Dawn and Cheryl will be responsible for welcoming guests as they arrive, checking them in, and distributing name tags.

Our goal is to keep guests moving smoothly from check-in to trigger testing and then to the Saloon. We don't want guests exploring the movie set on their own before the workshop officially begins.

• Greet each guest as they arrive.
• Ask each guest if there is someone attending the workshop they would like to be grouped with. We will be dividing our 20 guests into four groups of five, identified by Red, Green, Yellow, and Blue.
• Assign each guest a group color, making sure anyone requesting to be together is assigned the same color. If the other person has not arrived yet, make a note on the master guest list so they can be assigned the same color when they check in.
• Record each guest's assigned group color in the designated column on the master guest list. Make sure no group exceeds five guests.
• Place the appropriate colored sticker on each guest's name tag and give it to them.
• Direct guests to the Livery for Godox trigger testing. Remind them they will need their main camera with any lens attached.
• Once trigger testing is complete, direct guests to the Saloon, where Lisa will be waiting with a special gift and additional information.
• Remind guests to go directly to the livery and not wander around the movie set.

• Table (provided by Mescal)
• 2 chairs
• Supply drawers (brought by our team) containing:
  • Name tags
  • Pens
  • Master Guest List

Gary will serve as our town sheriff, making sure guests don't wander off and explore the Mescal Movie Set before the workshop officially begins. His job is to keep guests moving from check-in to the Livery for trigger testing, and then from the Livery to the Saloon to meet with Lisa.

• Guests should go directly from check-in to the Livery for trigger testing.

• Once trigger testing is complete, direct guests to the Saloon.

• Do not allow guests to wander around or explore the movie set on their own.

• Remind guests that they will have an opportunity to explore the town during the guided Mescal Movie Set tour later in the afternoon.

• Keep the atmosphere friendly and welcoming while making sure everyone follows the designated route.

One chair positioned along the street where Gary can comfortably sit while monitoring guest movement.

Mary, Lori, and Kim will help each guest test their camera with our Godox flash system to make sure everything is communicating properly before we begin shooting. Three testing stations will be set up in the Livery to keep guests moving through the process efficiently.

Garry will be stationed outside along the street to help direct guests and make sure no one wanders around the movie set.

• Set up three Godox AD400 flashes with modifiers on C-stands.

• Configure the three sets of triggers to match flashes 1, 2, and 3, using separate channels to prevent interference.

• Test each guest's camera to confirm their trigger communicates properly with the flash.

• Have PocketWizards available for cameras that require them.

• Once guests complete testing, direct them to the Saloon, where Lisa will be waiting with a special gift.

• Guests should go directly to the Saloon. No wandering around the movie set.

• All Godox triggers

• 3 Godox flashes

• 3 C-stands

• 3 flash modifiers (cans, softboxes, etc.)

• 6 chairs

• Extra AAA batteries for triggers

• Spare Godox  batteries

• PocketWizards

As guests finish checking in and testing their triggers, they will make their way to the Saloon, where Lisa and Dan will welcome them. This is a relaxed opportunity to visit with guests, distribute their welcome gifts, and help everyone get familiar with the workshop agenda on our website.

• Lisa will personally welcome guests and distribute their gifts. Gifts will be either custom playing cards or flash drives, depending on whether the playing cards arrive in time.

• Show guests how to access and navigate the workshop agenda on our website.

• Encourage guests to help themselves to snacks while they visit with Lisa, Dan, and the other participants.

• Lisa and Dan should be available to answer questions and visit with guests until 1:30 PM.

• As registration and trigger testing wrap up, the staff working those stations should make their way to the Saloon to join the group.

• Set up the snack table in the Saloon before guests arrive.

• Make sure the playing cards or flash drives are available for Lisa to distribute.

Lisa will officially welcome everyone to Magic of Cowboys, introduce the team, and walk guests through how the workshop will operate. This orientation will establish expectations, explain important procedures, and help everyone understand how we will work together over the next four days.

All staff should be present and available for introductions.

Staff Introductions

• Introduce Mark and Jesse and explain their roles at Mescal.

• Each member of our workshop staff will introduce quickly.

• Lisa "Movie title" intro for all the guests. Should only take 20 seconds per person

Workshop Culture & Expectations

Lisa will cover:

• Our workshop culture and the importance of treating everyone with respect.

• Our "No Crap" policy. We want a positive, supportive environment without unnecessary drama.

• We take guests at face value and ask that they communicate openly and honestly with us.

• If a problem or need arises, tell us immediately so we have an opportunity to address it.

• The importance of being on time and ready for each scheduled activity.

• This is a group experience. Everyone needs to be considerate of the other participants.

• Tipping guidelines and expectations.

• Questions and interruptions: Please wait your turn when speaking. We cannot effectively answer questions when multiple people are talking at once.

Photography, Video & Equipment

• Explain that we will be capturing video throughout the workshop for guests to enjoy and share with friends and family.

• Encourage guests to smile, give a thumbs-up, and interact naturally with the camera rather than looking away.

• Explain how guests can check out Tamron lenses.

• Review lens recommendations and when to use short, midrange, and long focal lengths.

• Identify the camera cleaning station and explain what equipment and supplies are available.

Meals, Snacks & Safety

• Explain how meals will be served and how dietary restrictions and allergies will be handled.

• Identify the first aid station and explain how guests can get assistance.

• Explain where guests can find snacks, coffee, and refreshments throughout the workshop.

Communication & Daily Agendas

• Explain how daily agendas and important workshop information will be shared.

• Remind guests to pay attention to text messages, as we will send periodic updates and announcements.

• Review how guests can access the workshop agenda on the website.

Group Assignments & Movement

• 20 guests are assigned into four color-coded groups of five: Red, Green, Yellow, and Blue.

• Each guest should already have their assigned color sticker on their name tag from check-in.

• Explain that guests will remain in their assigned color group for the entire workshop.

• Guests must stay with their group and should never wander off on their own.

• Explain how we will transition between shooting locations and how staff will direct each group.

Upcoming Movie Set Tour

• Explain what guests can expect over the next couple of hours.

• Guests should bring only their cell phones for the movie set tour. No camera gear is needed.

• Emphasize that the tour needs to stay on schedule and should not take much more than one hour.

• Explain that the 20 guests will be divided into two larger groups for the tour.

   Staff Reminders:

• All staff should be present for introductions and orientation.

• Be prepared to answer questions related to your area of responsibility.

• Help Mason organize guests into their two tour groups at the conclusion of orientation.

• Be ready to transition promptly into the movie set tour at 2:30 PM.

• • Master guest list showing each guest's assigned color group.

  • Ensure all guests have their color-coded stickers on their name tags.
  • Confirm the two larger tour groups before leaving the Saloon.
  • Ensure the snack table is set up and stocked.
  • Ensure there is enough seating for all 20 guests and staff.
  • Ensure Lisa's computer is set up, connected to the presentation display, and working properly.
  • Have Lisa's presentation clicker ready and tested.

Guests will be given a guided tour of the Mescal Movie Set. 

This tour needs to be professional, organized, and efficient so we stay on schedule for the afternoon's activities.

• Divide the 20 guests into two groups of 10.

• Mark will coordinate the tours

• Staff who did not go on the firs ttour should join this one (Cheryl and Lesa)

• Help keep guests together and moving at the pace established by the tour leaders.

• Guests should bring only their cell phones. No camera equipment is needed.

• Keep the tours on schedule so both groups are finished by 3:45 PM.

• Guests should not wander away from their assigned tour group.

• Have the two groups of 10 organized and ready to depart at 2:30 PM.
• Ensure staff separated in half to keep groups consistent size.

Lisa will lead a camera clinic reviewing the important camera settings and preparations outlined in the checklist included in the welcome email to the guests. This session will help ensure everyone has their equipment properly configured and is ready for the photography sessions ahead.

• Lisa will work through the camera checklist provided to guests before the workshop.

• Photography staff should be available to help guests with camera settings and individual questions as needed.

• Keep the session on schedule so everyone is ready for the next activity at 5:00 PM.

• Lisa's camera checklist from the welcome email.

• Lisa's computer connected to the TV and tested before the session.

• Lisa's presentation clicker, ready and tested.

This will be our first photography session of the workshop and an opportunity for guests to get comfortable photographing horses in action. The entire group of 20 photographers will shoot together, capturing cowboys riding back and forth along the ridgeline with the setting sun behind them, creating dramatic backlit images and silhouettes.

Similar to our Eagle Beach sessions in Alaska, this will be a relaxed warm-up shoot where guests can experiment with camera settings, compositions, and techniques while photographing moving subjects.

• Position photographers east of the ridge, shooting west toward the setting sun.

• The cowboys will ride back and forth along the ridgeline, providing opportunities for both fast action and slower movement.

• Lisa will direct the action using her bullhorn and communicate with Jesse by radio as needed.

• This first session gives us an opportunity to assess the experience and skill levels of our guests. Please pay close attention to how everyone is doing and identify those who may need additional guidance or support throughout the workshop. Our goal is to recognize those needs early so we can provide the best possible experience for everyone.

• Whenever possible, announce upcoming action so photographers have time to prepare their cameras and compositions.

• All photography staff should spread out among the guests, helping with camera settings, exposure, focusing, and composition as needed.

• Encourage guests to experiment with different shutter speeds and exposures to capture both silhouettes and backlit images.

• Remind guests to remain in the designated photography area and never approach the horses or enter the riding area.

• Jesse will determine the safest riding routes, speeds, and rest periods for the horses.

• The horses will alternate between faster runs, slower riding, walking, and rest periods throughout the session.

• Keep the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable. This is our first opportunity to get everyone comfortable photographing the action.

• Lisa's bullhorn.

• Radios for communication between Lisa and Jesse.

• Confirm the designated photography area and safe boundaries before guests arrive. (use cones if necessary).

• Ensure all photographers are positioned safely before the riding begins.

Guests and staff will gather in the Saloon for dinner following our first photography session. This is an opportunity to relax, visit with guests, and reflect on the day's activities before everyone returns to the hotel.

Lisa will review the following day's agenda and explain what guests can expect.

• Staff should spread out and sit with guests during dinner rather than gathering together.

• Lisa will review the next day's agenda, including the morning schedule, meeting times, and what equipment guests should bring.

• Be available to answer questions and help guests prepare for the following day.

• After dinner, help clear and clean the tables.

• Collect trash and dispose of it in the designated locations.

• Make sure guests have their belongings before departing for the hotel.

• Dinner tables and seating for all guests and staff.

• Trash cans and bags available for cleanup.

• Next day's agenda ready for Lisa to review.