Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Welcome to Colorado – Arrival & Orientation (D)
Touch down in the vibrant city of Denver, where your photographic journey begins! We'll gather as a group at 5:00 PM for a welcome dinner to meet your fellow photographers, share your goals for the trip, and start building the camaraderie that will define the week. Over delicious food and lively conversation, we’ll preview our upcoming adventure through the majestic Colorado landscapes and authentic cowboy country. After dinner, we’ll have an orientation, where we’ll walk through the itinerary, gear tips, and the types of shots we’ll be chasing — from golden light ranch scenes to starlit skies.

Day 2: Wild West Landscapes & Authentic Cowboy Portraits (B, L, D)
We hit the road early, heading south through scenic mountain passes toward Westcliffe, a small town nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. After checking into our rustic lodge, we’ll gear up for an unforgettable afternoon and evening at Music Meadows Ranch.

Here, you'll photograph working cowboys, wide-open pastures, mirrored ponds, and the dramatic peaks bathed in the last light of day. The ranch provides a wealth of storytelling opportunities — from candid action shots of wranglers and horses to moody cowboy portraits framed by Colorado’s expansive skies.

After a hearty ranch-style dinner, we’ll set up for astrophotography under some of the darkest skies in the country. With minimal light pollution and an open horizon, it’s a perfect opportunity to capture the Milky Way rising above the mountain silhouette. If the skies are clear, it’ll be nothing short of magical.


Day 3: Action, Atmosphere & Campfire Conversations (B, L, D)
Rise and shine for a dynamic morning focused on action shots at creek crossings, where horses splash through water at full gallop and cowboys command the scene. It's a high-energy shoot that’ll challenge your timing and creativity.

We’ll break for a leisurely brunch back at the ranch, followed by a relaxing midday photo review session. This is your chance to go over your shots, get feedback, and maybe even sneak in a nap or explore the peaceful ranch surroundings on foot.

As golden hour approaches, we’ll head back out for another landscape and lifestyle shoot, capturing that signature Colorado light. After dinner, we’ll either return to the stars for another round of astrophotography, or gather around a crackling campfire to review photos and share stories.

Day 4: Farewell Sunrise & Departure (B)
Our final morning together will be spent chasing one more breathtaking sunrise, making sure you leave with a memory card full of incredible images. Whether it’s the alpenglow hitting the Sangre de Cristos or a lone cowboy riding into the morning mist, it’s the perfect way to close out your journey.

After a final breakfast, we’ll pack up and begin our return trip to Denver. You’ll leave with new friends, newfound skills, and a portfolio filled with unforgettable moments from the heart of the American West.