The X Diamond Ranch in Eastern Arizona is a thriving working Cattle Ranch that has been in the same family since the late 1800’s. This ranch, like so many others found in Arizona and the Southwest, is the backbone of the true American West. Instructor and photographer, Scott Baxter’s photo essay 100 Years 100 Ranchers is a tribute to the life of the Arizona rancher and is the basis for this workshop. Scott is a welcome member of the closely knit ranching community which gives us the unique opportunity to photograph authentic ranch life.
During our workshop, Scott will provide his expert guidance in capturing both posed cowboy and cowgirl portraits as well as portraits of everyday life. You will learn the best techniques for photographing moving cattle and horses. We will photograph cowboys on horseback with their herding dogs driving livestock to different locations.
This workshop combines elements of landscape, portrait, and up-close photography that will give you a beautiful and unforgettable portfolio of Arizona ranch life.
Workshop Includes:
- Photographic instruction
- Four nights lodging in ranch cabins. All cabins have full kitchens with pots, pans, coffee makers, refrigerators, etc. (*Cabins are shared with other participants. Cabins are either 2 bedroom/1 bath or 2 bedroom/2 bath units. If you share a two bedroom-1 bath unit, or a two bedroom two bath where each room has double occupancy, there is no single supplement. If you share a 2 bedroom/2 bath unit (each person having their own private space) then the supplement is $150.)
- Water, Snacks, Box Lunches, and Dinners
- Any applicable entrance, model, and permit fees
Please be aware that the shooting locations stated in this itinerary may change. Each day we will determine which locations are best based on lighting and weather conditions. We want to give you the best possible photo opportunities.
Day 1 – Thursday, October 12, 2023
- Arrive and settle into your cabin by 1:00 pm at the X-Diamond Ranch.
- The workshop will kick off with a presentation by Scott Baxter
- Our first shoot on the ranch will focus on cowboy portraits in the late afternoon light.
- Dinner at the ranch.
Day 2 – Friday, October 13, 2023
- We will start our day photographing cowboys and their dogs riding across the ranch near an old corral.
- This will be followed by our next location, an old historic cabin to shoot in various lighting conditions.
- Then back to the dining room for a brief overview of the afternoon’s schedule – shooting a herd of horses during a roundup.
- Late in the day, we will find a perfect location on or near the ranch for our sunset shoot.
- After dinner, we will hold a critique session of the participant’s images.
Day 3 – Saturday, October 14, 2023
- We will depart early to photograph an old cabin and corral in the foothills and have plenty of opportunities for action shots and cowboy portraits with and without horses.
- Then it’s on to the Greer Lakes area near the western boundary of the ranch where we will hike into a canyon for more photo opportunities.
- Lunch in the field followed by an afternoon in the canyon photographing the cowboys and horses in this remote location on the banks of Little Colorado River.
- At day’s end, we will photograph the running horses in sunset light.
Day 4 – Sunday, October 15, 2023
- Another early morning to capture great photo opportunities of ranch hands driving cattle off the mountain into the winter pastures.
- Then we will photograph other ranch activities in and around the outbuildings where the ranch hands work.
- After a lunch break, we’ll have some downtime to download images and process them.
- Late in the afternoon, we will enjoy photographing areas around the ranch through sunset.
- We gather for one final hearty meal in the dining hall before adjourning for the evening.
Day 5 – Monday, October 16, 2023
- Our last morning will include a tour and history narrative by the ranch owner including a visit to one of the largest preserved Hopi Kiva on private land. You will have the opportunity to photograph artifacts dating some 1500 years old.
- We will also visit the ranch museum that is home to a legacy of Arizona history including pictures of early settlers, saddles, wrangling equipment, and a player piano built in the early 1900s.
- Following our last image critique, we will conclude our workshop. This will be before noon.
Strenuous Rating: Moderate.
Our shooting locations will take place both on X-Diamond ranch property and other area locations. Participants should plan to pack for rugged conditions with good hiking boots.
Workshop Lodging
X-Diamond Ranch
300 Southfork Rd.
Eagar, AZ 85925
Tel:(928) 333-2286
Workshop participants will stay in one of six well-appointed ranch cabins. Lunches and dinners are included in your workshop fee however you are on your own for breakfast. There is a Safeway ( 15 min. drive) in Springerville if you need to purchase any items.
- All cabins have full kitchens with pots, pans, coffee makers, fridge, etc. (*Cabins are shared with other participants. Cabins are either 2 bedroom/1 bath or 2 bedroom/2 bath units. If you share a two-bedroom-1 bath unit or a two-bedroom two-bath where each room has double occupancy, there is no single supplement. If you share a 2 bedroom/2 bath unit (each person having their own private space) then the supplement is $150.)
TRAVEL INSURANCE
If you are concerned about the possibility of canceling your trip we urge you to protect your workshop investment and purchase travel insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance plan with a “Cancel for Any Reason” option. Many guests have last-minute injuries, emergencies, or life changes that can disrupt their plans only to wish they had a way to recoup their lost expenses.
There are a number of reputable companies that provide Travel Insurance. For a listing of providers, you can visit www.insuremytrip.com. AHPS has partnered with TravelEx Insurance Services over the years and has found them to be reputable and offer comprehensive plans at competitive prices. For more information visit www.travelexinsurance.
- If you must cancel your reservation 91 or more days before your trip, you must notify us in writing at info@ahps.org. After we receive your written cancelation you will be refunded any amount you have paid less the non-refundable $100 processing fee.
- If your cancelation occurs between 61-90 days before your workshop departure, Arizona Highways PhotoScapes will issue a credit voucher for any fees paid that you can use toward a future workshop within 18 months of cancelation.
- Should you cancel less than 60 days prior to your trip, no refunds will be made and you will forfeit any funds paid to Arizona Highways PhotoScapes.*
* If we are able to fill your seat and the workshop runs at full enrollment we will refund your workshop fees less a $100 processing fee.
This cancellation policy applies in every situation and there will be no exceptions made for any reason. We will not issue refunds for cancelations due to illness or late arrivals due to travel delays.
Arizona Highways PhotoScapes reserves the right to cancel or change any workshop if our minimum enrollment is not met or if situations beyond our control arise that may create unsafe or undesirable travel conditions. Any cancelation or postponement as a result of situations beyond our control, AHPS does not promise any refunds or credits. If and when feasible, we will attempt to reschedule the workshop at a later date. Alternatively, we may decide to issue you credit for a future workshop, or issue a refund, less any non-refundable deposits we have paid to workshop providers on your behalf.
PAYMENT TERMS: A minimum deposit is due at registration to reserve your space. Please refer to the specific workshop for the required deposit. Final payments are due 90 days prior to departure. Approximately 15 days prior to the due date you will receive a reminder email that your balance is coming due. If final payments are not received by 70 days prior to your workshop, your registration is subject to forfeiture including all fees paid to date.
If registering within 90 days of your workshop, full payment is due at the time of registration.