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Chasing Light in the Smokies: The great diversity of Flora, Fauna, and Foto Gear needed to capture it (March 30, 2026 7pm EDT)
Join Great Smoky Mountains based NANPA photographers Coby Cooper and Tom Haxby on this special NANPA webinar to explore the incredible diversity of the nation’s most visited National Park. Elevations in GSMNP range from 875 feet with flowing rivers, streams, valleys, forests, meadows, and waterfalls to 6,000-foot mountains where ample rainfall creates a temperate rainforest. Due to the range of elevations and habitats there are more than 1,500 flowering plants, 200+ bird species, 65 mammal species, and more salamander species here than anywhere in the world!
American Black Bears are abundant in the park. From a population of approximately 250 in the 1980’s to nearly 2,000 today, the bear population continues to grow and is one of the highest densities in the US. During this webinar, Coby and Tom will explore bear behavior, best locations to find them, ethical field practices and safety, and photo techniques to capture “Keeper” images.
Photographing all the diversity the park offers can be a challenge, especially with limitations on what you can transport. Coby and Tom will share what they’ve had the most success with in transportation, preparation, lenses, clothing and related gear — and provide insights to help you make the most of a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
©Tom Haxby
