John C Campbell Folk School - Travel Photography Student Work June 2025

 Last week, from Sunday, June 8th through Friday, June 13th, I taught one of my most favorite photography workshops at one of my most favorite places. It was great to return and teach "Wanderlust: The Art of Travel Photography" at the John C Campbell Folk School.

The folk school is located in Western North Carolina in the small town of Brasstown between Murphy and Hayesville. As always it was wonderful to be back at the folk school doing what I absolutely love, photography and teaching it to others. Terry was able to join me again this year. We really enjoy experiencing this special place together. He took the "Gardening, Homesteading- An Herb Garden Primer" workshop, which was right up his alley. 

There were four students ranging from beginner to intermediate photographers in my workshop. Lundie, Al, Margaret, and Janel all learned so much in a short amount of time. On day one, we focused on some basics in photography from exposure to composition and all points in between. It was great to see everyone take a chance and take their cameras out of "Auto" or "Program" and everyone was able to shoot in manual within a day.

In addition to learning the basics in photography, my students also leaned what makes for creative travel photography. I also gave them several tips on how to plan for a trip and what equipment to bring. Another good one is to always expect the unexpected when traveling. The weather or lighting may not be ideal, for example, but always make the most of it. 

With the folk school campus as our primary location for most of our assignments, early in the week we spent our time around campus, including in the large vegetable, herb, and flower gardens. Tuesday morning we went on hike and photo outing along the River Cane Nature Trail. Along the trail, there's a fire circle displaying several totem poles around it, several nice sculptures, and the Rainbow Bridge leading over Little Brasstown Creek. Towards the end of the week, I got permission from some of the other instructors to come into their studios to photograph their students working on their creations. 

There were things for students to photograph in the evening both on and off campus if desired. Monday evening, there was a great concert in the Festival Barn, with Cajun musician, Jesse Le'ge, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Lundie stayed up late one night to photograph the strawberry moon mid week and she also photographed a young buck.  

On Wednesday, everyone in my class agreed that we should go on a field trip. My go-to place is almost always Vogel State Park.  Located about 45 minutes away, this beautiful state park is near Blairsville, GA. There is much to see and do in this pristine Georgia state park. It never disappoints!

We spent most of the day there, hiking the trail around Trahlyta Lake and of course the trail down to Trahlyta Falls. Not only is majestic, the waterfall is a great way for my students to practice on long exposures, which gives the water that smooth silky look to it. After our hike and photo outing we enjoyed a picnic together overlooking the lake, before heading on to the next location.  

After leaving the park, just about a mile away, we made a stop at the Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center.  Byron Herbert Reece was not only a farmer, but also a poet and a novelist. Last summer, I visited this place with my students and we discovered some great photo ops while there. They have a self-guided tour of the farm and we spent about an hour there. Unfortunately, they no longer have their chickens, goats, and mules there and the gift shop was closed. Everyone created some nice photographs while there and enjoyed it. 

The week sure did go by quickly and before we knew it, it was Friday! That morning and afternoon just after lunch, we met in the studio/classroom so we could all work together making final selections and go over any Q&A's they might have about anything photography. We viewed each of their work up on the large screen monitor and commented on what worked and if they thought they'd do something differently next time. They ended up making some really great choices for the final slideshow, which I put together that afternoon.  

Later that afternoon in the community room of the Keith House, it was time for the closing ceremony and "show & tell", which is one of my favorite highlights of the week.  This fun event is for all of the students, instructors, staff, and even some of the locals to enjoy the work from each of the workshops that week.

The folk school provided a large monitor for us and we were set up in the coffee break room in the Keith House. The slideshow was looping throughout the "show & tell" and it made me so happy and proud to see so many enjoying my students incredible photography. These are the same photographs you see here on the blog***. 

Our week sure was full of adventure, discoveries, learning, and lots of laughs! 

If this sounds like something that you'd like to take, I will be teaching the same workshop in July 2026 at the folk school. You will be able to register for next year's class coming soon. Stay tuned for details!

***Please do not copy photos without permission. Please reach out to me HERE, should you like to get in touch with any of my students.  All are © copyright protected. Be sure to click on each individual photograph to enlarge.