Wild Horses in Utah

Mar 30-Apr 2, 2027 - Sold Out

Apr 10-13, 2027 - Sold Out

Apr 14-17, 2027 - Sold Out

Apr 18-21, 2027 - Sold Out

Join us in one of the last strongholds of truly wild horses in the United States, where vast open spaces and dramatic mountain backdrops set the stage for an extraordinary experience. We've timed this workshop to coincide with peak stallion behavior—when powerful males clash in dramatic battles for dominance and breeding rights. You'll capture stunning images of raw, untamed interactions between stallions, mares, and playful foals. From sweeping landscape shots of herds in motion to up-close, action-packed moments, this is your chance to photograph wild horses like never before.

Tuition

$2,195
$1,975 with
Loyalty Discount

Max Group Size

4 Students per Instructor
Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

Wendy Casey
Sarah Shumaker

Physical Intensity

Highlights

Photograph one of the largest herds of wild horses left in the US!
Dates coincide with stallion behavior where the males will be posturing and fighting for breeding rights.
Capture interactions between the stallions, mares, and foals.
Take your photography and understanding of wild horse behavior to the next level with pro-instructors.
Classroom sessions will be held during midday hours to enhance your shooting technique and post-processing knowledge.
All transportation included along with transfers to the SLC International Airport.

Itinerary

The itinerary is highly variable and depends on herd location, conditions, weather, and much more. Our job is to optimize your photography time as best we can. If we get any heavy rain, the roads can become impassable . Should that happen, we'll go to an alternate location such as the Bonneville Salt Flats. The itinerary below is just an example of what we may do.

Day 1: Meet at 12PM at the Salt Lake City International Airport for transport to Tooele, UT. If you have your own vehicle, you can meet us in Tooele for at 1:30PM. Having your own vehicle will give you more flexibility for food options during the workshop. During the orientation session we'll cover important safety information, shooting techniques, and the projected itinerary. We'll break early for dinner and then head out for a sunset shoot with the horses!
Day 2: After an early breakfast we head out to find the wild horses. We are in luck as the mustangs are posturing with each other and we get some dramatic action shots! We return to town for lunch and an afternoon classroom session where we'll critique images. That evening we enjoy a productive sunset shoot with the horses.
Days 3: It's another early morning with the horses and they are very energetic. We capture lots of action shots during the best light. We have another midday classroom session where we do a deep dive into post-processing techniques before heading out for a sunset shoot with the horses.
Day 4: We get up early for our final shoot with the horses. The horses are especially active today, running back and forth. We get many action shots with the beautiful mountains in the background. We return to town, check out of the hotel, and head back to the Salt Lake City Airport. The workshop will conclude by 1PM.

Logistics

Our goal is to capture the best images possible during our time together and this can mean starting before dawn and ending well after sunset. Our in-field photography sessions will be pretty intense and we'll make sure you well educated on the shooting techniques before we go out. Expect 1 hr drives each way to and from town to the horses. As such, you'll want to take naps during midday downtime to ensure you get enough sleep.

Lodging and food are not included in the workshop fee. We have secured a block of rooms at our hotel of choice in Tooele, UT. Information on how to secure your room will be sent after booking.

Depending on where the horses are, short hikes from the road may be required to reach them. The terrain is flat but can be uneven with occasional rocks and gopher holes. Daily walking mileage won't exceed 1-3 miles total.

Transportation will be provided during the workshop including transfers to/from the Salt Lake City Airport. We will be picking up at 12PM on the first day and dropping off by 12PM on the last day. If you will be driving your own vehicle or a rental vehicle, you can simply meet us in Tooele, UT at 1:30PM on the first day. Having your own vehicle will give you much more flexibility for dining and shopping.

As we get closer to the trip, we'll schedule a zoom meeting with all participants and talk about logistics, gear, clothing needs, and more. This will be your chance to meet the instructors and ask any questions you have.

The weather can be highly variable in the spring. It can be calm and pleasant or windy and stormy. Please come prepared for all types of weather. Don't despise bad weather as that is often when we capture the most dramatic photos! Please see the gear list further down.

Pricing

$2,195/person + Tax

$1,975/person with Loyalty Discount

Trip Includes:

Professional photography instruction and in-field guiding.
All ground transportation throughout the workshop.
Classroom instruction including image critique, wildlife shooting skills, and post-processing techniques.
Entrance fees and permits
Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting
At checkout, a 3 night lodging package in Tooele will be added to your balance. Cost is $200 for double or $400 for single occupancy.

Trip Does NOT Include:

Meals, beverages, and snacks
Transportation to/from your home to Salt Lake City.
Instructor Gratuities.

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due Dec 15, 2026.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended for this workshop.
Loyalty members can save 10% on workshop tuition.
See the full Terms and Conditions

Physical Difficulty

This workshop is rated Moderate on our physical intensity scale. Most photography locations are accessed by vehicle, but depending on where the horses are, moderate walks from the road may be required to reach the best shooting positions. The terrain is generally flat, but it can be uneven with occasional rocks, gopher holes, and other obstacles. Daily walking mileage is not expected to exceed 1–3 miles total while carrying camera gear, snacks, and water.

The biggest challenge on this workshop is the schedule. Wild horse activity is often best early and late in the day, so we plan our field sessions around the best light and animal behavior. Departures may be as early as 5AM, and returns may be as late as 9:30–10 PM. Midday breaks and classroom sessions are built into the schedule whenever possible, giving participants time to rest, recharge, review images, and prepare for the next outing.

Can I Bring a Non-Photographer Companion?

How Do Deposits and Final Payments Work?

For most workshops, a 50% deposit is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is typically due approximately 120 days prior to the workshop. We will contact you in advance to coordinate and process your final payment.

For workshops priced over $10,000, the payment schedule is structured differently. A 25% deposit is due at registration, with additional payments scheduled at 9 months, 6 months, and 4 months prior to departure. Specific payment terms for each trip are outlined on the individual workshop page and in your registration details.

What Is Your Loyalty Program and How Does It Work?

We encourage everyone to become a Loyalty Member—there’s no requirement to have traveled with us before.

Simply visit our Loyalty Program page and purchase the $99 annual membership. Once enrolled, you’ll receive a personalized 10% discount code valid for most domestic workshops and day trips booked during your one-year membership period.

Exceptions: International workshops and select domestic workshops are not eligible for the loyalty discount.

For most members, the savings from just one booking more than pays for the membership.

But the biggest perk? Early access. Loyalty Members receive first notification of new workshops. If you’ve been part of our community for any length of time, you know many of our trips sell out quickly. Early access often means the difference between securing your spot and missing out.

It’s one of the best ways to stay ahead—and save money while doing it.

Why Is Lodging Sometimes Priced Separately?

For many domestic workshops, lodging is offered as a separate add-on during checkout, with both single and double occupancy options available.

We separate lodging for several reasons:

Transparency: You can clearly see the actual cost of accommodations.
Flexibility: Some participants don’t require lodging (locals, RV travelers, or those staying with friends or family).
Fair Discounts: Loyalty discounts apply to workshop tuition only—not lodging. Keeping lodging separate ensures discounts remain simple and equitable.

When adding lodging, you’ll choose your preferred occupancy (single or double) during the booking process.

What Level of Photographer Do I Need To Be?

All experience levels are welcome—from beginners to working professionals. Our mission is to help you capture your best images, no matter where you’re starting from.

At the beginning of each workshop, we’ll ask about your experience level and your goals. This allows us to tailor instruction specifically to you—whether that’s camera fundamentals, composition, night photography, or refining your editing workflow.

To get the most out of your experience, we strongly recommend reading our Ebook ahead of time. Familiarity with the basics (exposure, focus, and common camera settings) makes in-field learning more enjoyable and less stressful. We also encourage you to explore our Education page for additional resources.

Drones: If you plan to bring a drone, you must already be comfortable launching, landing, and flying safely before the workshop. Our instructors can teach photography techniques, but they cannot pilot your aircraft for you.

How Will I Know If I'll Like Your Trips?

A great way to get a feel for the experience is to hear directly from past guests.

We have 900+ five-star reviews—you can browse testimonials on both Google and Trip Advisor to see what participants consistently say about their time with us.

You can also visit our Client Images page to see the quality of photographs our participants create while on an adventure with us. Each year, we host the Action Photogs Photo Contest, where guests submit their favorite images from our trips. Viewing past contest videos is another excellent way to see the real results our clients achieve.

At some point, though, you simply have to take the leap. Many guests start with a day tour, overnight adventure, or short workshop to get to know us. Once they do, they tend to keep coming back—90% of our participants are repeat clients.

We’re confident that after your first trip, you’ll understand why.

What Level of Physical Fitness Is Required?

Should I Have Trip Insurance?

See All FAQ's

Recommended Camera Gear

Sturdy tripod and ballhead.
Monopod will make it easier to hold your camera while in the field shooting the horses.
Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body. If you have 2 bodies, bring both.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
Telephoto zoom lens in the 100-500mm range. There is no need for super-telephoto primes like 500mm or 600mm f/4.
Wide angle lenses are optional but can come in handy at the Salt Flats.
Circular polarizer filters are useful for the wide-angle or mid-range lenses.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Laptop if you wish to backup or review your photos.

Personal Gear List

Sturdy footwear, hiking socks, and long pants .
A rain jacket and several warm layers since it can get cold in the mornings.
Warm hat and gloves
Headlamp.
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat.
Water bottle or hydration bladder.
Knee pads for shooting lower to the ground.
Hiking poles if you like having them.
Portable 3-legged stool for sitting.

Wild Horses in Utah Photography Workshop

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

Wendy Casey

Photography Instructor

Wendy Casey is a Utah-based landscape and wildlife photographer with more than 40 years behind the camera. Her photography journey began in 1982 with her first photography class. She built her technical foundation in the film era through extensive darkroom work and developing and printing her own images. That experience continues to shape the way she teaches exposure, light, camera settings, and composition.

Wendy’s photography has taken her from Utah’s dramatic red rock country and the Alaskan tundra to the vast plains of Africa. She specializes in landscape and wildlife photography, with a particular passion for wild horses and animals in their natural environments. As an exhibiting fine art photographer, she photographs with the finished print in mind, creating images designed to tell a story, evoke emotion, and be enjoyed beyond the camera screen.

As an instructor, Wendy is known for her warm, patient, and encouraging teaching style. She helps students slow down, see with intention, and take creative control of their cameras, especially through Manual mode, thoughtful composition, and field-based problem solving. Through hands-on instruction and collaborative post-processing sessions, Wendy meets photographers where they are and helps them build the confidence, technical skill, and vision to create images they are proud to print, frame, and share.

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Sarah Shumaker

Photography Instructor

Sarah brings a rare combination of backcountry experience, technical camera knowledge, and patient instruction to every workshop she leads. As an avid hiker, canyoneer, and 4x4 explorer, she has spent years traveling through remote corners of the desert Southwest in search of unique perspectives and locations far beyond the standard roadside view.

Her love of photography grew from that time outdoors. The more Sarah explored wild canyons, rugged backroads, and hard-to-reach desert landscapes, the more she wanted to capture those places and share them with others. She enjoys studying maps, scouting new locations, and finding scenes that feel fresh, personal, and full of discovery.

Sarah is especially skilled at night photography and enjoys teaching guests how to photograph the Milky Way and the starry night skies. In the field and classroom, Sarah is often praised for her technical expertise. She is comfortable working with a wide range of camera systems and enjoys helping guests understand their settings, solve problems quickly, and gain confidence with their gear. She also brings strong post-processing skills in Lightroom and Photoshop, helping photographers carry their creative vision from capture to finished image.