May 19-23, 2025 | Monday noon through Friday at 2:00 |

COVID SAFETY: Please read BCPA's COVID-19 Information and Prep page.

Join BCPA's photography workshop in the beautiful mountains of western Virginia where springtime is stunning. The rivers tend to be full, and the waterfalls are rushing with a force not usually seen at other times of year. The first blush of spring is on the trees and shrubs, and wildflowers, some quite rare, surprise you almost everywhere. In addition, there will be many other subjects to inspire you — old mills, villages, farms, country churches, log buildings, great barns, woodland roads and mountain mists that abound in this historic area. You can't go wrong photographically.

We'll be based in Warm Springs in historic Bath County, located high in the beautiful Alleghany Mountains of Appalachia. Not much has changed in this county since 1861 when General Robert E. Lee said of the area, "The views are so magnificent ... the valleys so beautiful, the scenery so peaceful." You'll agree that this is a wonderful place to photograph. In fact, this area has attracted interest from National Geographic, The Travel Channel, and others.

The recently refurbished — really rebuilt — bath houses harken back to the second half of the 18th century when visitors seeking the therapeutic properties of the springs spurred the building of two bath houses, one for the gentlemen and one for the ladies. In 1818 and beyond, luminaries such as Presidents Jefferson, Tyler, and even FDR came to immerse in the mineral-rich, thermal springs. You'll have a chance to experience the baths yourself and read all about their history. Archeological findings show that humans have visited this site for over 9,000 years!

And with the trees not fully leafed out, we will be able to see some of the stunning vistas with all their layers! We look forward to spending the better part of a week with you exploring many of these treasures.

There are hikes down to rushing waterfalls and along beautiful, flower-lined streams with woodland treasures to discover,. We may even be lucky enough to have fog or mountain mists; ghostly trees and old log houses can make for some dramatic photographs.

BCPA always recommends that you stay an extra few days after the workshop, not only to practice your new-found or recently-honed photographic skills and eye, but to return to areas that intrigued you or to explore new ones.

You'll be able to celebrate your passion for photography, seek your own vision, hone your seeing and imaging skills, and learn about the magic of light to make wonderful photographs.

When making plans, it is critical that you plan on arriving for the first session on Sunday. Newcomers should be ready to go at noon, while seasoned alumni can wait until 1:00. Times may be modified on the latter closer to the workshop.

Many participants tend to stay over the night that the workshop ends, and for those who want to join us, we usually go out shooting and dine one last evening together.

Meanwhile, be sure to carefully read BCPA's FAQs, as well as the various links in the box above. They should hopefully answer almost any question you might have.

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Fees:  Standard $2,280 | Alumni $1,940 | Association $2,052 | Early-bird Special @ Association rate but by check (see parameters)

Travel insurance is highly recommended to ensure protection against any unforeseeable events. BCPA is a small company and cannot be held liable for those who choose not to buy trip insurance.  Sharon Erickson, My trusty travel agent, can help you with that. And, no, we do not get any credit for referring you to her, only a thank you!