Sunrise & Waterfall Photography Workshop – Blue Ridge Mountains, Front Royal VA
Blue Ridge Mountains • Near Front Royal, VA
Experience the Blue Ridge Mountains in the quiet beauty of early morning light and photograph moving water in one of Virginia’s most scenic landscapes.
Join landscape photographer Scott Turnmeyer for a 4-hour hands-on sunrise and waterfall photography workshop in the mountains near Front Royal, Virginia. This small-group field experience is designed to help you confidently photograph soft morning light and master long-exposure waterfall techniques.
We’ll begin at first light to take advantage of calm conditions and gentle illumination across the landscape. You’ll learn how to expose for dynamic range in early morning light, compose layered mountain scenes, and control shutter speed to create smooth, flowing water effects at waterfalls.
Throughout the session, we’ll cover:
- Shooting confidently in manual mode
- Balancing shutter speed, aperture, and ISO
- Long exposure techniques for waterfalls
- Using a tripod effectively
- Composing with foreground elements
- Managing highlights and shadows in early light
This workshop is ideal for photographers ready to move beyond auto mode and refine their landscape and long-exposure skills. Participants should be comfortable adjusting basic camera settings. Scott will guide you on what settings to use and why.
📍 Location Details
To ensure the best possible light and water conditions, the exact meetup location will be selected based on recent weather patterns and trail conditions. The workshop will take place in the Blue Ridge Mountains as near as possible to Front Royal, VA.
Participants will receive a detailed email 24–48 hours prior to the event with:
- Exact meetup location
- Parking instructions
- Weather considerations
- Recommended gear and clothing
Space is limited to maintain a personalized, hands-on experience. This is an outdoor workshop and will proceed in most weather conditions unless safety is a concern.
Who This Workshop Is For
- Photographers with DSLR or mirrorless cameras that offer manual control
- Hobby photographers ready to move beyond automatic modes
- Anyone who understands the basics of photography but wants more control
- This workshop is not recommended for phone-only photographers.
Physical Requirements
This workshop includes walking at least one mile on uneven terrain, including trails and rocky areas near waterfalls.
Participants should:
- Be comfortable hiking moderate distances
- Be steady on uneven or damp surfaces
- Be prepared to carry their own gear
Good footwear with traction is strongly recommended.
What to Bring
- A camera with manual mode capability
- Tripod (essential for waterfall photography)
- A charged battery(ies) and memory card(s)
- Comfortable hiking footwear
- Appropriate clothing for the morning. Temperatures at elevation are typically 10° cooler than in town.
- Notebook or notes app (optional)
Workshop Details
- Length: Approximately 4 hours
- Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
- Format: In-person, small group
- Host: Scott Turnmeyer
- Class Date: March 21, 2026
- Estimated Time: 6:00am – 10:00am
- Seats: Limited for individual attention
- A signed liability waiver will be required to participate
About the Host
Scott Turnmeyer is a professional photographer based in the Shenandoah Valley with experience spanning landscapes, wildlife, sports, portraits, and weddings. His work has earned national recognition, and his passion for teaching has helped photographers of all skill levels gain confidence behind the camera.
Scott’s style focuses on clarity, real-world application, and helping students understand why settings work — not just what buttons to press. During the workshop, Scott provides direct guidance on camera settings and composition to ensure you leave with strong, usable images.
What’s Next?
This workshop pairs perfectly with:
- Sunset & Night Sky Photography Workshop
- Taking Better Photos: Composition & Light
- Introduction to Adobe Lightroom Classic
- Monthly Photo Critique Nights
- Shooting in Manual Mode
Your first critique night is free when you enroll in additional photography classes.
Cancellation & Transfer Policy
Due to limited class size and advance planning, all registrations are non-refundable.
If you need to cancel, you may transfer your registration to:
- A future workshop of the same type (with at least 7 days’ notice), or
- Another person with at least 7 days’ notice
Transfers and credits cannot be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event or for no-shows.
If the workshop is canceled due to unsafe weather or low enrollment, participants will receive a full refund or transfer option.
Important Notes
Registration is required — walk-ins are not permitted
A minimum of 4 participants is required for the workshop to be held