Discover a brand new all-inclusive workshop: Magic of Cowboys – Montana.
After eight unforgettable years of success in Gold Canyon, Arizona, Langell Photography is bringing its signature experience to the breathtaking landscapes of Red Lodge, Montana. With the Pryor Mountains as our backdrop and over two years in the making, Magic of Cowboys – Montana offers a bold, fresh chapter in our celebrated series—one that promises new sights, new stories, and the same exceptional quality you've come to expect.  All at a working ranch!

This is more than a photography workshop—it's a full-bodied, creatively curated adventure. Picture horses thundering across open ranges, cinematic cowboy action, dramatic stunt work, vintage wagons, weathered cattle, powerful portraits, candid moments, and even night photography under Montana skies.

What Makes It Magical?

Our participants return year after year because we go beyond the frame. With top-tier instruction, seamless organization, and a warm, personalized approach, we focus on what matters most: your photography, growth, creativity, and joy.  We prioritize what's in front of -- and behind--the lens! The 1:3 instructor ratio ensures individualized guidance, allowing you to capture not just photos—but unforgettable moments.

Come for the photography. Leave with new skills, new friends, and a renewed passion for storytelling through your lens.

Feed your mind. Fuel your soul. Fill your camera. Join us in Montana for a photography experience unlike any other.

Level 3:  Moderate

Appropriate for those who are in good health.  Involves half to full day activities that may include light to moderate intensity walking or light hiking on mild terrain for periods of 5-30 minutes), or standing for 1+ hour at a time on location.  Elevations range from approximately 3500 feet (Bridger, MT) to 5000 feet  (Red Lodge, MT).  May involve off-road travel in SUVs or  multi-terrain vehicles for short distances. Involves varying weather conditions from about 35°F (1°C) 55°F (12°C) with sun, rain, snow (unlikely) or wind. At the ranch, maintained porta-potties are provided. Chairs are also available.  You must be able to carry your own camera equipment to/from each segment of the workshop.  You may leave the gear you do not need for each segment in a safe location at the ranch headquarters.

Solid knowledge of manual exposure settings (Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO).  A pre-workshop online course on using manual exposure settings is provided at no additional cost. Details are in the linked document you download from your confirmation email you will receive immediately after registering.

We will also offer a pre-workshop "Camera Clinic" after dinner on the evening of your arrival.

Arrival:  Billings, MT Airport

Lodging location (Transportation & Lodging provided):  Red Lodge, MT  (MAP)
(Approx. 1 hour drive from Billings, MT airport.  Ground transportation provided. Lodging included in workshop.)

Workshop location:  Within approximately 30 min radius of Red Lodge, MT. (Daily ground transportation provided).

*Percentages are estimates.  Agenda may vary based on weather or other factors.

• Action (~40%) You will learn how to best capture the action with fast-moving horses, cattle, and ranch-related activities with the cowboys and cowgirls. 
  
• Ranch Lifestyle & Stunt Work:  (~10%) Capture the authentic lifestyles of our ranch hands!  You'll also capture cinematic stunt work performed by our cowboys!
  
• Silhouettes  and Low Key Lighting (~15%): Learn the art of low-key lighting!
  
• Slow-Shutter Panning (~5%): Capture motion. Create Magic!   Learn the art of slow-shutter panning—also known as “shutter drag”—to photograph cowboys and cowgirls in motion. This technique turns fast-paced action into dreamlike images, blending motion and mood for a breathtaking take on the American West.
  
• Portraits Made Easy—And Fun  (25%)
  Intimidated by portrait photography? You’re not alone—and that’s why Magic of Cowboys makes it approachable, relaxed, and fun. No pressure. No judgment. Just hands-on learning in a supportive environment.
  
  You’ll work with authentically dressed cowboys and cowgirls on a working ranch to capture  both candid and stylized portraits using natural light, reflected light, and simple flash setups.  Don't worry! We provide abundant instruction & support-- and all of the lighting gear to make your photos stand out above the rest!  
  
  Leave your nerves behind—discover how enjoyable portrait photography can truly be.
  
• Night Photography; Additional Styles/Techniques (5%)  
  We will introduce you to night photography with cowboys and cowgirls under the stars!  Capture the milky way and/or starlit skies with our mentoring to make these celestial images come to life!
  

 The Magic of Cowboys & Cattle is truly different from your typical photo tour or workshop.  It's an immersive experience!

• Chuckwagon Brunches and Dinners, Cowboy Style:
  Savor award-winning, campfire-cooked meals by beloved chuckwagon chef Barb Kennedy—well-recognized for her legendary and mouthwatering meals at Magic of Cowboys and Magic of Alaska, She will prepare over hot coals in cast iron, her authentic recipes that bring 1800s cowboy cooking to life. It’s a feast for your taste buds—and your camera!  (Great photo ops!)
  
• Pre-Workshop Webinar for participants:  Once registered, we will invite participants to a pre-workshop webinar that will provide additional details, answer questions, cover photography skills needed, specify logistics, and allow you to meet your fellow workshop participants!  
  
• Post-Workshop instructional webinar:  A follow-up webinar and/or online discussion will be held, allowing you to showcase your work, receive post-processing tips, and further solidify the knowledge you learned during the workshop!

The entire experience is designed to bring out the best in your photography while immersing you in the rich culture of the cowboy and ranch life - right in the heart of Big Sky country!

Cancellation Policy, Terms & Conditions and FAQs:  

Please review our terms and conditions.  These will be provided to you again at the end of your completed registration to initial and sign.  

Should I get travel insurance?  Strongly recommended. Travel insurance helps protect your investment should something arise (e.g., change of plans, health issues, medical evacuation, etc.) that requires you to cancel your reservation or end your tour early.  

Payments due are scheduled approximately as follows, based on the start date of your event.  Once paid, they become non-refundable:

Deposit:  Due at registration $1000

2nd Installment:  July 1, 2025

3rd Installment:  August 1, 2025

What if I need to cancel?   You have several options: 

Option 1:   You may submit your claim to travel insurance.

Option 2:  You have self-insured your trip and will absorb any losses from cancellation.

Option 3:  You may transfer your seat to a qualified* friend ($250 fee).  The friend is responsible for any remaining balance. 

Option 4:  You may request that we attempt to resell your seat for up to full price wherever possible.  To do so, there is a fee of $350.  We cannot guarantee it will be resold, but we will market it to our waitlist for this tour if there is reasonable time before the start date to do so.  

*Qualified friend is someone who meets the criteria for the tour, has agreed to all terms & conditions, and agrees to pay for any balance due and/or future costs that arise.     

Detailed cancellation information is available on our website.  

What if I pay in full up front?  If you choose to pay for the entire event up front in one lump sum, should you need to cancel, your refund will be pro-rated according to the due dates for each installment, compared to your cancelation date.    (For example, if you canceled after the 2nd  installment was due—but prior to the final installment due date, the amount equal to the portion calculated for the final installment will be refunded to you.)

May I receive a credit toward a future event?  Unfortunately, credit is not possible. No refunds, credit, certificates, etc. will be issued for cancelations given that a large percentage of your payments are directed toward non-refundable fees we pay vendors, staff, lodging, catering and more well in advance in order to secure your spot.