Overview
Join us June 1-5, 2026, for a unique opportunity in the Great Smoky Mountains! Our goal for this workshop is to photograph the famous synchronous firefly display that happens only once a year, and for only about two weeks. They emerge after dark under the thick canopy of old-growth forests, lighting up the woods with thousands of pulsing lights. But that’s not all! There are many species of fireflies in the Smokies, and we will be looking for them all! Go HERE for more info on the fireflies and the events surrounding this unique natural phenomenon.
It is impossible to predict exactly when the peak activity of the synchronous fireflies will occur. We set our dates based on our best guess and experience photographing them over the past seven years. If our timing is off, we will transition to a more traditional landscape-focused workshop. We have never had to do this, but there is a possibility of not being able to photograph fireflies.
Besides photographing fireflies, on days 2, 3, 4, and 5, we will visit some of the park’s most scenic locations for traditional landscape photography. We will also spend plenty of time in the classroom learning how to process our images to create compelling images full of fireflies!
- Number of Instructors: 2
- Number of attendees: 8
- Level of difficulty (physical requirements): Easy – Moderate
Basic Schedule
Day 1: Afternoon meet and greet and opening presentation on capturing and processing firefly images, followed by dinner and an evening field session photographing fireflies.
Day 2: Meet in the classroom in the morning for processing and image reviews. Break for lunch. Afternoon field session followed by a picnic dinner and an evening field session photographing fireflies.
Day 3: Meet in the classroom in the morning for processing and image reviews. Break for lunch. Afternoon field session followed by a picnic dinner and an evening field session photographing fireflies.
Day 4: Meet in the classroom in the morning for processing and final slide show. Break for lunch. Afternoon field session followed by a picnic dinner and an evening field session photographing fireflies.
Day 5: Sunrise field session. Say our goodbyes.
What to Bring
A Digital SLR or mirrorless camera is your best option. My favorite lenses are my 14-35, 24-105, and 100-400. I bring two cameras to capture multiple setups of fireflies. You will also need a laptop with Adobe Photoshop installed. Photoshop is necessary for making images worthy of the fireflies’ display… don’t worry, we’ll show you how.
Photo Equipment:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Wide-angle and telephoto lenses or an all-purpose zoom
- A sturdy tripod and head
- Circular polarizing and neutral density filters
- Intervalometer (recommended)
- Camera backpack
- Waterproof covering for gear
- Laptop with Adobe Photoshop installed
Other Gear:
The most recommended piece of gear is a pair of sturdy shoes. Many of our locations will be uneven and rocky, so hiking shoes are helpful. We will also be on our feet for long periods during our firefly field trips. In addition to being on our feet, we will likely have to walk quite a ways to reach some of our locations… nothing too strenuous, we’re not climbing any mountains, but we may be walking up to a mile or two round trip. I also recommend layering your clothing; the temperatures we will be working in will change throughout the day.
- Water bottle
- Headlamp with red beam
- Rain gear
- Umbrella
- Insect and tick repellent
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes or sandals for creekin’.
- Camp chair for firefly viewing (if you want to carry it).
Price: $2195 – Registration opens soon
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What’s Included:
- Two instructors
- Eight field trips
- Classroom space
- Dinner the first night (sandwiches & salad)
- Picnic dinners
- Snacks throughout
Attendees are responsible for:
- Personal accommodations
- All meals (other than what’s listed above)
- Transportation (we will try to carpool)
- Parking fees
- Airfare and other travel expenses
- Trip insurance
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking to hold your spot, the full payment is due by April 1, 2024.
Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their own accommodations. Our classroom space is in Townsend, TN, so we highly recommend staying there. Townsend also keeps us close to most of our locations, staying there will keep your drive time down before and after long days. When registration opens, we will have suggestions on where to stay.
Transportation: You are responsible for your own transportation during the workshop. When we meet on day one, we will encourage you to carpool. Parking tags are required in GSMNP and can be purchased ahead of time HERE. Parking tags are also available at automated kiosks throughout the park.
Cancelations: Cancelations made 60 days in advance will receive a full refund for any amount paid over the non-refundable deposit. Cancellations less than 60 days before the start of the workshop will receive no refund. If a canceled spot can be filled before the beginning of the workshop, a full refund will be given, including the deposit.
Have questions about this workshop? Contact us HERE.
To view our entire Fireflies & the Great Smoky Mountains gallery, go HERE.
