On Location
Santa Fe

The Western Portrait

with Michael Clark

June 30 – July 4, 2025

  • Tuition $2195.00
(includes meal plan, see below)
  • Model and Location Fee $415.00
  • Standard Deposit $400.00

Course Description

New Mexico, and the Santa Fe region in particular, is steeped in Western history and culture. This was once the land of Blood and Thunder, named and described by famed Santa Fe-based writer, Hampton Sides. To this day, there are still vast working ranches, active western movie sets, and wide-open landscapes filled with livestock and wildlife surrounding the historic town of Santa Fe. 

In this workshop, led by photographer and longtime resident Michael Clark, we explore the creative fundamentals of portraiture by diving headfirst into a world of cowboys, ranch hands, cowgirls, and other classic characters of the iconic West. We create a variety of environmental portraits, documenting the culture on local ranches and crafting narrative scenes at the famed Eaves Movie Ranch. This engaging week provides an opportunity to work with real subjects and models alike, harnessing fiction and reality as elements of the storytelling process.

Topics we cover in this workshop include composition and framing, perspective and camera angles, equipment selection, the use of natural light and fill flash, plus the best ways of working with our portrait subjects to put them at ease and then collaborate with them to tell a story. Daily location visits allow for ample time to experiment and have fun exploring the Western culture in and around Santa Fe with our cameras. Classroom time includes daily editing, group image reviews, and one-on-one meetings with Michael. In addition, Michael dives into digital workflow and demonstrates various techniques for processing your portraits (including color grading, black and white, sepia, etc.) to help you come away with the best portraits possible. 

A complementary blend of technique, artistry, and storytelling, Michael’s workshop helps you elevate your portraiture to new levels while chasing the myth and reality of the American West. 

Additional Information

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Amateurs, Advanced Amateurs
What You Should Know:

Working knowledge of digital workflow and manual mode on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera. Participants must be able to download and select images using image editing software for class sessions.

Activity Level:
To get the most from your workshop experience, participants should be in good physical (mobility, stamina) and mental health. Come prepared for the high elevation of Santa Fe, long days, and seasonal weather including high temperatures. You must be able to carry your own photographic and personal gear at all times, both on campus and on location. You are responsible for being open and honest about your physical fitness, and we reserve the right to remove you from the workshop if we find your fitness to be less than that which you have described.
Participants should be able to engage in moderate outdoor exercise for up to an hour or more at a time including off-trail walking on uneven terrain including sand, dirt, and loose rock. Location work is likely to include early morning and/or late evening shoots.
Policies:
Accommodations:

Participants are responsible for making their own housing arrangements in Santa Fe. On-campus accommodations are not currently available.

Meals:
Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner before the Friday evening Image Presentations, and daily beverage service are included.
Categories
Documentary, Portraiture, Storytelling
about
Michael Clark

Michael Clark is an internationally published adventure photographer. His intense, raw images of athletes pushing their sports to the limit in remote locations around the world feature unique angles, bold colors, strong graphics, and dramatic lighting. Balancing extreme action with subtle details, striking portraits, and wild landscapes, Michael creates photographs for editorial and advertising markets worldwide. His clients include Apple, Microsoft, Nike, Fujifilm, Nikon, Red Bull, Gatorade, Patagonia, National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, Men’s Journal, Outside, Backpacker, and Climbing, to name just a few.

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