Cheaha State Park

Join internationally renowned Alabama photographer, John Dersham, for this landscape photography workshop on the highest mountain in Alabama during the most colorful season of the year: AUTUMN!

Registration required; class size is limited.

Fee: $75 per person for workshop instruction and park admission; No refunds after October 23, 2023. To register contact renee.raney@dcnr.alabama.gov

Lodging available at Cheaha State Park for a separate cost. For more information about lodging options and pricing for overnight accommodations, please call 256-488-5111 or visit https://www.alapark.com/parks/cheaha-state-park

Suggested Gear from John Dersham and the Cheaha Team:

-Please bring a tripod if you have one. This is a basic tool that will help you take incredible shots!

-Bring a neutral density filter, if applicable to the type of camera you are using. (We understand that participants will have a diverse array of instruments so don't worry if you don't have this item.)

-Dress in WARM clothes; layers are best.

-There will be minimal hiking (easy/moderate trails) for each photography stop. Wear appropriate footwear. We will be walking along several creeks and streams.

-Bring a backpack with everything you will need for short walks into the forest, such as water, snacks, etc. Your vehicle will always be within 20 minutes of you at each stop.

-Cheaha’s Vista Cliffside Event Center (onsite restaurant) is closed. However, drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the Cheaha Mountain Store. Lodge rooms have microwaves/mini fridges.

Workshop Schedule:

November 1, 2023 (Wednesday)

6:00 pm -8:00 pm CDT

John Dersham: Photographic Composition, Lighting and Impact

Lake Cheaha Interpretive Center

November 2, 2023 (Thursday)

Field Workshop (Outdoors)

7:00 am CDT Meet in Interpretive Center for Coffee & Orientation

8:00 am Depart from Interpretive Center (Convoy to sites in personal vehicles)

8:15 am - 9:15 am Cheaha Lake & Cheaha Creek

9:30 am - 11:00 am Cheaha Falls/Chinnabee Silent Trail (Talladega National Forest)

11:30 - 12:30 pm Stop at Cheaha Mountain Store (Bring your own picnic or purchase snacks/coffee/drinks in store)- picnic in the park

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm CCC Reservoir and Rock Garden/ Angel Falls

2:30 pm -3:00 pm Vista Cliffside Overlook

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Final Discussion, Group Photo, and Depart

Times may vary slightly depending upon time spent at each location.

November 3, 2023 (Friday)

Self-guided photo opportunities (Check out of lodging by 11:00 am CDT, if overnight guest)

John Dersham book signing in Mountain Store

Thank you for supporting Alabama State Parks. Don't hesitate to contact Alabama State Parks Chief of Interpretation if you have questions or wish to register for this workshop: renee.raney@dcnr.alabama.gov