FAQ
Q. What is the Smoky Mountains Photo Fest?
A. Three days (or more—your choice!) of photography learning through presentations, outdoor photo shoots, workshops and other programs. For all day Thursday, all day Friday and Saturday afternoon, Photo Fest takes place indoors with photo presentations and a vendor area. On Wednesday and Saturday morning, there are options for field shoots and workshops. Everything except the Wednesday and Saturday morning field shoots and workshops is included in the general registration fee, as is the special shoot on Wednesday night.
Q. Where is Photo Fest held?
A. The home for Photo Fest is Brevard Music Center, about 30 miles from Asheville, North Carolina, and about 15 miles from the Asheville airport. The town of Brevard is in the heart of the Smoky Mountain country, and is known as the “Land of Waterfalls.” (It’s home to a dependable population of white squirrels!) Details are on the Area page.
Q. How many people attend Photo Fest?
A. The first Foto Fest in 2010 exceeded all expectations with some 165 people in attendance, and we’ve been growing since. After a COVID-era hiatus, we’re excited to bring back the conference, and we’re looking for as many as 300 passionate photographers to join us.
Q. I’m just a beginner. Is Photo Fest for me?
A. Absolutely! One of the great things about photography is that there is a wide spectrum of ability level. However, take comfort knowing that we all started at the same place: as a beginner, knowing nothing about photography. You might not know how to use every button on your camera, but you’ll still gain a lot when speakers talk about composition, lighting, subject matter and the like. While there is a lot of specific information presented at Photo Fest, there is so much that is more about inspiration, and that applies to all skill levels. (And if it makes you feel any better, we don’t know how to use every button on our cameras, either.)
Q. I’m a pro. Will I get anything out of Photo Fest?
A. Absolutely! As mentioned in the previous answer, subjects such as composition, lighting, subject matter, shooting locations, etc., apply to all skill levels. And let’s face it, once you reach a certain skill level, there isn’t a lot more that you can be taught about the mechanics of photography. From that point, it’s more about being inspired and learning new approaches. You’ll get that at Photo Fest.
Q. Do you serve food?
A. We provide refreshments throughout Photo Fest. Our Opening Night Social on Thursday will offer all the pizza you can eat and a cash bar. For other meals, you can venture out and try the many great eateries or grocers in town. We will provide a list of area restaurants in your registration package when you check in.
Q. What kinds of photography do you cover at Photo Fest?
A. Photo Fest does not follow any particular theme, although it is safe to say that it is more geared to photographing outdoors. It covers a wide variety of subject matter, from landscape to wildlife to night to waterfalls to processing … you get the idea! Even better, every year is a little different!
Q. I’ve heard that everyone laughs a lot at Photo Fest. I believe in taking photography seriously. Shouldn’t you?
A. Rest assured, we take our photography very seriously. We have to, as photography is our only source of income. But we also feel strongly that if we can’t laugh a little along the way, especially at ourselves, what’s the point? And we believe this applies to everything in life, not just photography. So, yes, if you come to Photo Fest, you’ll see us cutting up a little bit. Oh, and it won’t be because we are using humor to mask any insecurities, as someone once suggested. (Now that was funny!)
Q. I entered a killer photo in the last contest and it didn’t win anything. What’s up with that?
A. Let's face it, there is very little objectivity in any photo contest. Your killer photo might make the cover of National Geographic yet not even get a score in local camera club competition. It might win at one conference and not be looked at twice at another, even with the same judges, just because they’re subconsciously liking flower pictures more in a certain season. It's all so subjective. We experience this every year at Photo Fest. At least we (Chris and Kevin) have enough sense not to be judges ourselves, so you can't blame us if your photo doesn't win. And we provide several different ways for participants to get exposure with their entries. In addition to the First Place, Second Place, Third Place and Honorable Mentions chosen by the judges, we also choose our own Honorable Mentions from those photos not chosen by the judges. Also, we choose some of the entries to showcase during the Image Review session. The bottom line is that photography, like any art form, affects everyone differently. You should all be proud of the art you made yesterday, and even prouder of the art you’ll make tomorrow. This is all for fun!
Q. If I want to shoot before or after the conference, are there any good locations nearby?
A. Omgosh, yes! There is a good reason why our name is Smoky Mountains Photo Fest. We purposely chose to hold the event here because of all the great photo ops nearby. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, several historical sites, state parks, two national forests, more waterfalls than you can count, and the urban architecture and city life of Asheville are all within easy driving distance of Photo Fest. You can read about some of the opportunities on our Photo Ops page.
Q. I don’t want to sit around in a stuffy room all day watching programs. I want to shoot!
A. We gotcha. First, the Brevard Music Center isn’t stuffy. The auditorium is spacious and comfortable, and the grounds are beautiful. Seriously—there’s a tree-lined pond right outside the front door. You’ll probably want us to take longer breaks just so you can go for longer walks. This all provides a pleasing atmosphere for the conference activities. Second, we’ve specifically designed Photo Fest with both presentations and photographing in mind. Come on Wednesday and participate in a wide variety of photo shoots and field excursions. On Saturday morning, attend an organized photo shoot, or you can photograph on your own at our recommended locations or wherever you like. Cap all this off on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoon with presentations from some of the best photographers in the country. You’ll get the best of both worlds!