Spear–O-Wigwam, WY | Pack Trip Workshop

This summer workshop is in the beautiful Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, at the historic Spear-O-Wigwam Lodge. This property was a writing haven for author Ernest Hemingway in the early 1900s. This workshop will not only develop students’ photography skills, but also allows them to do so on horseback! Students will learn how to capture striking imagery of the western mountainscape and document their own packhorse adventure. The limited number of participants allows for essential one-on-one feedback and intensive training. Like Hemingway, students will also have the opportunity to fish and kayak in the beautiful park reservoir during their stay. Students should expect to learn how to capture imagery of this striking Western mountainscape and packhorse adventure. They will gain valuable knowledge on how to document their own future experiences throughout the course.

Price: $2,100

Meals: Not Included

Lodging: Not Included*

Activity level: Low / Horse Riding Required

Equipment Necessary: Camera, laptop

Maximum Number of Students: 6

 *Students will book own lodging at Spear-O-Wigwam, special group rate with meals included available upon signup.

Price

The workshop price is $2,100. This includes everything except lodging and meals. Students are expected to book their own lodging via Spear-O-Wigwam. A deposit of $600 is due upon registration. The balance is due 75 days before the workshop. Returning students receive a discount.

It is customary for students to tip at the end of the workshop, which is then divided among support staff.

Activity Level and Weather Considerations

Students should be in good health, able to walk on uneven ground for short distances, and feel comfortable riding a horse, but no prior horse-riding experience is necessary. Rain and inclement weather are always possible in the mountains. Appropriate clothing (layers are great) and sturdy boots are necessary.

Equipment Necessary

We suggest that students bring the camera equipment they typically shoot with. This should be in a backpack or some sort of case, so it can be carried on horseback. We also recommend bringing personal laptops, card readers, and external hard drives to store and backup images.  The computer equipment will not be taken into the field; it will be used for editing and review after the shoot. We recommend a camera that has exposure control and an interchangeable lens system. Students do not need to own a wide variety of equipment or lenses for this course. However, being able to experiment with a few focal length options via an interchangeable lens system will aid students in capturing the action as scenarios and scenes change throughout the workshop. The course will cover photography fundamentals and theory, elements that remain consistent across cameras.