From July 7th-13th, I taught "Wanderlust: The Art of Travel Photography" at the John C Campbell Folk School, located in Western North Carolina in the town of Brasstown. As always it was wonderful to be back at one of my most favorites places doing what I love, photography and teaching it to others. Terry was able to join me again on this trip and he took a tin-smithing workshop. He created some beautiful pieces! Whether you teach or take a workshop at the folk school, it's always fun to try and experience it with a friend, family member, or your significant other. Either way, if you ever get the opportunity regardless - GO! If you know, you know!
My five students, Kim, Jill, Tom, Margie, and Dick, were advanced beginner to intermediate photographers. To start with, 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 get out of "Auto". Everyone was able to shoot in manual by the end of day 2! They also learned about what makes a great travel photograph regardless of where they are, how to prepare for such a trip, expect the unexpected, and what equipment to bring, and some tips on planning. What I love most about the folk school is that everyone shares and helps out one another. I too, always learn from my students as well, whether it's about a new camera gadget or a place to share your images.
With the folk school campus as our primary location for most of our assignments, we also took a field trip last Wednesday morning to Vogel State Park, which is just over the border about 45 minutes away near Blairsville, GA. We spent a few hours there and it's where we decided to do our class photo and also have a picnic after our hike. Parking was tricky this time, as they are building a new visitor's center, however we were able to find a spot. We hiked Trahlyta Falls Trail around the lake and of course down to Trahlyta Falls. Not only is it beautiful, it was a great way for my students to practice on long exposures. As you can see, they nailed it! There is much to see and do in this beautiful Georgia state park and if you're a photographer, you won't be disappointed. Honestly, I would love to come back with Terry sometime and explore more of the park and maybe even spend a few days camping there.
As we were leaving the park, one of my students Dick pointed out that a mile or so down the road from the park was another place we ought to check out. So we made another stop at Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center. It was worth the stop. Byron Herbert Reece was not only a farmer, but also a poet and a novelist. They have a self-guided tour of the farm and a very nice gift shop. I also learned that they frequently have music concerts there and other events. Be aware that they are opened from mid-April to mid-November Wednesday through Saturday, so plan accordingly. Next summer, I hope to bring my students back here as well.
One of the other things we enjoyed as a class together was hiking early one morning on River Cane Trail located on the folk school's property. This trail offers several nice sculptures, a fire circle displaying several totem poles, and the Rainbow Bridge leading over Little Brasstown Creek. Of course its a great place for landscape, nature, and wildlife photography. I was told by a local the best time to see white-tailed deer in the summer months is typically around 8pm. Note to self! Another fun thing that I did with a few of my my students was to meet after dinner Thursday evening for some golden hour and then night scene photography in the field beyond the vegetable garden. We had the best time watching the sky change. We were out there for almost two hours! It's too bad we didn't have a full moon last week, however Margie was still able to get a really nice shot of the moon!
On Friday morning, we met in the studio/classroom one last time. We all worked together making final selections from the many photos they'd taken throughout the week. Once they were made I put together a slideshow for the closing ceremony, which took place that afternoon in the Festival Barn. It's the big event of each week at the folk school, much like "show and tell " for all students, instructors, staff, and even some of the locals to enjoy. It's so much fun, as everyone can see one another's work from each of the classes that week.Thanks to Tom for helping me get that set up - the folk school provided a large flat screen for us, so that we could have their slideshow looping throughout the ceremony. These are the same photographs you see here on the blog***.
Our week sure was full of discoveries, adventure, laughs, and of course learning!
If this sounds like a class that you'd like to take, I will be doing the same in June 2025 at the folk school. You will be able to register for next year's class starting next Tuesday, July 23rd. 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.
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