What to Expect When You Attend

If you don’t already know me, I am not a formal stand in front of you and tell you what to do kind of person so please don’t expect to have a super detailed class-type setting. At my retreats expect to have a relaxed time while expanding your portfolio and maybe picking up some new tricks.

During the styled shoots, I will guide the models to start and then give everyone a chance to jump in and direct the models. These shoots are designed to allow you to try new things and get outside your box, however I am there right along you the entire time to provide as little as much guidance you wish — all you have to do is ask! I may offer suggestions and I always encourage all attendees to support each other during the shoots.

When we aren’t on location shooting, time can be spent around the table together chatting about the business side of things or editing together. During this time, or anytime we are together, I am an open book and will answer anything I can or demonstrate any shooting or editing techniques you wish to watch in person.

Tentative Model Line-Up

High Fashion Woman with Friesian Downtown After Dark - Sunrise

Mother & Daughter Fairytale in the Forest

Down to Earth Gentleman with Western Horses at Beautiful Iowa Farm

Western Fashioned Rodeo Couple in Chutes

Plus Size Woman Model with Horses in the River

Tentative Schedule

Friday Early Afternoon - Meet & Greet of Attendees

Friday Late Afternoon - Styled Shoot 1

Saturday Sunrise - Styled Shoot 2

Saturday Midday - Editing & Business Open Discussions

Saturday Late Afternoon - Styled Shoot 3

Sunday Sunrise - Styled Shoot 4

Sunday Afternoon - Styled Shoot 5

Travel & Lodging Info

Hotel/Lodging is not included in the ticket price of the event. The meet and greet and optional classroom time will be held at the hotel listed below.

Travel to and from the styled shoots will be provided from the hotel. All attendees are welcome ride in the provided transportation. Location addresses will be given before the event for those that wish to drive themselves to the shoots.

Although lodging is not included in the ticket price, I do have a few rooms already reserved at the hotel for attendees. If you are interested in staying at the hotel and/or sharing a room with another attendee, please let me know that with the purchase of your ticket.

If you are flying in for this weekend, you will want to fly into DSM airport. I suggest using Uber or Lyft for getting to and from however if attendees land around the same time, I can arrange for our van to pick up and drop off at the airport as well. To ensure you don’t miss a minute of fun, I would suggest flying in Thursday and flying out Monday morning.

Meals are not included and will be at attendees expense. I will arrange group dining options however you are not required to eat together if you do not wish.

Covid-19

Due to the current status of the pandemic, everyone that attends will be required to sign a waiver understanding their risk of traveling and attending this weekend getaway. I will take as many precautions as I can to make this weekend as safe as I can for everyone however I will not require masks as I know how hard they can be to hear and work with. I would highly suggest everyone to test at least 48hours before traveling and do not travel if you are not feeling well. I will be tested before arriving in Arizona. If the state or federal government adds any kind of travel or gathering restrictions, I will monitor and assess the status for everyone.

The retainer fee to hold your spot at this workshop is non-refundable however if you have to step out due to illness that fee can be transferred to another event or service by me with proof of illness from doctor.

Other Good Stuff to Know

Summer Camp is ideal for those with an interest in equine photography or just expanding their horizons and trying something new. I highly suggest being comfortable around horses before attending as there may be times when you are very close to them.

This Camp is not for beginner level photographers as I will not be teaching extensive camera operations.

The ideal camera gear for this weekend includes — your camera body of course with a lens that at least a 85mm zoom capacity. Ideally I shoot with a 85mm prime lens or my 70-200mm. Other idea lenses are the 100mm, 135mm, and the 200mm. A 24-70mm could work and a good wide angle is always nice to get a little more creative.

This Camp will be a natural light focused however we will have a AFTER DARK portion to one of the shoots so you are encouraged to bring OCF. I will have my godox flash system (for canon) and magmod modifiers and a light stick available for everyone to use. If you shoot on Nikon and want to use my lighting options, please message me with what trigger you will need to work my lighting. You are welcome to bring your own flash/lights if you would like but not required. If you would like to join in on the group editing, I suggest bringing your laptop equipped with Lightroom and Photohsop.

Attendance & Fee

Summer Camp will be limited to 10 photographers (not including myself & an assistant)

the fee to attend this desert getaway is $500+tax

the non-refundable retainer to hold your spot is $250 and will be subtracted from the total

the remaining balance will be due 7 days prior to the start of the event