Arrive at the Billings Logan Airport in Billings, Montana, and have your bags ready by 4:00 pm Mountain Time, when the shuttle leaves for your lodging accommodations. The trip is about one hour in length.

Kick off your cowboy photography adventure with a warm, relaxed evening in the heart of Red Lodge. We’ll gather for a delicious but casual, relaxed group dinner where you can unwind, meet your fellow photographers, and soak in the Western charm of our surroundings.

As the plates clear, we’ll ease into our “Camera Clinic”—a friendly, no-pressure session to brush up on settings, ask questions, and get dialed in for the days ahead. Whether you’re here to fine-tune or just get comfortable, this is your chance to start the workshop with confidence, connection, and full bellies.

Start your day with an early-morning continental breakfast, then head out as the first light breaks over the Montana landscape. We’ll begin with breathtaking sunrise silhouettes, followed by high-energy cowboy action at a private ranch—horses, hats, and heart-pounding Western scenes await your lens. 

Just as your early breakfast fades, it’s time to gather 'round for a hearty, mouthwatering brunch cooked up by our award-winning chuckwagon chef, Barb Kennedy!

Barb brings the Old West to life as she prepares your meal the authentic chuckwagon way—over open coals and in cast iron. It’s not just delicious—it’s a visual feast, with endless photo ops you won’t want to miss!

Step into the art of cowboy and cowgirl portraiture with a focus on light, expression, and authentic storytelling. We’ll guide you through techniques using natural, reflected, and enhanced light—building a strong foundation for capturing striking, character-rich portraits.

Don't worry--if you're feeling a little 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 -- making it a wonderful and emotionally safe experience for even the most novice of portrait-takers!

We know photographers prefer a good meal before the light fades—so you’ll enjoy a hearty, chuckwagon-style dinner in the late afternoon. Cooked with care and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect way to refuel before heading into your last photo shoot of the day. 

Get ready for a late afternoon/early evening of dynamic cowboy action! From thundering hooves to classic Western skills, we’ll dive into high-energy scenes that bring the spirit of the American West to life—whatever unfolds, your camera will be busy. 

Once the light fades, we will transport you back to your rooms in Red Lodge. 

It's been a full day!!!  We will transport you back to Red Lodge to rest, download images, get a good night's sleep, and prepare for Day 3!  

Fuel up with a light continental  breakfast, then it’s off to the ranch for golden-hour magic. Capture dramatic silhouettes against the rising sun before diving into fast-paced cowboy and cowgirl action as the morning unfolds in a sea of motion, dust, and light.

Barb creates yet another magical meal, fireside!  Relax, rest, and fuel up with a country-style breakfast that satisfies!!  

After an exhilarating morning, it’s time to head back to your rooms for some well-earned downtime. This 3-hour break is yours to relax, refresh, or even sneak in a quick nap—because later tonight, we’ll venture back out for a sunset shoot, followed by time spent photographing horses and cowboys or cowgirls in the dark and under the stars!  We have several "dark" stations set for a special evening of low-key and night sky photography that you won’t want to miss. Rest up… the magic continues  into the darkness!

As the sun dips behind the mountains, we’ll shift into one of the most visually stunning sessions of the workshop. First, capture the golden glow of cowboy life at sunset—dust, and dramatic light included. Then, as twilight deepens into night, we’ll explore creative low-light techniques under the stars. With cowboys posed against wide-open skies and the Milky Way overhead, you’ll create images that feel timeless, cinematic, and truly unforgettable.

After a stunning evening, we will return to our rooms to rest up for the next day's activities!

After a continental breakfast, we will travel a short distance to a private property near Red Lodge.  Here is where you'll start your morning with photo opportunities that include cowboys taking a stunning ride through a shallow river lined with golden aspens—a perfect setting to capture the essence of the West in full fall color. Cowboys, cowgirls, and horses will guide the way as you photograph authentic moments bathed in morning light on and near the river. Later, we’ll head transition to an artistic portrait session. You’ll explore creative techniques using both natural and enhanced lighting to craft timeless images rich in texture, character, and Western soul. 

After a morning of riverfront photography in Red Lodge, we’ll journey back to our original ranch in Bridger for a mouthwatering chuckwagon brunch. Chef Barb Kennedy—our award-winning culinary trailblazer—will welcome you with the rich aroma of Dutch oven cooking and hearty Western fare, all prepared over hot coals. It’s more than a meal—it’s a delicious return to where the story began, served with rustic charm and picture-perfect moments.

 In this immersive hands-on session, you’ll rotate through multiple portrait stations—each designed to teach a different lighting style and creative approach. From natural to dramatic, low-key to low-light, you’ll explore how to shape mood and story using simple techniques that make a big impact. Working with authentic cowboys, cowgirls, and their horses, you’ll capture powerful portraits that blend character, light, and the timeless spirit of the West. 

As the light softens and the energy rises, this late-afternoon session delivers pure Western action. From stunt sequences and cattle runs to cowboys, cowgirls, and thundering hooves, you’ll capture the motion and intensity of the ranch in full swing. We’ll also introduce slow-shutter panning techniques—adding an artistic, ethereal edge to your action shots and opening new creative doors in your photography.

As twilight settles over the landscape, we’ll transport you back to the rugged days of the late 1800s. In this cinematic final shoot, Conestoga wagons roll across the open terrain—until bandits strike. You’ll photograph the action as a dramatic re-enactment unfolds: a hold-up, fiery chaos, and a fast getaway under the fading sky. With dust, firelight, and Western grit, this unforgettable session is the grand finale to your Magic of Cowboys adventure. Weather permitting. 

After the photo shoot we will return to Red Lodge for the evening.

After an unforgettable journey through the heart of cowboy country, it’s time to head back to Billings with full memory cards and even fuller hearts. We’ll pick you up from your lodging in Red Lodge and provide transportation back to the city in time for flights departing after 12:00 PM. As we make our way through the Montana landscape one last time, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the images you captured, the stories you lived, and the friendships forged along the trail. Until next time, happy trails and heartfelt thanks for being part of the Magic of Cowboys experience! 

Tuesday, October 28, 2025:  7pm ET | 6pm CT  | 5pm MT  |  4pm PT
Join us for a live, interactive webinar designed exclusively for Magic of Cowboys–Montana participants! This session is your chance to revisit the experience, ask follow-up questions, and dive deeper into post-processing techniques tailored to the types of images you captured during the workshop. You’re welcome to submit your own photos for editing tips, creative feedback, and sharing with the group. Whether you're polishing your favorite shots or just want a fresh perspective, this is the perfect way to wrap up your cowboy photography adventure!