Fall color. Waterfalls. A few good days behind the camera.
Join Jonathan Lee for a small-group photography retreat based in Brevard, North Carolina. We’ll photograph mountain landscapes, waterfalls, forests, and fall color, with time to work each location and share photographs in the evenings.
October 22–26, 2026 · $725 per person · Six seats available
What’s included
Lodging, meals, and transportation during the retreat are included. Attendees arrange and pay for their own transportation to and from Brevard. We’ll travel together in the Sprinter, with lunches, drinks, and snacks packed in the refrigerator so we can eat on location.
All sales are final. No cancellations or refunds.
Working itinerary
The order of our three full field days may change with weather, visibility, parking, and access. Departure times are approximate and will be confirmed each evening.
Wednesday, October 21 · Optional early arrival
Anyone who can make it up Wednesday evening is welcome to arrive early and settle in. No scheduled activities.
Thursday, October 22 · Welcome and sunset
Arrive by approximately 3:00 p.m. and get settled. We’ll meet around 3:30 for introductions, a weekend overview, and a gear check, then leave around 4:00 for Bald Rock. Our opening shoot focuses on mountain layers, landscape composition, and changing light through sunset. Dinner back at the house.
Friday, October 23 · Grandfather Mountain and Linn Cove
Depart around 6:00 a.m. with breakfast and coffee to go. Our main destination is Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge, followed by lunch on location, the Linn Cove Viaduct area, and an afternoon hike at Rough Ridge. Beacon Heights is an alternative depending on conditions and the group’s pace. This is our longest driving day; we’ll return after the afternoon photography session.
Saturday, October 24 · Cashiers, Highlands, and waterfalls
Depart around 7:30 a.m. for Upper Whitewater Falls and Silver Run Falls. After lunch on location, continue toward Highlands and Dry Falls. Late afternoon takes us to Rhodes Big View Overlook for the Shadow of the Bear, if clear sunlight cooperates. Whiteside Mountain can replace the morning waterfall stops for a hiking-focused version of the day.
Sunday, October 25 · Pisgah and Parkway sunset
Depart around 7:00 a.m. for Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls, followed by lunch on location. Continue to Looking Glass Rock Overlook and Black Balsam Knob, then Cowee Mountain Overlook for our final sunset session. Return for the closing dinner and an informal viewing of everyone’s favorite photographs.
If the higher elevations are fogged in or too windy, Living Waters and lower-elevation forest locations provide alternatives. Sunburst Falls is another possible substitution. DuPont waterfalls and Pretty Place remain optional alternatives when access and timing allow.
Monday, October 26 · Departure only
Pack, check out, and travel home. No scheduled activities or photography outings.
Suggested packing list
Bring enough gear for landscapes, waterfalls, and any wildlife we encounter, but keep your hiking bag manageable. You don’t need every lens you own.
Camera gear
Camera body and a backup if you have one.
Wide-angle lens, standard zoom, and telephoto. Bring your longer wildlife lens if birds are a priority; a macro lens is optional.
Sturdy tripod with the correct mounting plate and tightening tool.
Circular polarizer for water and wet foliage. An ND filter is optional for longer waterfall exposures.
Charged spare batteries, chargers, plenty of memory cards, and a protective card case.
Remote release if you use one; your camera’s self-timer also works.
Lens hoods and caps, blower, and several microfiber cloths.
Camera rain cover and a rain cover or waterproof liner for your backpack.
Comfortable camera backpack with room for water, a jacket, and snacks.
Headlamp with spare batteries or its charging cable.
Editing, charging, and backup
Laptop or tablet for evening editing and sharing.
Card reader, adapters, external SSD or other backup drive, and all necessary cables.
Camera, computer, and phone chargers; a small power strip and portable power bank.
Back up photographs each evening. If possible, keep originals on your memory cards until you have two separate copies.
Clothing and footwear
Broken-in hiking shoes or boots with good traction, preferably waterproof.
Wool or synthetic hiking socks, plus a dry spare pair for the van.
Quick-drying hiking pants, lightweight shirts, and a warmer base layer.
Fleece or another insulating midlayer, plus a warm jacket.
Waterproof, wind-resistant outer shell; optional rain pants.
Warm hat and gloves thin enough to operate your camera.
Comfortable evening clothes and a spare pair of shoes.
Prepare for chilly mornings, windy overlooks, warmer afternoons, and possible rain. Layers are more useful than one heavy coat.
Useful extras
Refillable water bottle, travel mug, personal snacks, medications, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, trekking poles if you use them, a small towel, and a bag for wet or muddy items. Hand warmers are optional.
Before leaving, charge everything, clean your lenses, check your tripod plate, and test your card reader and backup drive. Walk around with your packed field bag and lighten it if needed.