Spend a morning immersed in the rich natural beauty of scenic Rocky Fork State Park. Stroll through the rich green woods, surrounded by diverse fauna and flora. At the same time, learn to use your camera to better preserve the beauty of the landscape, and to share your unique vision of nature with others.

We will spend a short time indoors, learning basic nature photography techniques. The indoor session will be held at the park ranger station (280 Jennie Moore Rd). This will include tips on camera settings, composition, and using natural light.

We will spend the rest of the morning “out on the trail,” seeking out spring wildflowers, spring scenes, and other spring discoveries to photograph and enjoy.

Remember that nature photography can get rather messy – be prepared to get damp and dirty! Wear long pants and sturdy hiking boots. Bring water and a snack.

Also bring along rain gear, for yourself and your camera – weather can be very unpredictable in the East Tennessee hills.

Of course, do bring you camera. DSLR’s, Mirrorless, smartphones, and “point and shoot” cameras are welcome. Bringing a tripod also is strongly recommended, as well as spare camera batteries, lenses, filters, and any other accessories.

Have a sturdy knapsack to carry your photo equipment.

About the leader:

Marty Silver has been a Park Ranger with Tennessee State Parks for 45 years. He uses nature photography as a tool to share nature discovery, and to document and protect rare plants and animals. His photographs are a frequent feature in the TN Conservationist Magazine and on the UT Herbarium website. His work has also appeared in numerous other publications and websites, and was featured as the cover for the book Woody Plants of Kentucky and Tennessee. Marty has taught nature photography at a number of State Park and National Park settings.