SPRING WILDFLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY 
If you want to develop your technical and visual skills in plant photography, this workshop is for you! The first part will be spent in classroom demonstrations of techniques. In the second part, we will visit selected wildflower sites to give you an opportunity to apply these skills in the field. You should bring a 35mm or larger format camera with close-up capability, film, and a tripod that can get close to the ground. Emphasis is on film but techniques are useful for digital photography as well. Particular emphasis will be on close-up techniques in color. Instructor: Alan S. Heilman, Ph.D., associate professor emeritus, UT Botany. He has conducted wildflower photography sessions at the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage for more than 35 years.
COURSE #283860 FEE: $49
Sat., April 19, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet in training room at Sugarlands Visitor Center.)
NATURE SKETCHING: WATERCOLOR OR PENCIL
From a single wildflower to a mountain landscape, sketching outdoors is a wonderful way to enhance your appreciation of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Both beginners and more experienced artists will find ample material for sketching as we spend unhurried time in the woodland landscape of the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. Through individual and group instruction, you’ll learn easy sketching techniques and styles. Pick up a pencil or watercolors and a sketchbook and learn to see the world around you differently. Instructor: Marty Komorny, M.A., studio artist and instructor, has been teaching drawing and watercolor for 20 years. She often sketches outdoors as preparation for painting.
COURSE #284906 FEE: $49
Sat., June 7, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet at Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail.)
PHOTOGRAPHY FOR NATURALISTS
As naturalists we have the opportunity and desire to show others the many natural wonders that intrigue us. At times we are asked to present our knowledge regarding particular subjects. The next best thing to being in the field is a well-done slide presentation. Photography is an important tool for many naturalists and one worth pursuing both for the presentation of our subjects and for the pure enjoyment of this creative outlet. We will explore basic techniques and skills of photography for naturalists and how to use these skills to showcase your specific natural topics. We’ll begin in the classroom. Bring your camera—you’ll be out in the field as well! Instructor: Liz Domingue, M.S., wildlife and conservation biology, is a naturalist, educator, photographer, and writer. She has gained her outdoor experience while hiking, paddling, and backpacking. Through photography, observation, and research, Liz has studied wildlife, plants, and the natural world throughout the United States and abroad. Her photography is published in a variety of books, magazines, newspapers, and brochures.
COURSE #291907 FEE: $49
Sat., August 30, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR NATURALISTS
In this intermediate course, we will focus on refining your basic photography skills as a naturalist. Experience this more in-depth look at how you can improve your skills of observation and hence your abilities as a naturalist through the use of photography. Most of our time will be spent in the field applying your skills and improving upon your ability to capture natural images through the lens. Bring a 35mm camera (film or digital), tripod, and your favorite lenses. Pre-requisite: Photography for Naturalists or equivalent experience. Instructor: Liz Domingue.
COURSE #291907-1 FEE: $49
Sun., August 31, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet in training room at Sugarlands Visitor Center.)
FALL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn techniques for designing photographs of combined subjects such as landscape, waterscapes, and fall color. We will use composition, perspective, light, and exposure to develop our images on film and will learn the technical manipulations of the equipment that are necessary to obtain the desired results. You should bring a 35mm camera, film, and a tripod. Instructor: Kendall Chiles is a freelance nature photographer with more than 20 years of photography experience. His photos have appeared in numerous books, magazines, and brochures, and he has taught various photography workshops.
COURSE #291904 FEE: $65
Sat., Oct. 25, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Townsend
The apple denotes Knox County Teacher Center approval for in-service credit.
Question? E-mail us at Smoky@utk.edu