Andrew Slaton · Private Photography Workshops
The Everglades
Ecosystem.
Your personal field guide to two days of photography, exploration, and discovery in South Florida.
Your online welcome packet
Welcome to the wild.
Thank you for joining me for a private Everglades ecosystem workshop. We’ll spend two days exploring the landscapes and wildlife of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, with time to slow down, observe, and build photographs with intention.
This page brings together the information you need to prepare. Our itinerary will take shape around the light, conditions, and your interests. Please read through the details and complete the participant information and liability agreement below.
I’m looking forward to sharing these places with you.
Andrew Slaton
workshops@andrewslatonphoto.com
(214) 235-4339
Prepare for the conditions
The forecast.
February falls within South Florida’s typical dry season. Treat the notes below as seasonal preparation, not a forecast for our workshop dates. Check local conditions again shortly before departure.
Temperature & layers
Pack for cool starts and warmer afternoons. A warm layer and lightweight wind or rain shell will give you flexibility as conditions change.
Rain & sky
Dry season does not guarantee dry weather. Bring protection for your camera bag and be prepared to adjust plans around rain or changing skies.
Wind & comfort
Open locations can feel different from sheltered trails. Sun protection, drinking water, and insect repellent belong in your day bag.
Light & photography
We’ll begin with sunrise and continue through sunset, adapting our subjects and locations to the available light and wildlife activity.
February 23–24, 2027
The basic itinerary.
This is the framework for our time together. Specific stops, timing, and breaks will be added as the workshop approaches. Weather, access, wildlife activity, and your preferences will help shape each day.
Day 01 · February 23
Everglades National Park
A full day exploring and photographing the park, from the first light of morning through sunset.
- Before sunrise Pickup time and location to be confirmed.
- Sunrise Our opening shoot, with the location selected for conditions.
- Throughout the day Wildlife photography, exploration, and personalized instruction. Specific stops and breaks to follow.
- Sunset Our final shoot of the day, followed by the return journey.
Day 02 · February 24
Big Cypress National Preserve
A second full day devoted to the landscapes and wildlife of Big Cypress, from sunrise through sunset.
- Before sunrise Pickup time and location to be confirmed.
- Sunrise Morning photography in the preserve.
- Throughout the day Wildlife photography, exploration, and instruction shaped around your interests. Specific stops and breaks to follow.
- Sunset A closing evening shoot, followed by the return journey.
The schedule remains flexible. Wildlife sightings and particular photographic conditions cannot be guaranteed.
Our locations, at a glance
Two days. Two landscapes.
Use these park maps to get familiar with the two areas. Our exact shooting locations and route will be added as the itinerary develops.
Everglades National Park
Our day-one destination for sunrise, wildlife, exploration, and sunset.
View park maps ↗Big Cypress National Preserve
Our day-two destination for a full day of landscape and wildlife photography.
View preserve maps ↗Arrival & accommodations
Where to meet.
Pickup details
Location: To be confirmed.
February 23:
Before sunrise; exact time to follow.
February 24:
Before sunrise; exact time to follow.
Please share your lodging name and address once booked so we can coordinate pickup.
Your accommodations
You’ll select and arrange your own accommodations for this workshop. If you’d like help assessing a location before booking, please get in touch.
Final pickup arrangements will be shared before the workshop.
Ready for the field
Your pack list.
Use the checkboxes as you pack. Checks reset when this page is reloaded. To keep a paper copy, print this page or choose Save as PDF in your browser’s print menu.
Photo gear
Navigation & safety
Plan for limited cell service in some areas. Confirm meeting details before heading out.
Clothing
Personal essentials
A note on aerial photography
Drones.
Drone photography is not part of this workshop. Please plan on ground-based photography during our visits to Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Before we go
Make this workshop yours.
Tell me what you’d most like to photograph, what you hope to learn, and what would make these two days comfortable and rewarding for you. Please complete one questionnaire per person, followed by the emergency contact information and liability agreement.
You only need to share practical accommodations or preferences. Please do not include medical records or a detailed medical history. If you’d rather discuss something directly, email or call me.
Emergency Contact Info.
If, heaven forbid, anything were to happen, we need to have your emergency contact info on hand to get you the help needed as quickly as possible. Please provide that info below.
Last, but not least.
Destination photo workshops can be quite remote and sometimes dangerous. As a consequence, I ask each student to carefully consider the nature of what we will be doing, and require everyone to sign a liability agreement. I will do everything in my power to ensure a safe, healthy, and happy experience for everyone involved, however, accidents do happen. And we will be visiting some wild places.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Liability Agreement
I require all workshop participants to read and sign this liability waiver. Andrew Slaton (ARS Media, LLC) is not liable for injury, accident or theft resulting from participation in this workshop. It is the participant's responsibility to obtain information about any risks involved. Participant signature on this agreement and Liability Waiver at the time of registration verifies release of liability of Slaton and any contractors. Any questions about workshop content, requirements or risks may be directed to our office, prior to the time of registration.
I am aware that the courses and activities of the Slaton Workshop in which I am participating present certain risks including, but not limited to, bodily injury, death, illness, loss or damage to personal property, and other safety-related dangers. I further understand that these outdoor courses present inherent risks of personal injury or sickness, such as falling, falling rocks, wildlife attacks, getting lost, traveling in rough terrain, possible creek crossings, wild animals, forces of nature such as lightning strikes, absence of prompt medical attention, if needed, inadequately marked trails, camp injuries, giardia and infectious or stomach aliments, impure water, and travel by automobile or other conveyance.
The Student agrees that he/ she understands these risks, recognize that these dangers cannot be eliminated, and acknowledge other dangers not mentioned may also exist. The Student agrees that he/ she understands the physical requirements of participation in these activities and affirm that he/ she meet these requirements, and that their physical and mental health is good, and that he/ she is not under a doctor’s care for any condition that might endanger other participants or themselves. The Student agrees that he/ she understands that instructors may not posses the required training or equipment to handle incidents that may occur. In case of injury, accident, illness, or the Students inability to complete these activities, the Student agrees that he/ she will bear the full cost of any additional transportation or evacuation procedures performed by Slaton Workshops or others.
The Student certifies that he/ she is voluntarily participating in these activities and assume all risks, consequences, and potential liability for this participation. The Student releases Slaton, any landowner, employee of the landowner in which we hold the workshop, National Parks system, and other land managers where these activities occur from any and all liability claims, causes of action, debts, and demands that may arise as a result of their participation in these activities. This document shall also serve as a release and assumption of risk for their heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, and members of their family.
Slaton reserves the right to cancel or change activities without prior notice, and reserves the right to cancel the registration of any participant it determines fails to meet the requirements of these activities. The Student consents to any photographs/ video clips in which they appear taken during their participation in a Slaton Workshop activity may be used without compensation to the Student for the purposes of publicity or advertising in catalogs, flyers, etc.
The Forecast.
Below is the CURRENT local weather forecast for the city of Chattanooga.
We will be approximately 50 miles north and south of Chatt, so for the most accurate weather forecast for our time in the area, please visit this link: WEATHER
Average Temperatures (Late October)
Highs: ~68–72°F
Lows: ~45–49°F
Monthly average (October): ~74°F high / ~51°F low
Late October daily average: ~57–60°F
Key takeaway: Expect beautiful, comfortable autumn afternoons and crisp, chilly mornings. Temperatures can feel considerably cooler near waterfalls, in shaded forests, and along exposed mountain overlooks.
Rain & Sky Conditions
~3.6 inches of rain in October (historically one of Chattanooga's drier months)
Typically 8 days with measurable precipitation throughout the month
Classic autumn weather patterns:
Morning: Cool temperatures, occasional valley fog, mist, or low clouds drifting through the mountains
Midday: Comfortable temperatures, often with sunshine or a mix of sun and clouds
Evening: Crisp air, golden-hour light, and occasional dramatic clouds over the Tennessee Valley
Late October is one of the most beautiful times to photograph Chattanooga and the surrounding Cumberland Plateau. Hardwood forests transition into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, while cool mornings can produce atmospheric fog and mist in the valleys.
For photographers: Overcast skies are especially desirable for waterfall photography, providing soft, even light that reduces harsh contrast. Rainfall can also increase waterfall flow and deepen the colors of autumn foliage.
Unlike summer, autumn's lower sun angle creates beautiful directional light throughout more of the day, especially in forests and mountain valleys.
For photographers: Late October offers an exceptional combination of colorful foliage, flowing waterfalls, atmospheric mountain conditions, and comfortable shooting temperatures. Some of the most compelling images can happen immediately after rainfall, when foliage is saturated with color, waterfalls are flowing strongly, and mist hangs in the valleys.
Wind + Feel
Generally light winds: ~5–10 mph, with occasional breezier conditions along exposed ridgelines and mountain overlooks
Mornings and evenings can feel significantly cooler, especially near waterfalls, in shaded forests, and at higher elevations
Humidity: Often ~75–85% in the early morning, dropping during warmer afternoons
Temperatures can vary noticeably between downtown Chattanooga, the surrounding valleys, and the Cumberland Plateau
Real feel:
45°F + morning mist = “fleece or light jacket weather”
70°F + afternoon sunshine = “comfortable hiking and photography weather”
Layering is key. Expect chilly mornings, pleasant afternoons, and cooler temperatures after sunset.
Light & Photography Conditions
Late October is prime season for autumn landscape photography in Chattanooga and the surrounding Cumberland Plateau.
What you'll get:
Brilliant autumn foliage with vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and golds throughout the hardwood forests
Atmospheric morning fog and mist drifting through mountain valleys, gorges, and along the Tennessee River
Soft, diffused light on overcast days, ideal for waterfall photography, intimate forest scenes, and long exposures
Dramatic clearing storms that can produce beautiful clouds, atmospheric depth, and spectacular light across the mountains
Warm, directional golden-hour light that illuminates colorful foliage and creates depth in mountain landscapes
Earlier sunsets (~6:45 PM EDT in late October) with excellent opportunities for twilight cityscapes and blue-hour photography along Chattanooga's riverfront
The (basic) Itinerary.
Due to the nature of what we will be doing, weather, road closures, wildlife migrations, etc., this itinerary is only the basic skeleton of what our days will likely look like. Details will form the week of, and student’s limitations and considerations will be taken into account as well to tailor the workshop to all participants. However, this should give you a good idea of how to generally prepare yourself.
Our Locations, At A Glance.
For us, this is simply a starting point. On a trip such as this, lots of prep work and research go into the planning process, but ultimately, the best photo locations are often found when “on the ground.”
Pack list.
I have created this checklist for you below, along with a handy pdf that you can download, print off, and check items off as you pack, as well as with extra slots for anything personal not listed here.
Photo Gear.
Camera body
Drone (we may have opportunities, see below)
Memory cards
Laptop with card reader and external backup hard drive (with Lightroom Classic installed)
Wide lens (up to 35mm)
Long lens (beyond 70mm)
Macro lens (optional)
Teleconverter/ Super telephoto (optional)
Filters (polarizing, neutral density, uv, etc.)
Photo gear backpack or bag, with rain cover
Lens cloth
Batteries
Sturdy Tripod
Intervalometer/ shutter release cable (optional)
Camera rain cover
Navigation/ Safety.
First aid/ blister care
Phone/ charge cord*
Battery pack (optional)
Map (optional)
* Keep in mind that there may be areas where we do NOT have cell service.
Misc.
PASSPORT/ State ID (make sure it is REAL ID ready!)
Vitamins/ medications
Handkerchief/ bandana
Baby wipes
Headlamp w/ extra batteries
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Clothes.
Hiking boots/ shoes
Comfy house shoes
Fleece or warm pullover
Hiking/ light weight travel pants
Rain jacket/ light jacket
Heavy puffy jacket (preferably with hood)
Warm, casual clothing
Ball Cap/ wide brimmed hat/ sun protection
Wool hiking socks
Hiking shirts (performance)
Casual, comfy clothes
Drones.
Drones provide us a unique perspective that is always interesting to see. During this workshop, we will attempt to dedicate some time (as the group desires) to talk through and capture stunning aerial imagery! If you do plan to bring your drone and participate, please be aware that each participant is responsible for his or her own legal compliance nationally, as well as locally. Andrew will do the research for the areas we will will cover during the workshop and will advise on when and where we can fly, but it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with national, state, and local laws. We will only fly if we get the opportunity to do so responsibly. For more info on Tennessee specifically, visit this website.
Where to meet.
The READ HOUSE HOTEL
107 W M.L.K. Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37402
When
Saturday, October 24 @ 6:30AM