The ultimate photo shoot for adventurers
I love the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
I've spent the last couple of decades exploring it every chance I get, logging over 500 miles of hiking, and collecting dozens of favorite spots. There is beauty to be found in every season, and I'd like to share the magic with you.
Planning and Consultation
First I'll send you a questionnaire to get an idea of what type of Smokies photo shoot you'd love the most. Then we'll talk about the details (via call, text, or email, whichever you prefer!). I'll recommend specific parts of the park that are a good fit--streams, waterfalls, overlooks, trails, historical buildings, vegetation, and bridges. We'll discuss what type of adventure you're up for, and make a plan for the days' activities... maybe hiking, playing around in a stream, getting ice cream, or having a picnic.
Timing is Everything
These types of sessions are the most successful on a weekday morning. With over 11 million visitors to the park annually, there's no way to avoid other people all together. But weekday mornings give us great light during sunrise, plenty of time for adventures, and fewer crowds than on the weekends, which means less traffic and better parking! I book a very limited number of these packages, so we'll have lots of flexibility to find the perfect day.
Adventure Day in the Smokies
This is it, time for fun! We'll meet up just outside the park boundaries (so that we still have cell reception), then you can follow me in to our first location. We'll start with a traditional photo shoot in a beautiful area, the ideal time for everyone to look their best! Once we have plenty of shots with the majestic Smoky Mountain scenery, we'll move on to your custom adventure! Whatever the activities, it's time for you to just focus on having fun! While you make great memories, I'll be there capturing the whole thing in photographs for you to look back on for years to come.
The Rest of the Details
This package typically lasts 4-5 hours, inclusive of time driving within the national park. The $1200 fee includes consultation and planning, a traditional portrait session within the Smokies, plus documentary/lifestyle photos of an in-park adventure, professionally edited photos (you will receive all the digital files--100 minimum--to download, print, and share however you'd like).
FAQ
Who is the package for?
Everyone and anyone! This is a great package for families, couples, seniors, friends... anyone who loves the outdoors. :)
How many people can come?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park allows photo shoots for up to eight people without any special permits or fees. For groups larger than eight people, a $100 fee will be added on to obtain the necessary permit.
What if it rains?
Weather in the Smokies changes fast! A sprinkle (or even a downpour) can move through quickly and leave plenty of time for pictures once it's passed. That said--because I book such a limited number of these sessions, I'm always open to rescheduling if the forecast looks especially daunting. (Although, sometimes a rainy photo shoot is extra special and memorable :))
Is there an entrance fee? Do I need a parking pass?
No, there is no entrance fee for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Yes, a parking pass is required! A day pass is only $5, and I will provide details about how to get one ahead of time.
What else do I need to know about the Smokies?
Besides that it's one of the most beautiful and magical places on earth? During our photo shoot, we'll exercise best practices for preserving the park--no picking wildflowers, no moving rocks, and definitely staying away from wildlife! You can learn all about the Smokies on their official NPS website, https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm
