At Crows Fly High overlook you can see for miles in every direction. If you look to the west, across Lake Shakakawea, you will see the village of Four Bears. This is home to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes. It is here where we will finish our tour and exploration of this culturally rich landscapeThis workshop isn’t just about making pretty photographs it is about learning the history and significance of the landscape through the native cultures that have made their mark on this land, as well as the cowboy culture that is rapidly diminishing. We will photograph native dancers and drummers; at the same time learning the importance of their Native Regalia and what each significant piece of that Native Regalia means. In addition we will learn about their crafts, lodges, and traditions. We will begin our tour at a western ranch where we photograph cowboys and ranch hands.
There will be the opportunity to visit the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and photograph the prairie sunset against the western sky. Photographic opportunities for wild horses, buffalo, prairie dogs, and other wildlife. This is the landscape as it was before any European set foot on this land.
Instruction
Instruction will be on how to photograph environmental portraits, and how to engage your subjects and make them comfortable during the photography session. We will discuss the use of various focal length lenses, lighting, and camera techniques for portraits in the field. We will discuss and demonstrate photographing under challenging light conditions. The workshop will include instruction on landscape photography including filtering and composition. We will also teach and demonstrate wildlife photography, autofocus settings for action photography, and using long lenses.
Location
Western North Dakota, including New Town, Teddy Roosevelt National Park, and Medora.
Sample Itinerary
Each day we will shoot at sunset and well into the night. There will be plenty of opportunities for breaks, naps, and rest. There will also be plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photographs.
The following itinerary is just an outline. We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary because each day will be determined by weather, light, and subject opportunity. We strive to offer the best dancers, drummers, flute players, cowboys and western action that we can provide. Each year varies due to availability of models, however, each year we have expanded the photographic experience and I believe this year will be our most comprehensive to date.
Day 1
3:00pm Meet at BarX Ranch
5-6:00 pm Dinner
6:00 pm Wildlife drive in TR Park along the Missouri River
Day 2
Sunrise Photoshoot at Bar X Ranch with Cowboys
9:00 am Breakfast
11—3:00 pm Photo shoot in Teddy Roosevelt Park
3-5:00 pm Break
5-6:00 pm Dinner
6:00 pm Evening Photoshoot on the Ranch with Cowboys.
Day 3
5:30 am Sunrise Photoshoot in Teddy Roosevelt Park
9:00 Breakfast
10;00-2:00pm Drive to Newtown
5-6:00 pm Dinner
6:00 pm Evening Photoshoot with dancers at Crows Flies High Overlook.
Day 4
Sunrise shoot on Lake Sakakawea
9:00 am Breakfast
10:00 am Native Crafts and Historic interpreter
1-3:00 pm break
3:00 pm Earth lodge photoshoot, native costume, and beadwork
5-6:00 pm Dinner
6:30—Evening and sunset photoshoot Dancers and drummers on Dancing grounds
Day 5
Sunrise boat ride on Lake Sakakawea
9:00 am. Breakfast
3:00 pm Earth lodge photoshoot, native costume, and beadwork
5-6:00 pm Traditional Native Dinner
6:30—Evening and sunset photoshoot Dancers and drummers on Dancing grounds
Day 6
Sunrise Photoshoot of Rancher with Indian Ponies
9:00 am. Breakfast and wrap up
Cost: $3495
The workshop fee is for all accommodations, tuition, guided tours, both native and cowboy models, native guides and interpreters, and photographic instruction, one authentic traditional native dinner, and one authentic cowboy dinner, snacks for early mornings.
Not included: ground transportation (unless arranged, see below) airfare, food (except as noted above), and tips for models (please budget about $200 for tips).
Transportation:
If you are flying in we recommend Bismarck ND airport.
Ground transportation during the workshop from Bismarck airport and return, $200.
If you are driving we can provide a safe place to park your car in Glenburn ND. Transportation during the workshop from Glenburn ND and back for $200.
Call us to arrange for ground transportation.
Deposit:
**Please note the Deposit is $500** A non-refundable deposit of $500 will hold your spot until 90 days before the workshop when the balance is due.
Single supplement is $600
Accommodations are based upon double occupancy, (we will do our best to arrange a single option at the Bar X Ranch if you sign up for the single supplement but space there is limited, call for clarification.)
