Guests and staff will gather in the Saloon for an early breakfast before our first sunrise photography session.

All 20 guests will photograph together, capturing silhouettes of the wagon and horseback riders against the rising sun. The wagon and riders will travel back and forth along the ridgeline, similar to our sunset session the previous evening.

• Clear separation between the wagon, horses, and riders is essential. When subjects overlap, their silhouettes blend into one large black shape.
• Watch the spacing from the photographers’ viewpoint and help guests capture compositions where each subject is clearly defined.
• Lisa will direct adjustments to spacing, positioning, and speed using her bullhorn or radio.
• Jesse will determine the safest riding pattern and turnaround points.
• Photo staff should spread out among guests to help with exposure, focus, camera settings, and composition.
• Announce upcoming action whenever possible so guests have time to prepare.
• Keep guests in the designated photography area and clear of the riding route.

• Lisa’s bullhorn.
• Radios for Lisa and Jesse.
• Chairs and stools for guests who need them.
• Lights to see photography area before sunrise.

Guests will photograph the wagon and horseback riders with the mountains in the background. We will begin with passes in both directions along the short section of road marked in green on the map. The riders will then move to the open area circled in purple, where Lisa will direct additional action and arrangements against the mountain backdrop.

• Staff should spread out among guests to help with camera settings, focus, exposure, and composition.
• Prepare guests for passes in both directions so they can anticipate the action.
• Lisa will coordinate with Jesse on the action, spacing, and positioning of the wagon and riders.
• When we move to the open area, help guests reposition and move chairs and stools for those who need them.
• Keep guests in the designated photography area and clear of the wagon and riding routes.
• Be ready to finish shooting at 8:15 AM.

• Lisa’s bullhorn.
• Radios for Lisa and Jesse.
• Chairs and stools for guests who need them.

Lisa will lead a presentation preparing guests for the four photography stations scheduled from 12:00–4:00 PM. She will explain the techniques and creative choices they will practice at each station.

• Tombstone Alley Walk: Photograph a cowboy walking and posing with a horse in the alley between Fly’s Photo Studio and the Sheriff’s Office. Use the historic buildings to frame classic Western portraits.
• Photography Studio Silhouette: Create strong, recognizable silhouettes of a cowboy posed in the doorway of Fly’s Photo Studio. Pay attention to exposure, pose, and the outline of the hat and clothing.
• Low Key in Bank: Use controlled lighting to create dark, moody portraits inside the Bank, illuminating selected parts of the model’s face and clothing while keeping much of the scene in shadow.
• Cowboy Portrait: Explore depth of field, subject placement, and background selection to create cinematic Western portraits.
• Photo staff should be familiar with the techniques Lisa presents so instruction remains consistent during the afternoon stations.
• Be available to help guests with questions and camera settings as needed.

• Lisa’s computer connected to the presentation display and tested before the session.
• Lisa’s presentation clicker, ready and tested.
• Seating for guests and staff.

• Help guests understand the afternoon station rotations and where their group will begin.
• Help clear tables and collect trash after lunch.
• Finish by 11:50 AM so you have time to get to your assigned station before shooting begins at noon.

This station will feature three of Mescal Movie Set's legendary actors and cowboys who have appeared in numerous Western films. They will share stories about their experiences working in the film industry, memorable moments on set, and what it's like to be part of Western movie productions.

This will be a relaxed, interactive discussion where guests can ask questions and hear firsthand accounts from these experienced actors.

• Classroom set up for chairs
• Table for cowboys to sit at.

How to photograph a good silhouette.

How to expose for the background, separate subject from other elements, create good composition.

Guide guests in creating strong Western silhouettes of a cowboy posed in the doorway of Fly’s Photo Studio against the light outside. Use different poses and props to highlight the model’s hat, clothing, and recognizable outline.

• Reinforce the silhouette techniques Lisa covered in the morning classroom session, including how they apply to outdoor and sunset photography.
• Teach guests to expose for the bright background to create the silhouette.
• Demonstrate how overlapping shapes merge together and how separation makes the model and props easier to recognize.
• Direct small adjustments to the model’s arms, stance, and hat to create clearly defined outlines.
• Experiment with standing and seated poses, including placing the chair at an angle.
• Finish each group’s session within 50 minutes, allowing 10 minutes for rotation and reset.

Create dramatic, low-key portraits by illuminating selected details while keeping much of the scene in shadow.

• Use gridded flashes to control where light falls and limit spill.

• Recognize how Rembrandt lighting shapes the face and rim lighting defines the subject’s outline.

• Understand how the model’s pose affects the lighting.

• Work intentionally, evaluating images and making adjustments rather than taking rapid, repetitive shots.

Guide guests through a seated Western portrait session inside the Bank. Use flash, subtle ambient light, and period props to create dark, moody images with minimal movement from the model.

• • Use two flashes with grids: one for rim lighting and one for Rembrandt lighting.

  • Keep the flash modeling lights off.

  • Use an LED light and lantern to provide ambient light.

  • Assess the window light and cover the window if needed.

  • Guide guests through two poses: the cowboy positioned sideways, and the cowboy turning his head slightly toward the photographer.

  • Incorporate selected props to add character and storytelling.

  • Encourage fewer, carefully considered shots to conserve flash battery power.

  • Finish each group’s session within 50 minutes, allowing 10 minutes for rotation and reset.

• • Two flashes with grids and appropriate stands.

  • LED light and lantern.

  • Chair for the model.

  • Window covering, if needed.

  • Props: rifle, guns, rope, pocket watch, whiskey bottle, leatherwork, old books, and candle.

  • Coordinate all firearm props with the armorer before use.

  • Arrange the set and test the lighting before the first group arrives.

Bring Main Street to life with cowboys on horseback, a wagon, and townspeople in period clothing. Riders and the wagon will travel back and forth while townspeople walk along the boardwalks and interact naturally. Help guests capture a variety of scenes that convey the activity and atmosphere of a busy Old West town.

• Position photographers at the three designated shooting locations on the south side of the street.

• Keep the wagon, riders, and additional townspeople within the designated action area on the north side of the street.

• Use cones to clearly identify where photographers can and cannot go.

• Spread out among the three photography locations to assist guests with settings, focus, exposure, and composition.

• Coordinate repeated movements and positioning adjustments to give guests multiple opportunities to capture the action.

• Keep photographers within the marked boundaries and clear of horse and wagon routes.

• Confirm the gunfight location and coordinate that scene with the armorer before it begins.

• Cones to mark photography boundaries.

• 20 chairs distributed among the three shooting locations.

• Confirm clear views from each location before guests arrive.

• Select the gunfight location and confirm photographer positions with the armorer.

Enjoy dinner with the guests after a full day of photography. Visit about the day’s experiences and answer questions before everyone returns to the hotel.

• Spread out and sit with guests.

• Lisa will review the next day’s agenda, including meeting times and equipment needs.

• Help clear tables, collect trash, and clean up after dinner.

• Remind guests to gather their belongings before leaving.

• Tables and seating for guests and staff.

• Trash cans and bags for cleanup.

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