SANP Field Learning Event

Little Pigeon River

Emphasis on Black and White Photography

Saturday, February 20, 2021, 8:30 AM

(Rescheduled from February 13)

Leader:  Brad Cottrell              Phone:  (865) 235-8350
E-mail: cottrelb@bellsouth.net

Meeting place:  Second parking area on the Greenbrier Road

Location Description: 

The Little Pigeon River is one of the most photogenic streams in the Smokies.  Its sparkling waters from high in the mountains come tumbling over huge boulders and splashing into dark pools as it flows impatiently toward the quieter stretches of the river in the flat lands.  Pleasing photographic compositions are abundant.  This time of year, the color pallet will be mostly monochromatic with tonalities ranging from brilliant white water to the blackest rock surface, perfect for black and white images.  If we are fortunate to have snow, the photographic potential will be even more exciting.

Learning opportunities:

On this outing we will explore the art of black and white photography.  Black and white takes away the distracting colors and forces you to concentrate on the other elements of a great photograph: shape, form, line, texture, and tonal contrast.  Some of the topics we’ll explore include:

·        How to “see” in black and white

·        Composition

·        Metering and exposure

What to bring:

• Your favorite camera and lenses, wide angle to medium telephoto
• Polarizing and neutral density filters
• If you shoot RAW, read your camera manual and learn how to capture a RAW file + a black & white JPEG file for each shot.  This will allow you to proof your B&W shots in the field and still retain the ability to edit the RAW file into color or B&W in the computer.
• Tripod

Winter weather can be difficult for photographers.  Be sure to dress warmly.  Waterproof foot gear is strongly recommended.  Keep your spare camera battery in a warm pocket so you can swap it out for the cold one in the camera as needed.  Chemical hand warmers (HotHands) can give your cold fingers welcome relief.

COVID-19 precautions:

We will practice social distancing and wear masks to mitigate the risk of virus transmission.  Carpooling is not recommended.

Driving directions:

From Knoxville, drive to Gatlinburg.  At traffic light #3, turn left onto Hwy 321 East (Cosby Highway).  Drive 6.0 miles and turn right at the Greenbrier entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Park at the second parking area on the Greenbrier Road, located about 1/4 mile from Hwy 321.

Tap HERE on your mobile device and let Google Maps navigate to the meeting place.