Photo Adventure | June 25-28, 2023
Late Spring BRP + Roan Highlands
Late June is a transitional period in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The frenetic energy of the spring bloom peak begins to slow. The magenta Catawba Rhododendron give way to the more humble Rosebay Rhododendron blooms. Summer wildflowers begin showing up along the Blue Ridge Parkway. A beautiful mix of grand landscape overlooks and intimate macros await us. We’ll drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway over to the Roan Highlands to witness rare wildflowers: The Gray’s Lily will be one of our target wildflowers. The Purple Fringed Orchid too. And we’ll work the Blue Ridge Parkway for grand vistas, waterfalls, and wildflowers.
The high elevation mountains of Western North Carolina can be challenging terrain. Good fitness is recommended. Confidence on steep trail with rocky obstacles will allow this adventure to reach its full potential.
LOCATION:
Crabtree Falls Campground, NC
DATES:
FORMAT:
PRICE:
Adventure Itinerary:
Gallery:
What’s Included:
- Place-based guidance and mentorship
- Image critique (as desired)
- Transportation during the photo adventure
- Adventure and inspiration in a beautiful place!
What’s NOT Included:
- Transportation to and from the photo adventure
- Meals/food/snacks during the adventure
- Personal items
- 4-wheel drive high-clearance vehicle
- Anything not specifically listed above in the “what’s included”
Where I’ll be staying:
Lodging is not included with this photo adventure. I’ll be camping at Crabtree Falls Campground. Campsites are available for reservation. The campground has bathroom facilities; showers are not available. If you prefer more luxury, Switzerland Inn is nearby and offers a variety of lodging options. Hotel/motel opportunities also exist in nearby Spruce Pine, NC.
Where I'll Be
Crabtree Falls Campground
Milepost 340 BRP, Micaville, NC 28755
Luxury option
Switzerland Inn
334 Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland, NC 28749
Terrain / Fitness:
- Difficult: lots of walking, often on steep terrain near water
- Terrain is mountainous, damp, and heavily forested
- Trails are primarily in heavy forest
What to bring:
- Camera(s), lenses, filters, tripod, cable releases, bag
- Boots and/or waterproof shoes
- Layered clothing: waterproof jacket, down or wool shells, insulating underlayers
- Laptop, IPad, etc. for image critique (if desired)
How does this process work?
1. Book an adventure
2. Book your lodging
3. Meet me in the field
Questions?
Why a photo adventure?
The purpose of a photography adventure is to practice the craft of outdoor photography in the field alongside a working photographer. Photography adventures focus attention not on the function of the camera but on the place and/or the subject. Our experience will be outdoors and raw. This is not a retreat or a planned event. This is an opportunity to literally go to work with me.
Why one-to-one?
Working with one client at a time allows me to offer more targeted photo adventures throughout the year, as well as to ethically access more–and more sensitive–locations. Together, we’ll have absolute flexibility in how long (or short) we stay on a subject. You’ll have my full attention; questions are welcome at any time. One-to-one interaction will give us the greatest opportunity to actually connect and build a relationship. Most importantly, though, one-to-one photo adventures offer space: space to get lost in the landscape and create without the pressures of group and itineraries.
What type of experience can I expect?
Expect an informal, unplanned, collaborative experience. We’ll stay close to the land; photo adventures are not fancy retreats or planned events. Each day we’ll walk the landscape, scout, shoot, and return to camp/villas for breaks and refueling.
What level of photographer is this for?
Photo adventures are best for folks who are comfortable with their cameras and who are adaptable to many different outdoor shooting conditions, what I’ll refer to here as intermediate ability and above.
Any special gear/equipment recommended for this photo adventure?
This is a full kit adventure. We’ll be shooting everything from wide-angle vistas, to cramped waterfalls, to tiny wildflowers. Bring whatever you’ve got! A good tripod is a must.
If you’re camping with me, make sure to pack gear that will keep you dry. More than likely, it will rain during our adventure. Check your tent and other equipment to ensure performance. Pack a rain jacket. Consider waterproof boots.
What gear will you be using for this adventure?
For landscapes:
Nikon D850 camera body
Nikkor 17-35mm wide-angle
Nikkor 24-70mm medium tele
Nikkor 70-200mm tele
For macro and flower photography I have two rigs:
Nikon D850 camera body
Nikkor 60mm micro lens
RRS tripod
Canon 5DmkII camera body
Canon 65mm mpe 1-5x macro lens
Canon mt-26 twin head flash unit
Cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your photo adventure for any reason please let me know as soon as possible.
Greater than 30 days notice = 100% refund
Less than 30 days notice = 50% refund
Refund will be less any administrative fees incurred to transfer money back to you.
Still have questions?
Still need some more information? Drop me a line: info@markvandyke.net.
Mark VanDyke
Outdoor Photographer
Hi! I’m Mark, a full-time Outdoor Photographer using the camera to connect myself and others to the natural landscape. Wild places, swiftly moving waters, and diverse plants inspire my attention. Find me in the Southern Appalachian Mountains or along the Coastlines of the Carolinas. See you out there!