Photography Retreat
& Fundraiser


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CAPTURING THE WEST

Hone your photography skills and support the Utah Valley University Rodeo Team at this unique retreat for photographers of all skill levels. Join us in the heart of Central Utah for an immersive blend of education and adventure that celebrates the art and culture of the American West.

Participants will photograph ranchers at work, herding horses, driving cattle, and preparing for a thrilling competitive rodeo. Guided tutorials and hands-on sessions will teach you techniques to create stunning images that tell the story of the West, from action-packed rodeo shots to atmospheric portraits.

Your ticket is all-inclusive, and all profits will directly benefit the UVU Rodeo Team. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your craft, connect with fellow photographers, and support UVU students.

 

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Scenes & Stories You'll Capture


Horse Drive with Wild Horses

Cattle Drive

Period Dress

Roping in a Corral

Cowboy Families

Children Learning from Parents

Cowboy Campfire Guitar and Songs

People Working in a Barn

Modern Western Fashion

Rodeo

  • Steer Wrestling
  • Tie Down Roping
  • Bull Riding
  • Barrel Racing
  • Clowns

Event Itinerary

Wednesday, May 19 - Welcome and Orientation
  • 9 am - 2 pm: Beginner's photography tutorial
    • Optional | $200 additional fee
  • 2 pm - 5 pm: Registration and check-in
  • 5:30 pm: Welcome dinner
  • 6 pm: Orientation and opening session
  • 8 pm: Sunset photography session
    • Head to the Homestead Cowboy Camp for an informal evening of photography, cowboy campfire scenes, guitar, and songs.

Thursday, May 20 - Sunrise | Historic Spring City | Family Ranch
  • 5 am: Depart for sunrise shoot
    • Light breakfast provided to enjoy during the drive
  • 6:15 am: Sunrise horse drive
    • Capture riders, horses, and the morning drive as the day begins
  • 7:15 am: Rider Portrait session
    • Each photographer will be paired with a rider for a dedicated portrait session
  • 9 am: Return to hotel
    • Informal image culling and review | Personal time
  • 11 am: Lunch
  • 11:30 am: Depart for Spring City
  • 12 pm: 19th-century fashion lighting and demonstration
    • Explore lighting techniques for period fashion in and around Spring City's historic homes
  • 1 pm: Portrait session - Period Fashion
    • Each photographer will work with an assigned model for 30 minutes of strobe lighting and 30 minutes with natural light
  • 2 pm: Return to hotel
    • Informal image culling and review | Personal time
  • 5 pm: Dinner
  • 6 pm: Family cattle ranch photography session
    • Photograph authentic family life on the ranch, including
      • Parents and children working and playing
      • Family horseback riding
      • Ranch and range activities
      • Campsite and bedroll scenes
      • Cooking over the fire

Friday, May 21 - Sunrise | Ranch Life | Rodeo
  • 5 am: Depart for sunrise shoot
    • Light breakfast provided to enjoy during the drive
  • 6:15 am: Sunrise ranch shoot
    • Photograph authentic working-ranch scenes, including cattle drive, corral work with calves, and working farrier
  • 9 am: Return to hotel
    • Informal image culling and review | Personal time
  • 11 am: Lunch
  • 11:30 am: Depart for ranch
  • 12 pm: Modern fashion lighting demonstration
    • Explore contemporary fashion lighting techniques in an authentic ranch setting
  • 1 pm: Portrait session - Modern Fashion
    • Each photographer will work with an assigned model for 30 minutes of strobe lighting and 30 minutes with natural light
  • 2 pm: Return to hotel
    • Informal image culling and review | Personal time
  • 5 pm: Dinner
  • 6 pm: Rodeo photography - Mount Pleasant Arena
    • Photograph the action and atmosphere of an authentic rodeo, including: 
      • Rodeo Events
        • Steer wrestling
        • Tie-down roping
        • Breakaway roping
        • Bull riding
        • Bareback riding
        • Saddle bronc riding
        • Goat tying
        • Barrel racing
      • Behind the Action
        • Rodeo clowns
        • Bullfighters
        • Cowboys and cowgirls

Saturday, May 22 - Final Day | Cowboy Culture | Group Celebration
  • 9 am: Group breakfast and photo slideshow
    • Enjoy breakfast together while viewing a selection of favorite images from the retreat
  • 11 am: Hotel check-out
  • Afternoon: Lighting demonstration and period dress photography
    • Continue practicing lighting techniques while photographing models in period western attire
  • Evening: Cowboy family and camp photography
    • Capture the details and traditions of Western family life, including:
      • Cowboy Families
        • Parents teaching children to rope and ride
        • Children learning to care for horses
        • Families working and playing together
        • Babies, children and family moments
      • Cowboy Camp
        • Bedrolls and camp life
        • Cowboy Church tent and cross
        • Breakfast cooked over campfires
        • Horses, cowboys and cowgirls
        • Campfire guitar and songs
      • Western Life and Activities
        • Roping in the corral
        • Horses and trailers
        • Hand carts and pioneer scenes
        • Teams and horses
        • Miniature horses
        • Mechanical bull
  • Retreat closing around the campfire
    • Gather together for an evening of western photography, music, stories, and cowboy camp life