Appalachian Highlands & Fall Colors
October 16-19, 2026
Explore the Appalachian Plateau on the VA/NC Border
Winding roads vibrant with fall colors, barns, waterfalls, quaint country towns, and more. We’ll explore lesser explored areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the towns of Fries, Max Meadows, Galax, and Hillsville. Visit the highs of the Appalachian Highlands and the lows of the second-oldest river in the world (only the Nile is older), the New River in Virginia. Many opportunities to practice mountain landscape photography, but also in-depth practice for shooting vivid fall colors, moving water, and barn & town compositions.
Workshop Highlights
Sunrises and sunsets on the Appalachian Plateau
Stunning scenery along the New River.
Ideas to compose mountain, river, and pastoral landscapes.
Lessons on shooting moving water - long-exposure, ND filter, how much smoothing is “too much”, and taking advantage of light conditions.
Lessons on shooting vivid fall colors. How & when to use a circular polarizing filter; how to take advantage of light and clouds; endless practice in one of the most beautiful fall landscapes.
What’s NOT Included
Transportation to Virginia.
Transportation to shooting locations (carpooling is encouraged).
Lodging & Meals — though we will book a room block at a hotel / we will plan group meals — the costs are not included in the workshop.
Activity Level
Short hikes (2 miles or less) to capture barns & fall colors. Possibility of uneven terrain, rocks, and roots. We can offer alternatives.
Costs
$845 for MPA Members / $945 for non-MPA
Cancellation
100% refund if we cancel for any reason.
We will not refund any hotel costs you incur if workshop is cancelled. Travel insurance or a refundable room is recommended (room block rooms will include easy cancellation)
100% refund if you cancel on or prior to September 25, 2026.
No refunds after September 25, 2026, unless we fill your spot, in which case, we will issue a 100% refund.