Georgia Nature Photographers Association (GNPA) Meetup Group

This is a spur of the moment field trip so are taking advantage of the Veterans Day Holiday on November 11, 2025. This trip is for GNPA members only, however if this trip appeals to you, please join before November 11. Being there early, one might can see the fog roll in which is mesmerizing!

We will meet at 6:30am and the park opens at 7:00am More information on George L Smith State Park can be found here. Parking is $5 a day and ticket must be displayed.

GENERAL INFORMATION - PLEASE READ
Do not leave anything out in your car while on the trails. Keep any possessions in your car trunk or out of sight; do not provide temptations.
BY REGISTERING FOR THE EVENT, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:
EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY
GNPA will make every attempt to execute each trip, workshop or event as planned and as described. However, circumstances beyond GNPA’s control may arise that that affect GNPA’s ability to complete a Trip.
If a Trip is cancelled by GNPA for any reason prior to its start date, GNPA will not provide any compensation for payments made by registrants such as non-refundable hotel deposits or car rental fees or ticket fees. GNPA reserves the right to make changes to the trip including changes to the itinerary and trip leaders at its sole discretion.
PERSONAL SAFETY is of utmost importance.
Nature photography includes inherent risks which all participants must evaluate for themselves as to the safety of any activity based on their personal abilities. Be constantly aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards which could result in injury to you or others.
DO NOT PLACE YOURSELF OR OTHERS IN DANGER!
By registering, you are AGREEING to the standard GNPA Warranty and
LIABILITY RELEASE:
As a condition of participation with the Georgia Nature Photographers Association [“GNPA”], I agree to release from liability and to hold harmless the GNPA and its officers, agents, employees or assigns for any injury, including illness, accident, emergency and death, and for damage to or loss of personal property, including equipment, film, and memory cards, while participating in any activities affiliated with the GNPA.
CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 WARNING DISCLAIMER
Coronavirus, COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Federal and state authorities recommend social distancing as a mean to prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, personal injury, permanent disability, and death. Participating in any activities affiliated with the GNPA could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. GNPA in no way warrants that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in any activities affiliated with the GNPA.
PHOTO RELEASE
I do hereby give the GNPA permission to use my photo and its likeness for any and all print and video purposes it deems necessary but not limited to: newsletters, brochures, instructional and promotional videos, and press releases. The GNPA will not be required to reimburse me for use of my photo or its likeness.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nFnieXXyDu0gQ0Zwj-ujCvb2tg63qCr_?usp=share_link
This is a free event. Non-members are welcome to attend.
Speaker Bio:
Thomas Yackley is a nature photographer and digital artist. Digital photo painting, compositing, and photo encaustic are among his favorite techniques. The natural world is a major theme in his images. Besides shooting landscapes and wildlife, Thomas enjoys teaching photo classes and leading workshops in the Smoky Mountains with business partner Ben Ayling (www.naturephotoworkshops.com). Tom is a member of Georgia Nature Photographers Association, Southeastern Photographic Society, North American Nature Photographers Association, and Professional Photographers of America. His award-winning photos have been displayed in galleries throughout Georgia, in New York, and in Colorado. He has over thirty years high school music teaching experience and ten years teaching photography. His photo work is available at www.thomasyackley.com. In addition to visual art, Tom and his wife, Robin are Co-Artistic Directors of the Alpharetta Community Chorus and lead the Park Place Social Singers. Tom conducted the Alpharetta Community Chorus in Carnegie Hall in June, 2024 and is looking forward to conducting a choral/orchestral concert in Vienna in 2026.