SANP Field Event

Sunrise Great Smoky Mountains

Saturday, March 6, 2021

Leader:  Dale Potter               Phone:  (865) 773-8114             E-mail: dalepotter55@gmail.com

Meeting place: Luftee Overlook, Highway 441

Time:  5:45 am

Registration available:  Beginning today

Location Description: Luftee Overlook, with a parking lot on the right about 8 tenths of a mile past Newfound Gap as you go toward Cherokee. This is known as the Oconaluftee Valley Overlook, one of the best sunrise locations in the Smokies. Why are we doing a sunrise in March?  Because the weather can be anything from warm to snow and the trees are still bare so the waterfalls are not as interesting. This is a large parking area for us to use with the overlook for the sunrise being on the left. Sunrises from this location can be amazing.  Sunrise is at 6:56 am but you will want to be setup for the Blue Hour.

Learning opportunities:  This will give you a chance to practice your landscape photography at the blue hour and the golden hour, along with working with capturing the sunrise at different phases as it comes over the horizon.  Yes it is early but sunrises are always early.  Come join us as you experience the sunrise.  Afterward we might decide to visit some other locations nearby.

For some information about photographing sunrise check out these links:

Sunrise Photography: The Definitive Guide    

15 Easy Tips For Better Sunrise Photography

The Complete Guide to Sunrise & Sunset Photography

What to bring:

• Your favorite DSLR camera and best wide angle lens. You may want to bring your zoom lens also.
•  Any neutral density filters you want to use. 
• Remote shutter release, extra batteries. 
• Bring cold weather gear, hand warmers depending on the weather. 
• Tripod 
• Flashlight
• Rain gear for yourself and a rain cover for your camera in case we have snow or rain.

Remember to dress for the weather and in layers.  Waterproof foot gear might be useful.  Keep your spare camera battery in a warm pocket so you can swap it out for the cold one in the camera as needed.

COVID-19 precautions:

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

Driving directions:  We will meet at Luftee Overlook. See Google for driving directions. Bathrooms are available at Newfound Gap.

How to Find Me: Red Jeep Wrangler