Field Course: Sunrise at Grandfather Mountain: Landscape Photography Course

Landscape photography reflects the natural world, but may include wildlife, objects or people. Participants will learn basic camera and observational skills to create stunning photographic images. Though designed for beginners, students with more intermediate skills are encouraged to join.

Todd Bush is a photographer based in Banner Elk, N.C. Todd has specialized in making images of and for the N.C. High Country with photographs widely published including in: National Geographic Adventure, Time, USA Today and many other international, national and regional publications. He has authored two pictorial High Country coffee table books and also teaches photography. Bush’s hopes are that photography may serve to raise awareness of the wonders of the world, inspiring keeping our planet’s natural places intact for future generations. His photos are on display at Banner Elk Artists Gallery and on his website:  www.bushphoto.com.

Program Itinerary
5:30 a.m.  Meet at the Wilson Center for Class Intro: Adjusting Focus and Exposure for Sunrises
6:15 a.m. Head up to Swinging Bridge Parking Lot for 6:53 a.m. sunrise from the Bridge
10:00 a.m. Wilson Center presentation and image review of your photos from the morning
11:30 a.m. Program concludes at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery

What’s included?
Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged breakfast is recommended for this field course, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees beginning at 9:00 a.m. Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.

Tickets
This event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Registration opens below on July 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. Limited to 12 participants.

Bridge Club Members, click here to purchase tickets.
You will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase.

Non-Bridge Club Members, click here to purchase tickets.

General Clothing List
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment and footwear are very important.

Equipment:

• Daypack (or Camera bag/Pack) for extra clothing, water, snacks, etc.
• Water Bottle
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hiking boots

Equipment Specific to this Course:

• Camera: DSLR, Mirrorless, Point and Shoot, or Phone Camera
• Tripod
• Memory card, card reader, or cable to get your images to the classroom computer via USB

Refunds/Cancellations
Adult Field Courses generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for, a full refund will be granted within a five-day notice of the day of the field course. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. We ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants, our staff, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.