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

Help guests photograph silhouettes of four cowboys on horseback riding back and forth along the ridgeline. The riders will vary their pace, providing opportunities to capture walking, slower riding, and faster action against the morning sky.

• Only four riders will participate. The additional horses on location are for the horse drive later in the morning.

• Clear separation between horses and riders is essential for recognizable silhouettes. Watch for overlapping shapes from the photographers’ viewpoint.

• Lisa will direct positioning, spacing, and action using her bullhorn or radio.

• Faster runs will be included when possible. Jesse will determine safe speeds and rest periods, conserving the horses’ energy for the remaining activities.

• Spread out among guests to help with exposure, focus, shutter speed, and composition.

• Announce upcoming action so guests have time to prepare.

• Keep guests in the designated photography area and clear of the riding routes.

• Leave chairs and stools behind; they will not be needed for this session.

• Lisa’s bullhorn.

• Radios for Lisa and Jesse.

• Confirm photographer positions and safe boundaries before riding begins.

Help guests capture dramatic head-on images of horses running toward them, followed by action shots as the horses pass alongside their corral. Jesse’s team will drive the herd back and forth between two corrals positioned out of sight of each other, giving both groups repeated photography opportunities.

• Divide guests into two groups of 10, with one group inside each corral.

• Split photo staff between the two corrals to provide support at both locations.

• All photographers must remain inside their designated corrals throughout the horse drive.

• Jesse’s team will guide the horses around the outside of each corral, then turn the herd toward the opposite end of the ridge.

• Jesse will determine the safest routes, turning points, distances from the corrals, pace, and number of runs.

• Coordinate with Jesse before each run and confirm both groups are ready.

• Announce approaching action so guests have time to prepare.

• Help guests with autofocus, shutter speed, framing, and tracking as the horses approach and pass.

• Keep equipment within the corral boundaries and access points clear.

• Two horse corrals set up before guests arrive, far enough apart that neither appears in the other group’s photographs.

• Confirm corral placement and horse routes with Jesse before positioning photographers.

• Radios for communication between both photography stations and Jesse.

• Lisa’s bullhorn.

Lisa and team will cover additional techniques and concepts to prepare guests for the photography sessions planned for the rest of the day. Be available to support her instruction, help answer questions, and reinforce what guests have been practicing.

• Be available to help guests with questions and camera settings as needed.

• Keep the session on schedule to finish at 10:30 AM.

• TV.

• 2 C-Stands

• 2- AD 600's
• Softbox/striplight

   

• Reset the hotel with 20 chairs and cover the windows

Enjoy lunch with the guests before the afternoon photography stations. Spread out and sit with guests to visit and answer questions.

• 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.

Help participants understand how thoughtful post-processing can strengthen an image and support their creative vision.

Participants will learn to evaluate an image, identify adjustments that will improve it, and understand the reasons behind Lisa’s editing choices.

Lisa will demonstrate her post-processing approach using selected images. She’ll explain what she sees in each image, what she wants to achieve, and how she uses editing tools to bring that vision to life. Participants can ask questions throughout the demonstration.

• This is a demonstration rather than a hands-on editing session. Participants do not need to bring a laptop, but may want to take notes. Encourage questions about both the editing techniques and the creative decisions behind them.

Create dramatic low-key portraits using Rembrandt and rim lighting.

• Create Rembrandt lighting to emphasize facial features.

• Use rim lighting to separate the subject from the background.

• Control highlights and shadows for dramatic impact.

Guide guests through a seated Western portrait session using two lights and a dark background. Direct small changes to the model’s pose and expression while guests photograph the effects of the lighting.

• Use one light to establish the Rembrandt pattern on the face.

• Position the second light to create a rim around the model’s hat, shoulders, and clothing.

• Use the reflector as needed, keeping enough shadow to maintain the low-key look.

• Watch for overly bright highlights and light spilling onto the black backdrop.

• Keep the model mostly seated, using the rustic table or bench for supported poses.

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

• Two lights.

• One reflector.

• Three C-stands.

• Black backdrop.

• Seven chairs.

• Rustic table or similar surface for the model to lean on.

• Lori’s bench.

• Lisa’s swivel stool.

• Dry erase board displaying the goal and learning objectives, prepared and placed by Dawn.

• Arrange the set and test both lights before the first group arrives.

Learn what Rembrandt, rim, and loop lighting are.

Identify the lighting style by looking at the highlights and shadows on the model.

Lead a Western portrait session with Emily inside the Yellow Hotel. Demonstrate how different lighting setups change the look and feel of an image, guiding small adjustments to her position, head angle, and expression.

• Demonstrate each lighting pattern separately so guests can clearly see its characteristics.

• Ask guests to identify the lighting style and describe what they see.

• Give each guest an opportunity to photograph the different setups.

• Keep Emily primarily in one area, making small pose adjustments as needed.

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

• Three flashes.

• Three C-stands.

• Appropriate flash modifiers.

• Move the chaise lounge into position before the first group arrives.

• Add as many chairs as the space comfortably allows without crowding the shooting area or walkways.

• Dry erase board displaying the goal and learning objectives, prepared and placed by Dawn.

• Test the lighting before the session begins.

Learn to create beautiful cowboy portraits using natural window light.

• Identify how window light illuminates the subject.

• Position the subject to create flattering light and shadows.

• Adjust camera settings for proper exposure in window light.

Lead a Western portrait session inside the Mercantile, using window light to create a variety of looks. Guide small adjustments to the model’s position, head angle, and expression while helping guests photograph the results.

• Begin by observing the direction and quality of the window light.

• Demonstrate how moving or turning the model changes the highlights and shadows.

• Help guests choose camera settings that expose the subject appropriately.

• Keep the model primarily in one area, making small pose adjustments as needed.

• Keep instruction focused on natural window light.

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

• Seven chairs outside the Mercantile for guests who want to sit.

• One flash.

• One C-stand.

• Dry erase board displaying the goal and learning objectives, prepared and placed by Dawn.

• Select the model’s position near the window and check the background before the first group arrives.

• Position 10 guests in the safety corral near the Young Riders House and 10 in the corral at the south end of the ridge.

• Split photo staff between the two locations.

• All photographers must remain inside their designated safety corrals during the horse drive.

• Lisa will coordinate with Jesse by radio and confirm both groups are ready before each run.

• Jesse will determine safe routes, the number of runs, and pacing based on the horses’ condition.

• Announce approaching action and help guests adjust settings as the light changes.

• Keep equipment inside the corrals and access points clear.

• Safety corrals at both photography locations.

• Chairs for guests who need them.

• Radios for communication between both photography groups and Jesse.

• Confirm corral placement, photographer positions, and horse routes with Jesse before shooting begins.

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.