Nature Photography Weekend
Call it a picture-perfect event. Grandfather Mountain’s annual Nature Photography Weekend is a three-day workshop, featuring presentations from renowned photographers, one-of-a-kind shooting opportunities and a friendly, but competitive (and very optional), photo contest. Speakers touch on a variety of photography-related topics, encompassing both the technical and artistic elements of the craft and beyond.
Presentations take place in the afternoons and evenings, allowing participants to explore Grandfather Mountain and take their own shots during the day, while also participating in several outdoor field sessions (weather permitting) with professional photographers. Opportunities for sunrise and sunset photography are also offered.
Plus, participants may camp for free at Grandfather’s Woods Walk Picnic Area during the weekend, taking advantage of one of the few opportunities to stay overnight inside the park.
Admission to Nature Photography Weekend covers three-day park admission, the opportunity to camp at Woods Walk, the Friday social with event presenters, the Saturday dinner, entry into the photography contest, entry to speaker presentations and sunrise/sunset access. A reduced-price option includes all of the above, with the exception of the photo contest. In addition, family members and guests of participants may visit the mountain at a discounted rate during the weekend if registered in advance. This weekend books quickly, so register early.
2026 Weekend: June 5-7. Get updates and registration info here.
Photo Gallery: 2025 Nature Weekend Winners (Also read about the Don Nelson Award)
2025 Hugh Morton Award / Best in Show: Ross Tuttle
Wildflowers Advanced 1st Place: Michael Little
Scenic Beginner 1st Place: Jim Trull
Scenic Advanced 1st Place: Joshua Lowe
Don Nelson Award: Dale Mayberry
Animals in Nature Beginner 1st Place: Ross Tuttle
Animals in Nature Advanced 1st Place: Annkatrin Rose
Animals in Habitats Beginner 1st Place: Linda Schultz
2025 Animals in Habitats Advanced 1st Place: Sarah Holcomb
Wildflowers Beginner 1st Place: Jim Trull
Photo Gallery: 2024 Nature Weekend Winners (Also read about the Don Nelson Award)
2024 Don Nelson Award – Dale Mayberry
2024 Hugh Morton Award Best in Show – Ken Barrett
Beginner Wildflowers – Katherine Patterson
Beginner Scenic – Julianne Miles
Beginner Animals in Nature – Julianne Miles
Beginner Animals in Habitats – Matt Smith
Advanced Wildflowers – Helga Kleinert
Advanced Scenic – Doug DeLong
Advanced Animals in Nature – Larry Pinkerton
Advanced Animals in Habitats – Ken Barrett
Photo Gallery: 2023 Nature Weekend Winners (Also read about the Don Nelson Award)
Beginner Wildflowers – Beverly Peeples
Beginner Scenic – Steve Gorin
Beginner Animals in Nature – Edward Adkins
Beginner Animals in Habitats – Ethan Smith
Advanced Wildflowers – Robin McGuirt
Advanced Scenic – Charles Geilfuss
Advanced Animals in Nature – Ken Smith
Advanced Animals in Habitats – Pam Conley
Don Nelson Award – Scott Richardson
Hugh Morton Award – Best in Show – Terri Campbell
Photo Gallery: 2022 Nature Weekend Winners (Also read about the Don Nelson Award)
Advanced Animals in Habitats 1st Place: Pamela Conley
Advanced Animals in Nature 1st Place: Ken Barrett
Advanced Scenic 1st Place: Charles Twine
Advanced Wildflowers 1st Place: Frank Clemmensen
Beginner Animals in Nature 1st Place: Gail Nelson
Beginner Animals in Habitats 1st Place: Robin McGuirt
Beginner Scenic 1st Place: Loretta Womack
Beginner Wildflowers 1st Place: Brian Magee
Hugh Morton Award: Jason Dominy
Also see: Grandfather by Night | Annual Events