Blue Ridge Mountains: Photo tour with local guides

Summary

Waterfall & Vista Photography Walk with Chris & Bonnie

Spend half a day exploring secret waterfalls and mountain vistas in the Blue Ridge Mountains with award-winning local photographers Chris & Bonnie. You’ll get hands-on tips for your camera, use their tripods if needed, and discover hidden spots most visitors miss — plus plenty of laughs and muddy boots along the way. It’s an experience that lingers long after your photos are edited.

What’s the experience like?

“If you hear the water before you see it, you’re close,” Chris grinned as we ducked under a rhododendron branch. I’d barely met him and Bonnie fifteen minutes earlier, but already felt like I was tagging along with friends who just happened to know every mossy rock in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The air smelled damp — not musty, more like cold stone and wet leaves — and my camera strap kept catching on my jacket zipper. I didn’t expect to laugh so much during a photo tour, but there’s something about two people who really love what they do that makes you relax, even when your lens fogs up.

We stopped at this overlook where the trees broke open and suddenly there was just sky and layers of blue hills. Bonnie showed me how to frame it so the light didn’t wash everything out (I still mess that up sometimes), and she handed me one of their tripods since mine’s been broken for months. She didn’t make a big deal about it — just “here, try this one” — which somehow made me feel less self-conscious about being a bit of a beginner. There were birds somewhere below us, but mostly it was quiet except for our boots in the leaves.

The waterfall spot was trickier to get to than I thought (slippery roots, watch your step), but worth it. Chris explained how to slow down the shutter so the water looked silky instead of just white streaks. He crouched beside me and pointed out how the spray caught little rainbows if you waited for the sun to peek through. I probably took fifty photos of that same rock, trying to get it right. At one point Bonnie laughed because I’d gotten mud on my face without noticing — she said that’s how you know you’re doing it right out here.

I left with cold hands and a memory card full of attempts — some better than others — but also this weird confidence that maybe next time I’ll notice more details on my own. It’s funny how much more you see when someone local slows down with you and points things out you’d never think to look for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Photography Tour in Blue Ridge Mountains

• Award-winning photographers guide tour
• Visit mountain vistas
• Visit waterfalls
• Explore magical forests
• Hands-on photography instruction

Top questions

How long is the photo tour in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

The tour lasts about half a day.

Are tripods provided on this photography tour?

Yes, there are a couple of tripods available if you don’t have your own.

Who leads the Blue Ridge Mountain photo tours?

The tours are led by Chris & Bonnie Allen, award-winning nature photographers.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Does this photography tour include instruction?

Yes, hands-on coaching and instruction are included throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your experience includes hands-on photography instruction from local award-winning guides Chris & Bonnie Allen as you explore mountain vistas and waterfalls in the Blue Ridge region; they’ll provide tripods if needed so you can focus on learning new techniques without worrying about gear.