Sandra Lee Photography presents … WYOMING – A Photographer's Retreat
“Wind River Photographers' Retreat”
August 8 - 14, 2021
This retreat is being hosted by The National Bighorn Sheep Center, Dubois, Wyoming.
Visit HERE to find out more about the National Bighorn Sheep Center, see an hour-by-hour tentative schedule HERE, review the retreat brochure HERE and register HERE.
Workshop leaders – Sandy Zelasko & Bill Sincavage
INTRODUCTION
Located adjacent to the scenic Wind River and framed by the wild Wind River Mountains to the south and the distinctive Absaroka Range to the north, the timeless cowboy town of Dubois, Wyoming is rich in history and overflowing with photographic opportunities.
The National Bighorn Sheep Center is offering a truly new and unique nature photography workshop characteristic of the old west where participants will experience some of the best the area has to offer. From geologic panoramas and sculpted pinnacles to the iconic wildlife and working cowboy, this adventure, led by nature photographers Sandy Zelasko and Bill Sincavage, is designed for all level of photo enthusiasts.
Make yourself at home and fall in love with the heartbeat of Wyoming. An unprecedented offer to experience the rustic Wyoming Game & Fish Summer Conservation Camp facilities, grow your photographic skills and interact with like-minded photographers. This week long, all inclusive retreat includes morning and evening field instruction, all meals and lodging plus so much more.
The National Bighorn Sheep Center is accepting registrations online HERE. If you have further questions please reach out to the Center at [email protected].
WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive at the Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp by 5:00 PM Sunday evening for mouth-watering appetizers, introductions and a delicious prime rib dinner with all the accompaniments.
Aaron Lindsau, a local American adventurer will be our keynote speaker for the evening. He is known for the longest solo expedition from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. He will be sharing stories about his three ski expeditions across Yellowstone National Park in winter and more.
Day 2: Monday morning we are out the door for our first photo session together. Humbling mountain terrain awaits us and we will take an intimate look at the flora, fauna and surrounding grand landscapes. Breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon will be served in the field.
Midday lunch of ravioli and garlic bread will be back at camp. Optional portfolio reviews begin with your choice of instructor, Sandy Zelasko or Bill Sincavage. Bruce S. Thompson, a Natural Sciences Education Specialist, will discuss the habitats and behavior of bighorn sheep. Learn flint knapping by renowned local artist Tom Lucas before a rustic dinner of fried chicken and BBQ ribs. Your evening photo shoot will be in the colorful, yet formidable, Dubois Badlands.
Day 3: Tuesday promises a true western experience with dusty cowboys and thunderous steeds galloping over hillsides and through grasslands on a real working ranch. A great day to practice your panning technique and/or capture peak action as the sun blankets our subjects. Breakfast of omelets, ham and fresh baked banana bread will be served in the field.
Lunch at camp and a fly-fishing photo adventure awaits. Wyoming native and fine art naturalist Gary Keimig will present an educational program on wilderness ethics. Portfolio reviews wrap up and a delicious dinner of pasta primavera will be served. Our evening photo opportunities include the inclusive and historic Ring Lake Ranch in Torrey Valley. Here we will photograph ancient petroglyphs, resident osprey if we are lucky, lake reflections and more.
Day 4: Wednesday morning takes our photography session to the beautiful Horse Creek area. Wildlife and picturesque flora is on the agenda. A french toast, bacon and fresh fruit breakfast will be served in the field while we work through the landscape.
A delightful cook-out lunch of hamburgers and pasta salad begins at noon with the post-lunch time slot to include a Q&A photo session with Sandy and Bill. Learn more about bighorn sheep with the center's enthusiastic education manager, Karen Sullivan. And you don't want to miss National Geographic photographer Jeff Vanuga who will share 40 years of shooting in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Dinner of stuffed pork loin, mashed potatoes, greens and dessert will satisfy a hungry appetite. This evening won't host a formal photo shoot but rather we suggest attending the festive, live music event at the Dubois KOA where you can photograph the town folk in action. Or take the night off to prepare images from your workshop to share at the (optional) Participant Presentations Friday afternoon.
Day 5: Be ready to meet town's famous TV star and outdoors man at Thursday morning's photo session. With a frontier style backdrop, our subject will model and entertain us with authentic outdoor living skills. A breakfast of biscuits and gravy with all the fixins will be served.
The mid-morning Keynote Presentation will be given by Angus Thuermer Jr., an outstanding environmental writer who will share relevant stories of our environment. Lunch consists of chicken salad croissant sandwiches, soup, salad and dessert. A local museum excursion is suggested after lunch. Join Sandy and Bill to see how they process their nature images before a luscious dinner of salmon and rice. The evening photo shoot will take place overlooking a vast, panoramic view of the Wind River and Absaroka range.
Day 6: We are out and about early for a short ride downtown to photograph colorful details on the streets of Dubois. Breakfast of quiche, muffins and yogurt will be available before we stroll the river walk for more photo opportunities.
Meat and cheese wraps, fruit salad and dessert will greet us back at camp. Participant presentations begin at 2:00 pm followed by closing remarks. After our final dinner together at camp we will head to the iconic Dubois Rodeo to practice the skills you've mastered this past week.
Day 7: A late breakfast at camp will finish out the week and participants will prepare to depart the Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp by 11:00 am.
Please note that this schedule is tentative. All events are subject to change in the event of inclement weather, wildlife sightings and/or other unforeseen circumstances.
You are responsible for transportation to and from Dubois, WY. You can reserve and pick up a rental car at the Jackson Hole Airport if you are flying in for the workshop. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is a convenient airport approximately two hours west of Dubois. Book early if you need transportation beyond what is included in this workshop.
Dubois, WY is a small town with a grocery store, fuel (unleaded & diesel), lodging and a few eateries. Click HERE for a map.
REGISTER
Get more details and register with the National Bighorn Sheep Center by clicking this LINK. Investment for this all inclusive retreat is $2195.00 per person.
IMAGE GALLERY
