Sandstone Falls on a foggy morning – part of the New River Gorge National River.
Cathedral Falls in West Virginia
This photo workshop celebrates Autumn in Southern West Virginia near the New River Gorge. The program is designed for those with a basic knowledge of the operation of a 35 mm SLR digital camera with an interest in nature photography. Workshop emphasis is on improving photographic skills, creativity, and optimizing the use of your camera. The workshop includes an orientation PowerPoint program followed by photography in the field. Included is a critique/review of images from the weekend. Topics covered: 1) equipment selection and operation, 2) composition, creativity and perspective, 3) metering and exposure, 4) lighting, 5) basic image manipulation and 6) locating, approaching and photographing wildlife. Beginning and advanced photographers welcome. Limit 6 participants.
Details & Schedule:
This is my fourth photo workshop in Southern West Virginia. As always, I will arrive in area, several days prior to the program to scout locations and familiarize myself with current conditions. The exact itinerary for the workshop will be based on my findings during this time and on past experience. The following will be discussed at the orientation meeting on Friday evening: departure times, the planned itinerary, potential subjects, equipment needed, safety concerns, field ethics, car pooling arrangements, and other logistical details.
Prior to dawn on Saturday, we will depart the hotel to photograph sunrise and take advantage of the warm early morning light. The exact itinerary will be adjusted in accordance with the subject availability, weather, safety, traffic, park restrictions, and the desires of the group. Car-pooling is encouraged.
Water cascading down the mountain-side.Sandstone Falls shot from road with fog
Friday
7:00-8:15 PM Orientation
Saturday
Babcock State Park, New River Gorge Rim, Hawks Nest, Cathedral Falls
Evening – time to edit photos taken during the day.
Sunday
Grandview & Sandstone Falls.
Mid-Day check-out, finish editing of images, and critique session reviewing weekend photos. (Ending at 2 PM)
Nestled in the mountains of Southern West Virginia, near the town of Beckley, is the New River Gorge National Park. The New River dates back more than 70 million years and is one of the oldest in North America. The land along the river is prized for its scenic, recreational, and cultural value and is protected by the 70,000 acre National Park. Trails throughout the area lead to the rim of the canyon for a variety of views of the gorge.
Deer crossing stream.
Rushing water
New River Gorge Bridge
Arching gracefully across the New River on Highway 19, the New River Gorge Bridge is the longest single arch steel suspension bridge in the world and the second highest in the country. From the visitor center, trails provide access to several overlooks from which you can photograph the bridge.
Sandstone falls shot from road in fog
Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls
Not far from Beckley is Grandview, a state park where there are high overlooks with views of the New River as it flows through a number of horseshoe curves. Early on fall mornings when there are abrupt changes in temperature overnight, fog often blankets the valleys. As the morning moves on, it slowly lifts revealing ghostly silhouettes of the mountain ridges and the river below. Following the trail along the canyon rim to Turkey Spur Overlook, you will find a number of scenic viewpoints where you can photograph. This park is one of the few places that I have seen a bobcat cross the road in front of me. Down stream from Grandview, the placid New River drops in elevation and becomes turbulent, cascading over boulders and ledges at Sandstone Falls. The river’s appearance varies from year to year dependent on rainfall but always offer photographers great photo opportunities. Here we will experiment using slow shutter speeds to emphasize the motion of the water.
Babcock State Park & Glade Creek Grist Mill
Nearby, located in Babcock State Park is the famous Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of my favorite photo destinations. The mill sits on a cascading creek surrounded by maples and other trees that turn crimson and gold in the fall and reflect in the water below. From down stream, you can photograph this rustic scene with huge boulders in the foreground.
Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park
Kanawha Falls
Other parks and vantage points are nearby including Hawks Nest with its unique view of the New River Gorge. Farther down the road is Cathedral Falls, just outside the town of Gualey Bridge. This small but delightful falls appears as a thin veil of water cascading down the hillside and splashing onto large boulders below. If the afternoon sun is at the right angle, the water appear as if it was liquid gold with a rainbow appearing in the mist. Nearby is Kanawha falls on the other side of the town. If time permits, we may also visit the historic town of Thurmond with a restored train station and active railroad track running through the center of town.
Railroad track running through the town of Thurmond.
Zooming lens for old railroad bridge
Photo Opportunities
During the workshop, we will explore the areas described, hiking the trails looking for autumn color, fall wildflowers, cascading creeks, colorful reflections, picturesque overlooks, historic settings and wildlife. Deer, bear, bobcat, turkey, grouse, hawks, & waterfowl can be found throughout the area.
Reflections in a pond.
NOTES
Although the terrain in this part of West Virginia is rugged, the trails we will explore are only of moderate difficulty. Anyone can refrain from a particular activity if concerned. There will be other photo subjects nearby with easy access.
The itinerary will be adjusted in accordance with the weather, safety, traffic, park regulations, availability of subjects, and the desires of the group. The workshop is held on “Bridge Day” weekend when the bridge is opened on Saturday to pedestrians and extreme sport enthusiasts. However, most activities are restricted to the vicinity of the New River Gorge Bridge and should not interfere with our movements. For our excursions, I will select routes and locations to hopefully avoid traffic congestion. I have successfully done this in the past. This weekend was selected because it coincides with peak fall color at both Babcock State Park and the New River Gorge.
Fall color along canyon walls.
PRICE – $ 1078 Single occupancy; $ 968 Double occupancy
Deposit – 50 % of total (Balance due 30 days prior to start of workshop).
Cost includes instruction, park permits, and 2 nights accommodations at the Quality Inn in Beckley based on double occupancy. Continental breakfast included. Approximately a month before the workshop, I will send a handout with info on what to bring, photo tips, optional field exercises, etc. Also included will be a questionnaire so I can be better prepared to address your needs.
The town of Beckley and the hotel are centrally located relative to our destinations in order to reduce drive time to photo sites. So I can provide one-on-one assistance in the field, the class is limited to 6 participants.
Cancellation Policy
Notifications of cancellation must be in writing.
The following charges apply per person at the time I receive your written notification of cancellation:
Cancel up to 121 days prior to departure date – full refund.
120 to 61 days prior to departure, $125 administrative fee charged. ($35 admin fee for weekend workshops.)
60 to 46 days prior to departure, 50% of workshop or tour cost.
45 days or less prior to departure – NO REFUND
The prediction of bad weather on Tangier Island and medical circumstances or emergencies do not constitute grounds for exception to the cancellation policy. Therefore, trip cancellation, interruption, & medical insurance is HIGHLY recommended. Travelers Insurance Company and others provide such policies at a reasonable rate. In the unlikely event that the trip is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, your money will be refunded in full, with the exception of expenses you personally incurred while preparing for the trip.
This workshop focuses on one of my favorite fall photo destinations, the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia where I previously have conducted a number of photo workshops in the past. The workshop includes Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls State Park, and other scenic areas nearby. Because of the high elevation in this region, fall arrives in early October when leaves on the mountainside turn from green to a mix of warm colors. Beaver, muskrats, bear, and other animals are active and visible as they gather food and prepare for the winter. It is the perfect time to visit West Virginia.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (Subject to change based on conditions at the time, safety, & weather)
Wed: 4 Oct
Orientation (7:00-8:15 PM) @ Blackwater Falls Lodge, Davis Room.
Thur, 5 Oct
Sunrise – 10:00 AM: (Canaan Valley Sunrise, Blackwater River, Deer, Trails)
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Lunch, Rest, Review initial images)
Sunrise – 11:00 AM (Pendleton Lake, Blackwater River Overlook, Lindy Point)
11:00 AM-1:00 PM (Lunch, Rough edit of images)
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Image review)
2:30 PM – Sunset ( Blackwater Falls, Davis/Thomas, Canaan Valley NWR, Sunset)
Sat, 7 Oct
Sunrise – 11:00 AM (Roadside view of falls, Blackwater River, Elakala Trail and Falls)
11:00 AM (Check out, End of Workshop)
Sunset over Canaan Valley
Blackwater Canyon with river and fall color.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Lodging
The workshop package includes 3 nights at Blackwater Falls Lodge in the heart of Blackwater Falls State Park. The lodge has recently been renovated but still retains its mid-century 2o th charm. The view of the Blackwater Canyon from the back patio is eye-catching with weathered rock faces and colorful hillsides. It is ideally located with easy access to trails, waterfalls, and overlooks of the Blackwater Canyon.
Fall color
Photo Opportunities
Blackwater Falls State Park is located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia and is easily accessible to people living in the eastern U.S. The centerpiece of the park is Blackwater Falls, where the Blackwater River slowly meandering through Canaan Valley, tumbles over boulders and plunges 62 feet into Blackwater Canyon. Walkways, stairs and, platforms provide a variety of viewpoints from which to photograph the falls.
Close to the hotel is the trail to Elakala Falls where a series of four waterfalls along Shays Run descend into the Blackwater Canyon. A bridge provides a view of the falls from the top. The descent to the base of the upper falls presents photographers with a unique view of the falls but can be a bit difficult. On my last trip, I concentrated my efforts on photographing the streaming water above the falls capturing close-up images of floating leaves, bubbles and foam, and swirling patterns from the water in circular pools.
Dead leaf floating in stream
A short drive from the lodge is Pendleton Point Overlook with views up and down Blackwater Canyon. A trail from the parking lot leads to Pendleton Lake where onstill days, autumn colors from the surrounding trees reflect in the lake’s surface. Often on cool mornings, fog rises from the lake’s surface and wetlands creating a sense mystery as it rises to reveal hidden trees, vegetation, and mountains.
Decaying Leaf.
My favorite overlook of Blackwater Canyon is Lindy Point that can be accessed by a narrow road adjacent to the cross-country ski center in the park. A small parking lot on the right provides access to the trail head. A relativity easy .4 mile trail leads to a wooden platform and rock ledges that provide panoramic views of the 3000-foot canyon walls
White-Tailed Deer buck with antlers
Canaan Valley State Park
Approximately 7 miles from Blackwater Falls State Park is Canaan Valley State Park. This 6000-acre property has over 18 miles trails through woods, meadows, marshes, and along the Blackwater River that meanders its way through the park. It is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, bear, raccoons, beaver, skunks, herons, muskrats, waterfowl and on rare occasions, a bobcat. At 3200 feet above sea level, Canaan Valley is cooler than the surrounding countryside so fall color comes earlier than in the rest of the state. If lucky, visitors will witness a colorful landscape with crimson maples, burnt-orange oaks and golden aspen. In October, overnight temperatures can dip below freezing resulting in a delicate coating of frost clinging to grasses, fall flowers, and other vegetation.
It is rutting season for White-tailed Deer causing them to be more visible than earlier in the year. Bucks are their most handsome with sharpened antlers and heavy winter coats. Migrating Canada Geese and other waterfowl are quite vocal and can be spotted as they fly overhead on their way to feed in the wetlands.
If we are lucky, the chair lift concession open during skiing season is operating and can take us to Bald Knob Trail which ascends to 4300 feet for a panoramic view of Canaan Valley.
Dolly Sods Wilderness
The Dolly Sods is a located in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet. The rugged terrain was shaped by logging and fires in years past plus the harsh climate. It is home to more than a dozen rare plant and animal species. At the higher elevations, the scene more resembles the arctic than West Virginia. Several gravel roads lead to the top of Dolly’s plateau connecting with a road that travels along the ridge-line providing access to sweeping vistas of distant mountains. As the road climbs higher, the landscape becomes populated by one-sided stunted trees, lichen-covered boulders, sphagnum bogs, heath barrens, and low-growing shrubs. In early October, the leaves of blueberry and cranberry bushes turn red and glow when backlit by the setting sun.
At the Eastern end of the road, on the crest of the Allegheny Front, is an area referred to as Bear Rocks. A wall of huge, irregularly shaped boulders ascends the mountain side. From high vantage points on clear days, one can see as far as Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Fall color reflected in creek.
General Info:
This workshop is designed for those with a basic knowledge of the operation of a 35 mm SLR digital camera or mirrorless camera with an interest in improving their photographic skills and optimize the use of their camera. After Friday evening’s orientation (7:00-8:30 PM), activities will begin at dawn on Saturday to take advantage of the warm early morning light & heightened animal activity. Mid-days will be reserved for basic photo editing and image review. In the afternoon, we will return to the field, photographing until sunset. Sunday activities will again begin at dawn, followed by a mid-day/early afternoon image editing and review session. The workshop officially ends at 11:00 AM on Sunday, October 7 th.
PRICE: $ 965 (based on double occupancy); $ 195 (additional single supplement charge)
DEPOSIT: 50% of total due at registration. FINAL PAYMENT due 04 Sept 2023. Price includes accommodations for 3 nights at the lodge at Blackwater Falls State Park and is based on double-occupancy. Also includes park fees, the orientation meeting, PowerPoint presentation and instruction, one-on-one assistance in the field, and image critiques. Assumes a basic understanding of camera operation and terms such as shutter speed and F-stop. Info on what to bring to the workshop will be provided at a later date along with health & liability forms.
The class size limited to 8 people for one-on-one instruction. My focus is on participants, so I do not photograph during the workshop.
The itinerary is subject to change and reflects observations from my pre-workshop scouting trip. It is flexible and will be altered dependent on the weather conditions, safety issues, availability and location of subjects, and participant interests. Hiking is limited but some trails may be rocky or wet so consider wearing boots with firm ankle support. You can refrain from activity that you feel is too difficult or dangerous and pursue an alternate path. Since temperatures vary from freezing to low 70s plan to dress in layers. Bring rain gear for yourself and photo equipment.
For more details about Osprey Photo Workshops & Tours, see www.ospreyphoto.com . If you have any questions or concerns contact Irene Hinke-Sacilotto at isacilotto@aol.com or Office (410) 679-2873 or Mobile (410) 960-5871
Creek with fall color on Rt 32 on way to Elkins
Cancellation Policy
Notifications of cancellation must be in writing.
The following charges apply per person at the time I receive your written notification of cancellation:
Cancel up to 121 days prior to departure date – full refund.
120 to 61 days prior to departure, $125 administrative fee charged. ($35 admin fee for weekend workshops.)
60 to 46 days prior to departure, 50% of workshop or tour cost.
45 days or less prior to departure – NO REFUND
Medical circumstances or emergencies do not constitute grounds for exception to the cancellation policy nor do weather. Therefore, trip cancellation & interruption insurance is HIGHLY recommended. Travelers Insurance Company and others provide such policies at a reasonable rate. In the unlikely event that the trip is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, your money will be refunded in full, with the exception of expenses you personally incurred while preparing for the trip.
