Cirque of The Towers

July 17, 2024: We’ll meet up at the Diamond 4 Ranch at 4:00 PM for an orientation about riding from one of the wranglers—we’re happy to help with any questions you may have on getting there. The Ranch is about a 4-hour drive from Jackson Hole, WY, and the last hour is on a windy gravel road that ascends 3,000 feet in elevation. After settling into our rooms, we’ll have our first shoot: each evening, as the sun sets, the ranch hands release the horses into fields nearby to graze overnight. As they race into the sunset, we will position ourselves to perfectly capture these beautiful animals with the Wind River Range as the backdrop. It is incredible to see all the horses in full gallop with dust flying in the air. After our shoot, we will have an early dinner, finish our last-minute packing, and get some much-needed sleep ahead of the next long ride. Diamond 4 Ranch is at 9,000 feet in elevation, so this overnight will help our bodies acclimate for our 9,500-foot alpine camp.

July 18, 2024: We’ll begin the day with a hot cooked meal on the lodge’s deck, followed by an introduction to our horses and a review of rider safety. There will be sack lunches packed for the day and plenty of fresh filtered mountain water. Our ride will take most of the day—with frequent stops along the way for rest and photography—so we’ll plan on arriving at camp by 4:00 PM. Supplies will already be in camp, but everyone is expected to help set up the tents and fill water containers. Once settled into our private tents, we’ll have time to take a brief walk to photograph sunset. Dinner will be under the stars, around the warm glow of the campfire.

July 19–21, 2024: Each day will start well before sunrise with hot coffee and snacks. We’ll make our way to our sunrise shooting locations, mainly in the dark, arriving just before the alpine glow begins. We’ll plan for a big hot breakfast in camp following each morning shoot, followed by some downtime for rest. The afternoon hikes will start at various times based on the location chosen. You must walk to each location carrying your camera pack, water bladder or bottle, rain gear, and lunch. Some days when the weather permits, you might walk more than 3 miles, especially if the group is all willing to explore more locations. On return, dinner will be waiting for us under the stars. On nights with clear skies, we’ll photograph the stars over glacial lakes and gnarled pines.

July 22, 2024: On this final morning in camp, we’ll enjoy the sunrise over a favorite small lake. Then, after a hot breakfast, we’ll pack up and begin the 15-mile ride back to the Diamond 4 Ranch. You’ll be a riding pro by now, so relax and enjoy the views from the saddle! We’ll be back before dark, with time to enjoy a hot shower before dinner.

July 23, 2024: We’ll have breakfast at the ranch, then meet for an extended image review and post-processing instructions. While there is no permanent electricity at the lodge, we’ll have a generator, projector, and large screen at our disposal. The workshop will wrap up at noon when we’ll depart the ranch. If you’re driving back to Jackson Hole for your flights home, plan on 4 hours. It’s best to reserve a hotel that night and fly out the next day.