Photography resources in Asheville, NC

Over the past few years, Asheville and Western North Carolina have become an absolute haven for photographers. There are so many photography resources in Asheville and the surrounding area.

And is it any wonder? We have a wide variety of some of the most picturesque vistas anywhere!

With the growing number of both amateur and professional photographers in the area, there are a multitude of resources available if you just know where to look. 

The best photographers are always looking to improve their game.  Here is a sampling of what the Asheville area has to offer!

With the wide variety of photography resources in Asheville available, you should be able to find something perfect for what you’re looking for!

WEB DESIGNER FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Linnae Designs: Hi. It’s me – the owner of this blog and website. I’m been a photographer and web designer for over 25 years. Combining marketing magic, compelling story and conversion strategy to help talented, focused PHOTOGRAPHERS increase their bookings and profits! Scroll down and say hello in the comment section…or say “hi” if you see me around town in Asheville.

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES

Mountain Lens:  Located in a beautiful mountain setting just outside Hendersonville, NC, Maintain Lens offers a picturesque setting along with its workshops. They offer high-tech classrooms with classes for both beginner and experienced photographers and offer a wide range of class sizes. Lodging is also available for those that may be coming from out of town or would like to create an immersive experience.

Penland School of Craft: Offering 1, 2 and 8 week sessions, Penland’s classes are taught by traveling instructors. Because of the wide variety of available teachers, they have an ever-changing and assorted list of topics to choose from regularly. Workshops are open to students of all levels unless noted otherwise.

Blue Ridge Community College:  If you are located in the Henderson or Transylvania areas of WNC, consider enrolling in a photography class at Blue Ridge Community College. With an ever changing catalog of photography classes, you are sure to find one that is right for you!

https://www.blueridge.edu/programs-courses/personal-enrichment/photography

AB Tech: Asheville, NC’s local community college is a great place to inexpensively learn new skills in a traditional setting. Type Photography or Photoshop in the “continuing education classes” search bar to see what they are currently offering. 

PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

WNC Photo Tours: Perfect for those wanting to improve their skills AND discover some new photography locations, WNC Photo Tours offers small, private photography tours. They specialize in taking their clients off the beaten path to help you find some unexplored hidden gems and will base the tour on your individual needs. 

Asheville Photo Tours: Looking to improve your skills in a specific area? Asheville Photo Tours offers a set schedule with specific options for you to choose from. 

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUBS

The Camera Club of Hendersonville: From expert to novice, the Camera Club of Hendersonville has something for you. They offer opportunities to display your work, develop mentorships with other photographers, and more! 

Carolina Nature Photography Association: The Carolina Nature Photography Association is organized into 13 regional groups and has grown to become one of the largest “photo clubs” of its kind in the country. Their mission statement is to “To promote Nature Photography in the Carolinas. To help conserve and preserve the diverse Natural Ecosystem in the Carolinas. To educate others interested in Nature Photography.” They are a wonderful resource for all nature photographers. 

The Land of Waterfalls Camera Club: The Land of Waterfalls Camera Club was created for photographers in the Brevard and Transylvania County area of Western North Carolina who are interested in learning and sharing the craft of making high-quality images. This club is for all levels of photographers and has monthly meetings and special interest groups. Visitors are always welcome!

MEETUP GROUPS

Portrait Photography Group – Asheville: Portrait Photography Group’s focus has always been on the art of photographing people, but they have recently expanded to incorporate other forms of portrait art including: food photography, still life, landscapes, and the world of digital manipulations.

Carolinas’ Nature Photography Association — Asheville Region: Is the meet-up group that ties into the official Carolina Nature Photography Association club mentioned above. This is the perfect way to dip your toes in and see if this club is right for you. They offer MeetUp members the opportunity to attend 2 monthly meetings before you join. 

Vagabond Photo Walks – WNC: Part social club and part photography club, The Vagabond Photo Walks MeetUp group is geared towards “creative nomads” who are interested in “documenting life” through their camera in the WNC area. 

FACEBOOK GROUPS

Vagabond Photo Walks – WNC: If you are not on MeetUp, this is another place to connect with  Vagabond Photo Walk and their activities and events. 

Asheville Photographers Network: Asheville Photographer’s Network is an active, private Facebook group for photographers to “come together, build their networks, and help each other out!”

DARK ROOM FACILITY

The Asheville Darkroom: The Asheville Darkroom is a non-profit organization that offers film processing, education, programming, and facilities that are available for public use. Their goal is to keep darkroom photography alive and to help photographers have an accessible and affordable space to learn and practice their photography. 

CAMERA STORES AND REPAIRS

Ball Photo Supply: Support local! Ball Photo is a family owned photography store since 1960. Ball Photo Supply is a great one-stop-shop for all of your photography needs. Equipment rentals, used and new cameras, photo printing and more!

Crystal Camera: Serving the camera repair needs of Western North Carolina since 1982, Crystal Camera has over 45 years of experience on all types of optical equipment, photo equipment and digital cameras. 

PHOTOGRAPHY JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES

(Not photography specific) Asheville Area Council: Arts The mission of the Asheville Area Arts Council is to keep the arts at the heart of our community. We fulfill our mission by supporting arts organizations and artists in Buncombe County through advocacy, public art, and services for creatives.

WANT TO GO PRO AND START A BUSINESS

AB Tech Small Business Center: Looking to launch an entrepreneurial venture or grow a small business? The Small Business Center (SBC) at A-B Tech Enka is part of the statewide Small Business Center Network (SBCN), a community college-funded initiative with a vision to foster and support entrepreneurship, small business, and economic development in local communities. with an emphasis on assisting start-ups, early-stage, and at-risk enterprises.

Mountain Bizworks: All your small business resources in one place.

Let me know if you know of a great resource I can add to this list. You can reach me at CONTACT.