time together in the field. However, you can expect downtime which will afford you the opportunity to download and edit images. This unique tour format begins with a brief introduction/orientation meeting at 6:30PM Sunday, April 9 and ends after a morning field trip Friday.

Testimonial

"Just want to let you know how much I enjoyed last week's workshop. I especially appreciated Rod's expertise with the whole process of capturing nature photographs including camera work (composition, exposure, etc), post processing (RAW processing in Lightroom, etc) and, of course, knowledge of just about every aspect of the natural world. Your love for nature was very evident in your enthusiasm and even passion for just about anything natural - only matched by your desire to get the very best photographs possible." - G. Robinson ~ Standard Workshop

Group Lodging Rates and Accommodations

The Mountain View Cabins and Riverfront Lodge is our home base for the tour. This location is perfect because of the variety of accommodations and range of rates ($40 - $120 per night - rates include tax.) Upon registration, we will send a detailed confirmation letter outlining check-in time, directions, suitable photographic equipment, and recommended clothing.

Tuition / Payment

$1395 per person (includes in-the-field instruction, instructional handouts, and any park entrance fees and permits.) Group Size: 8 participants. To reserve a space, please send a deposit of $250. The balance of $1145 is due 90 days before the tour begins.

Rock Detail in Flowing Stream

Registration

Cost: $1395 per person (includes instruction in the field, instructional handouts (3 e-books), and any park entrance fees). Deposit of $250 is required with registration. Balance of $1145 is required 90 days prior to the beginning of the workshop. 90-day advance notice is required for refund of deposit. If you cancel with less than 90 days notice you will receive a refund only if we are able to fill your space. All cancellations incur a $50 processing fee.

Participants are responsible for lodging, meals, transportation, and contributing to "fuel kitty" during the tour. Carpooling is mandatory. Please let us know if you have a large vehicle and are willing to volunteer to drive. Your fuel cost during the workshop will be defrayed by the group.

Testimonial

"I wanted to tell both of you how much I owe you for helping me progress in my quest for improving my photography. When I came up to South Dakota, I had no idea of what to expect from the area as well as from both of you. What a fantastic experience it was to see the Badlands and most of all the exposure to you two. Your workshop allowed me to see a whole different approach to photography, and I am seeing the results. Most importantly, Rod's techniques and his way of teaching was an eye opener. I think that those two weeks advanced me more than the last two years of trying on my own to make advancements." - Tommy Graner - Advanced Hybrid Workshop/Tour

Bald River Falls

Reservations

Early reservations are recommended. By phone: Call (906) 293-3339. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. We accept credit cards (for deposits only) or we'll hold your space for 7 days while awaiting your check.

You can register online using PayPal by clicking the "Add to Cart" button below. You do not need a PayPal account to pay by credit card.

You can also register by downloading and completing a registration form (Word Doc) and mailing with payment to:

Rod Planck Photography
PO Box 100
McMillan, MI 49853

Testimonial

"I found Rod Planck's workshop invaluable. Using both informative lectures and lots of hands-on instruction in the field, he totally changed my approach to image capture using the increased capabilities of my digital equipment. His advice really jump-started my transition" - Victor Butler ~ Advanced Workshop

• Foggy Bogs and Dewy Insects (August 21 - 25, 2018)
• Iceland - Autumn Landscapes and Fire in the Sky Tour (September 10 - 21, 2018)
• Ultimate Autumn Forests, Wild Rivers and Waterfalls (September 30 - October 6, 2018)

• Utah: Red Rocks, Blue Sky and Desert Blooms (April 24 - May 1, 2019)
• Bristlecone Pines and Grand Landscapes of Eastern Sierras (July 7 - 13, 2019)