Virginia Waterfalls and Wildflowers Photography Workshop
Virginia Waterfalls and Wildflowers Photography Workshop
Instructors:
Darin Deveau & Peter Forister
Location:
Roanoke, Virginia
Date:
Saturday, May 30th - Sunday, June 1st
Group Size:
10 People (5 per Instructor)
Price:
$695
Physical Difficulty level:
3/5 (Multiple 2+ mile hikes, mostly flat wilderness trails, some river crossings may be required)
Workshop Overview
📸 Capture the magic of Virginia’s nature in full bloom! Join professional photographers Darin Deveau and Peter Forister for a weekend of exploring and photographing some of the most beautiful waterfalls and wildflower scenes Virginia has to offer. Our journey takes us to the hidden gems along the Blue Ridge Parkway, just west of Roanoke, where Catawba Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurels will be in peak bloom. 🌷
Limited to 10 participants, this workshop is perfect for photographers at all skill levels who want to expand their landscape photography knowledge while soaking in Virginia’s natural beauty.
Photo Courtesy of Peter Forister
Itinerary
đź“… Friday, May 30th
- Optional Meet and Greet: 8:00 PM at the hotel. Join us for an informal evening where you can meet your instructors and fellow photographers. We'll chat about the weekend, gear, and what to expect!
đź“… Saturday, May 31st
- All Day Shooting on Location: Explore waterfalls and wildflower-filled meadows, learning how to compose captivating landscape photos and capture moving water with long exposures. 🌲💧
đź“… Sunday, June 1st
- Morning and Afternoon Shooting: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM. We’ll capture the golden morning light and continue exploring the natural beauty of the region. 🌞
A full itinerary and packing list will be provided one month prior to the workshop.
Map Courtesy of Peter Forister
What's Included?
- Personalized, on-location instruction from professional photographers Darin Deveau and Peter Forister
- Breakfast on both days
- Snacks for hiking
- 50% off a private one-on-one zoom session post-workshop to help you edit your images
What's Not Included?
- Hotel accommodation (a block discount will be available)
- Transportation
- Insurance
- Camera gear (please bring your own photography equipment)
- Anything not listed in the “Included” section
Difficulty Level: 3/5
This workshop involves moderate hiking to reach some of the waterfall locations, and participants should have a relatively good level of physical fitness. Expect uneven terrain, hills, and a few steep sections. Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear and prepare for some outdoor adventure!
đź“‹ Recommended Gear List:
- Camera body (DSLR or mirrorless)
- Lenses: We recommend 3 lenses total, ideally covering from 14mm-200mm. For this workshop your most common focal lengths will be between 14mm-70mm.
- Tripod: Essential for capturing long exposures of waterfalls
- Filters: Polarizer for reducing glare, neutral density (ND) filter for longer exposure times
- Extra batteries and memory cards
- Weatherproof clothing: Expect cool mornings and possible light rain
- Hiking boots: Comfortable and sturdy, ideally waterproof
- Quality Camera / Hiking backpack: To carry your gear, snacks, and water
- Water bottle & hydration
- Rain cover for your camera gear
- Snacks
Why Attend This Workshop?
Whether you’re based in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, or anywhere in the surrounding region, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to take your landscape photography to the next level in one of the most scenic locations on the East Coast. Here are a few reasons why you should consider attending:
Exclusive Access to Stunning Locations:
We'll be shooting in hand-picked locations along the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its breathtaking views. You’ll have the chance to photograph secret, off-the-beaten-path spots that offer incredible views of cascading waterfalls and fields of Catawba Rhododendron and Mountain Laurels in full bloom.Personalized, Hands-On Instruction:
With only 10 participants (5 per instructor), this workshop is designed to give you one-on-one guidance from experienced photographers, Darin Deveau and Peter Forister. Whether you’re a beginner looking to master the basics or an experienced photographer aiming to refine your technique, we’ll tailor our instruction to your skill level and help you capture stunning, professional-quality photos.Improve Your Skills in Landscape Photography:
You’ll learn invaluable techniques specific to shooting landscapes and nature. We'll cover key skills such as:Long Exposure Photography for capturing the silky smooth flow of waterfalls
Composing Landscape Shots to create visually impactful images that draw the viewer in
Maximizing Natural Light by shooting at the best times of day, like the golden hour and early morning light
Post-Processing Tips to bring out the rich details and colors in your photos using tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
Nature Immersion and Creativity Boost:
There’s something truly special about photographing in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature’s beauty. This workshop is not just about taking photos—it’s about immersing yourself in the landscape, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and finding inspiration in nature. You’ll have the chance to step out of the everyday routine, clear your mind, and get creative while exploring some of Virginia’s most beautiful wildflower meadows and waterfalls.Networking and Community:
Our workshop brings together like-minded photography enthusiasts who are passionate about nature and landscape photography. You’ll have the chance to meet and connect with fellow photographers, exchange ideas, and be part of a supportive community. This is a great opportunity to build relationships with people who share your love of photography, and to stay inspired long after the workshop ends.
Explore Virginia’s Natural Beauty at Peak Bloom:
Late May to early June is the perfect time to capture the vibrant beauty of Catawba Rhododendron and Mountain Laurels, two iconic wildflowers of the Blue Ridge region. Their stunning pink and purple hues provide the perfect contrast to Virginia’s lush green forests and cascading waterfalls. If you’ve ever wanted to photograph these breathtaking blooms, this workshop offers the ideal time and place to do it.
About the Guides
Darin Deveau
Darin is a professional landscape and fine art photographer, passionate about capturing the beauty of nature through vibrant, high-quality imagery. With years of experience in nature photography, Darin specializes in photographing waterfalls, wildflowers, and dramatic landscapes, using a keen eye for composition and natural light. Known for their stunning work in the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond, Darin is dedicated to helping fellow photographers develop their skills and push creative boundaries. Darin’s personable teaching style makes learning easy, whether you're just starting out or seeking to refine your technique.
Peter Forister
Peter is a Virginia-based photographer and storm chaser, renowned for capturing dramatic weather events and powerful natural landscapes. With a deep knowledge of the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding areas, Peter brings a unique expertise in navigating rugged terrain and finding hidden gems off the beaten path. His work has been featured in major publications, and he’s dedicated to teaching photographers how to master outdoor photography in dynamic environments. Peter’s energy and passion for adventure inspire participants to explore new techniques and perspectives in their photography.
Together, Darin and Peter bring years of field experience and a shared love for nature, ensuring that participants receive expert guidance while exploring some of Virginia’s most beautiful and secluded locations.
Payment policies:
Full tuition is $695
Minimum 50% ($347.50) non-refundable deposit required upfront to reserve your spot
Tuition must be paid in full 90 days before the scheduled start date (March 2nd, 2025)
Failure to pay the remainder will result in a cancellation of your reservation.
Cancellation policy:
If you need to request to cancel your booking, the deposit is non-refundable. If a refund is 90 days or more in advance, a full refund will be given with minus the deposit and a 15% admin fee ($52). If a refund is requested 89 days or less in advance, you will be given a refund minus the deposit and a 15% admin fee when and only when your spot is filled.