BLACKWATER FALLS FALL WORKSHOP

OCTOBER 8 - 11, 2023

Though titled Blackwater Falls workshop, this multi-day workshop visits several areas within the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia. Workshop locations include Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley, and Bear Rocks Preserve near the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. 

This is a favorite area to explore, and the variety of terrain to photograph is second to none. From waterfalls to vistas, to valleys, to the unique environment of Bear Rocks Preserve it will not disappoint.

During this workshop, we will visit a variety of locations, and John and I will guide you to popular photography locations within the various areas. We will also provide group instruction on camera settings, how to use the exposure triangle to get a strong starting image, composition, and more. Once we speak to the group, we start photographing, and we will visit each of you for more personalized instruction and ready access for questions.

This workshop consists of lots of early mornings and late nights with a little bit of downtime mid-day to catch your breath (or explore Davis and Thomas, West Virginia).

This is a multi-day workshop. We intentionally choose to do more weekdays than weekend days to help minimize the number of crowds we will encounter. Due to the popularity of the region, it can get crowded on weekends.

  • Where: Davis, West Virginia
  • When: October 8 - 11, 2023
  • Cost: $850
  • Registration: Open, limited to 6 participants
  • Fitness Level: Moderate

ITINERARY

The itinerary is subject to change based on conditions and other factors.

October 8, 2023 - Arrive in the Davis, West Virginia area earlier in the day or the day before. We will meet at 4:30pm at the Billy Motel. After brief introductions, we will head into the park to a popular sunset location. We will get there early to make sure we have a spot. While we wait for sunset we’ll continue introductions and talk about camera settings and compositions.

October 9, 2023 - We will head out near sunrise to photograph a pair of waterfalls near Thomas, West Virginia. We’ll spend the majority of the morning in this area. Mid-day, we’ll take a short break to allow people to explore the town of Davis. We’ll reconvene late that afternoon to photograph another pair of waterfalls, and aim to catch the sunset at an easy overlook near the road.

October 10, 2023 - This will be a very early morning as we set out to Bear Rocks Preserve near Dolly Sods Wilderness. It takes about an hour to reach this location and we want to allow enough time to find your spot for sunrise at this unique location. After sunrise, we’ll remain at this location for a while longer, exploring this unique landscape. By late morning we’ll head back to Davis for a short break - then back out to Canaan Valley for some golden hour light photography.

October 11, 2023 - Another early morning as we head to Blackwater Falls to wrap up the workshop.

THE INSTRUCTORS

This landscape photography workshop is being led by two instructors - Jeffrey Tadlock and John Robertson. This enables us to provide a high level attention to workshop participants while out in the field. Jeffrey and John come from different photography backgrounds but share many of the core fundamental thoughts to landscape photography. We are excited to partner up for this workshop!

JEFFREY TADLOCK

Jeffrey is a professional landscape photographer that enjoys photographing landscapes across the United States. He has traveled with camera in hand across the US - from the depths of the Grand Canyon to the highest points in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Jeffrey has a passion for helping fellow landscape photographers work on growing their landscape photography skills. He emphasizes understanding and practicing exposure fundamentals so photographers are positioned to exercise their creative vision without the technical side holding them back.

Jeffrey has led numerous workshops in the Ohio and West Virginia regions. His familiarity with he locations will help ensure you walk away from the workshop with images to add to your portfolio.

Website: Jeffrey Tadlock Photography

JOHN ROBERTSON

John is a retired engineer, father, friend, and explorer. He enjoys exploring our natural wonders to find peace in nature and to photograph the beautiful landscapes and amazing wildlife we share the land with.

John lives in Indiana and photographs throughout the Midwest and takes photography trips throughout North America. Previously, he lived in California and traveled extensively through the west coast, the mountain states, and the Western states to explore and photograph.

John enjoys teaching and mentoring others on their journey with nature and photography. He has recently started a YouTube channel where he shares his passion for photography and the outdoors. His training utilizes the concept of the three key elements of nature photography :

  • Artistic - Creativity, composition, telling a story with an image

  • Nature - Knowledge of the subject

  • Technical - How to use your gear to capture the image you desire

WORKSHOP INFORMATION

Fitness:

Moderate to difficult

The longest hikes on this workshop range in the 1+ mile range. The hikes are not long, but many of the waterfall locations require scrambling on steep, slippery slopes with no established trail. Good physical condition is required, including being stable on your feet while traversing potentially slippery rocks and roots. (If you have questions - please contact me before registering).

Lodging:

This is a multi-day workshop in the Davis/Thomas, West Virginia area. We typically will start very early in the morning, so staying close by is important. Jeffrey has a block of motel rooms reserved at the Billy Motel in Davis, West Virginia.

The cost for Sunday night through Tuesday night at Billy Motel is $320.00 (not including hotel taxes). (Details on how to reserve your room will be sent upon registration. I highly recommend staying there as it will simplify the logistics for you).

If you prefer to make your own lodging arrangements, the following list covers some of the options in the area.

Here are some places to consider staying in the area.

What to Bring:

Please reference Jeffrey’s Preparing for a Landscape Photography Workshop page for what to bring and prepare for before a workshop. I will communicate additional information prior to the workshop via email.

Included in Workshop:

  • Landscape Photography Guiding

  • Landscape Photography Instruction

Not Included:

  • Travel to and from the Davis, WV area.

  • Lodging

  • Meals

  • Anything not listed as included.

Payment Terms:

Your spot for the workshop is only confirmed once full payment is received. Payment of workshop fees means you accept the Terms and Conditions of workshop registration.

Registration:

Sign up for the Workshop at the following link. Once you register via the form, we will send an invoice. Once the invoice is paid your registration is confirmed.