Earthshine Retreats
Earthshine Retreats
Nature Photography Retreat - Firefly Weekend
June 5th - 7th, 2026
2 days / 2 nights
Remember the awe and wonder of seeing your first firefly? Now, you can relive that moment and learn how to best capture it in a photograph!
“A dark night, lightened up by thousands of glowing fireflies… It’s magical…”
– Ama H.Vanniarachchy
Join professional photographer, Nelson Stegall, for a unique firefly photography workshop and firefly tour at Earthshine Lodge in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. This isn’t just a photography workshop, it’s also a chance to view the synchronous fireflies that call this area home. Known as “the Land of the Waterfalls,” the western North Carolina mountains of Transylvania County are the perfect location for nature photography. While we’ll be photographing fireflies in the evening, during the day you’ll have the opportunity to capture exceptional nature photographs in a setting that’s second to none.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about ideal camera settings for capturing fireflies in photographs, explore lens options, and discuss creative composition choices. We’ll also apply these skills in the field, photographing fireflies in this exceptional private setting. People travel from all over the country to view the synchronous fireflies of the region and you will have your own private showing (weather and nature permitting of course!).
Have a friend or loved one who isn’t an experienced photographer? They can bring their cell phone and enjoy the magic of the fireflies, too!
Earthshine Lodge is more than just a place to stay. It’s a gateway to the beauty of Western North Carolina, with Pisgah National Forest, Gorges State Park, Nantahala National Forest, and DuPont State Forest all within reach. This is your chance to do something truly unique with your photography.
AUnique Nature Experience
Mid May to early June marks the height of firefly season in parts of Western North Carolina, most notably the synchronous fireflies. Nature enthusiasts flock to the area to try to catch glimpses of this beautiful phenomenon. Last year, we even spotted some blue ghosts on a night hike! Enjoy a relaxing weekend with a show put on by nature. Led by professional photographer, Nelson Stegall, participants will get the opportunity to learn the intricacies of catching fireflies on camera, and receive immediate feedback and coaching on style and technique.
Room with a view
After an evening of outdoor photography, come back to your warm and cozy room at Earthshine Lodge. Each room has a queen bed, loft with two twin beds, private balcony, and bathroom. The lodge is reserved for the photography retreat so feel free to explore Earthshine’s hiking trails, make use of the fire pits, or find a spot by one of our indoor fireplaces to warm up after a day outside.
Home Cooked Meals Included
Our chefs serve delicious and healthy meals from the kitchen in the main common area of the lodge. We call it healthy southern lodge food, but we think you’ll call it delicious. We plan menus to appeal to all so let us know if you have any food allergies.
Meals are provided at the lodge throughout your stay. If you bring a guest with you who is not part of the photography workshop, their meals are included as well.
Meet your host - Nelson Stegall
Nelson Stegall is a professional photographer, Certified Mindful Photography facilitator, and creator of Nature Photo Walks. He has a passion for nature, landscapes, wildlife, adventure, and conservation. His lifestyle has taken him on amazing adventures – traveling the remote backcountry of Alaska, rafting the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, kayaking 350 miles across Florida and Georgia, and visiting all 50 states.
Nelson’s work has appeared in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, various local newspapers, the Slow Photography Movement website, on billboards, and have graced the cover and interior of the book Make Some Room by Angie Mattson Stegall.
Nelson’s photography is also assisted by his experiences and training in Forest Resource Management, National Outdoor Leadership School participant, EMT in North Carolina and Alaska, Wilderness First Responder, New York Institute of Photography, and Conservation Visual Storytellers. Nelson is a member of the North America Nature Photographers Association, and a member of the Carolina Nature Photography Association.
Even with multiple outdoor experiences, adventures, and training, he still loves the moment when the light crosses paths with a subject and creates a once in a lifetime event.
Capture the magic of fireflies!
“Fireflies are like small ounces of magic”
– Haleigh Kemmerly
This photography workshop/tour is a beginner’s class for those with a working knowledge of their camera’s settings, Lightroom Classic, and Photoshop. Advanced photographers will have the opportunity to practice new shooting skills, learn new editing techniques, and experiment with composition.
The retreat rate is $1150 per person for a single room and $750 per person if you are sharing a room with another retreat participant. If you plan on sharing a room with a friend or loved one who is not a photographer, they are more than welcome to join you and enjoy private access to the lodge and grounds (and, of course, the firefly show). Just add an “additional guest” when you book. The cost of $300 for the additional person includes all meals and the welcome reception Friday evening.
The cost of the workshop includes a two-day Firefly Photography Workshop/tour with field and classroom time, lodging with private bed/bath, and five home-cooked meals.
Reserve with our online reservation system or call 828-862-4207.
Included with your reservation
2 Nights at Earthshine Lodge – Each guest room comes with a queen bed, loft with two twin beds, private balcony, and bathroom.
Home Cooked Meals – Our chef will craft a menu with healthy and delicious lodge meals to keep you fueled through the weekend.
Dinner and Welcome Reception Friday evening
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on Saturday
Breakfast on Sunday
Photography Workshops – All of the programs and guidance provided by your host are included in the rate.
FAQs
What is the schedule for the weekend? Click here for a .pdf of the retreat schedule.
How difficult are the trails? Easy. Participants must be able to walk on uneven surfaces, including gravel/crushed stone, natural surfaces with tripping hazards like rocks and roots, and on boardwalks.
How large will our group be? up to 12 participants
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your own camera equipment for this workshop:
DLSR or mirrorless camera
Wide angle and telephoto lens
Sturdy tripod
Shutter release (timer in your camera also works)
Camera rain cover (not required but recommended to have in your camera bag)
Camera bag (backpack style preferred for easy caring along the trails)
Laptop computer with Light Room and Photoshop
Power supply and extension cord
External hard drive or thumb drive
Any additional camera gear you feel you need.
Other:
Sturdy hiking shoes/boots
Appropriate clothing for the weather
Water bottle and any snacks you may need
What is your retreat cancellation policy?
Earthshine retreats have a 7-day cancellation policy for a full refund.
Do not forget an open mind and a positive attitude! We will have a great time enjoying nature and photographing the beauty along the way.