Each section of the agenda shows the time and what we have planned. Tap the + sign next to any item to expand it and see additional details, instructions, and information about that part of the workshop.

We recommend checking the agenda throughout the workshop so you know where you need to be, what gear you’ll need, and what’s coming up next.

When you arrive at the Mescal Movie Set, please park in the main parking lot and make your way to the entrance. Our staff will be there to greet you, get you checked in, and give you your name tag.

You’re welcome to bring all of your camera gear with you, but please at least be sure to bring your main camera with any lens. Immediately following check-in, we will be testing the Godox triggers with your camera to make sure everything is working properly before we begin shooting with flash.

After checking in, please head to the Livery, where you will meet with Lori, Mary, or Kim to test the Godox trigger with your camera. This will ensure that your camera and our flash equipment are communicating properly and everything is ready to go when we begin shooting with flash.

Once your trigger has been tested, please head directly to the Saloon, where Lisa will be waiting for you. We know it will be tempting to start exploring the town, but we ask that you save the exploring for later. We have a full schedule planned and will make sure you have plenty of opportunities to experience and photograph the set throughout the workshop.

After your trigger has been tested, please head directly to the Saloon, where Lisa will be waiting for you.

Lisa will welcome everyone, give you a special gift, and go over how to use the online agenda throughout the workshop. This is also a great time to grab a snack from our snack table and get to know your fellow photographers and our staff.

We know you’ll be excited to explore Mescal, but please don’t wander around the town during this time. We have lots planned and plenty of opportunities for you to explore and photograph the town throughout the workshop.

We’ll take some time to introduce you to our horse wrangler, the Mescal Movie Set manager, and our photography staff. You’ll also have a chance to introduce yourself and get to know the other photographers you’ll be sharing this experience with over the next few days.

This is your first chance to get to know the town before we begin photographing it. You’ll walk the streets and boardwalks, explore many of the buildings, and learn about Mescal’s more than 70 years of filmmaking history. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the famous movies, television shows, actors, and scenes that have been filmed right here at Mescal.

You’ll also get a better feel for the layout of the town and many of the locations we’ll be using during the workshop.

Take a few minutes to relax before we begin the Camera Clinic. This is a good time to grab your camera bag with a long, mid and short lens. This is the time to get everything you need for the shoot later in the day.

Lisa will walk you through many of the important items from the Workshop Checklist you received when you registered. We’ll cover camera settings, gear, techniques, and other important information you’ll need for the different shooting situations we have planned.

The goal of the Camera Clinic is to make sure everyone feels prepared and confident before we head out for our first shoot.

It’s time to head out for our first shoot in the desert! We will have golf carts available to shuttle everyone.

Be sure to bring your camera gear with you, as we’ll be heading directly into our first photography session.

Primary Lens: 400–600mm focal length

Alternate Lens: Wider focal lengths for different perspectives

Tripod or Monopod: Optional

Most images during this shoot will be captured in the 400–600mm range. Wider focal lengths can also be used to create different looks and compositions.

There will be plenty of room at the shooting location, so feel free to bring your camera backpack and additional lenses with you.

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It’s time to start shooting!

We’ll treat this first session as a warm-up and a chance to work off the rust, get comfortable with your camera, and make sure everything is operating the way it should.

And what better way to warm up than photographing cowboys on horseback in the Arizona desert! We’ll get everyone shooting, help with settings as needed, and start creating some great images right out of the gate.

During the shoot, please follow the direction of our photography staff. We’ll have specific areas designated for photographers, both for your safety and to make sure everyone has a clear shooting area. Please don’t wander away from your group or move into another group’s shooting area unless directed by a staff member.

Don’t worry about getting everything perfect just yet. We have several days of incredible photography ahead of us. This session is all about getting comfortable, having fun, and getting into the rhythm of the workshop.

After our sunset shoot, we’ll head back to the Saloon for a catered dinner. This is a chance to relax, enjoy a great meal, and spend some time with your fellow photographers and our staff.

During dinner, Lisa will also walk everyone through the next day’s agenda so you’ll know what we have planned, where you’ll need to be, and what gear you’ll want to have ready.