Old West Sonoran Desert Photographer’s Workshop & Retreat
Join the Cowgirls with Cameras and Arizona Horse Company at the historic Kay El Bar Ranch in Wickenburg!
5 Days, 4 Nights | February 18-22, 2026
Kay El Bar Ranch, Wickenburg, Arizona
There’s no place better to shake off the winter photographer blues than the American Southwest! This event, new for 2026, will have something for everyone — a large herd of horses, cowboys, cowgirls, portraits, action, lifestyle, Western desert backdrops, comfy accommodations, learning opportunities, friendships, relaxation, and more. Come, celebrate the old west atmosphere with us! There’s even a beginner mentorship option to make this the perfect “first workshop” for novice photographers.
What to expect:
Epic Western scenery, spectacular desert backdrop, lots of horses, real cowboys and cowgirls for models!
This is a Cowgirls with Cameras Photography WORKSHOP & RETREAT EXPERIENCE. Photographers of all levels are welcome!
Lodging provided by Kay Bar El Guest Ranch
The Kay El Bar Guest Ranch is one of the first dude ranches in the state of Arizona having welcomed its first guests in 1926. It is listed on the national and Arizona Registers of Historic Places.
Kay El Bar has treated guests to an authentic dude ranch experience for over 100 years. From the Homestead House built in 1914, to the large adobe lodge built in 1926, Kay El Bar Guest Ranch offers the best of a cherished Arizona tradition.
Horses & models supplied by Arizona Horse Company
Owners, Gibb and Jane Kerr, and their friendly and knowledgeable staff, share their passion for western heritage and love for horses with their customers. You may arrive a stranger, but everyone always leaves as a new friend. An appreciation of western horsemanship is kindled and lifetime memories are made, as riders travel the scenic landscapes.
This event is both workshop and retreat!
Participant choice education
Daily classroom time will be guided by — YOU! Each leader will offer a set of educational topics that will be offered to the group in a poll format prior to the event. The majority vote chooses the topics offered during the workshop. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of possibilities including Lightroom, Photoshop, advanced editing techniques, shooting scenarios, camera skills, lighting, horse conformation, business, In Person Sales, posing, and more. You tell us what you want to learn!
Relax and Unwind — and then stick around for Art of the Cowgirl!
Every day will offer a new opportunity for you to treat yourself to the rest and healing vibes of the desert. With wildlife, horses, and friends all around you can kick back, put your feet up, and totally relax your mind and body. PLUS this event lines up perfectly for you to attend the amazing Art of the Cowgirl event that starts on February 24th in Wickenburg!
Your Leaders: Cara, Kim and Phyllis!
Cara Taylor Swift
Fast Horse Photography, Equine Portrait Specialist
Super Powers:
Eliciting Horse Human Connection
Posing People with Horses
Seeing the extraordinary
in the ordinary.
Canon
Lightroom Classic
Photoshop
PC
Kim Beer
Kim Beer Photography & Be More Business, Gestaltist
Super Powers:
Helping you connect with and love your Muse.
Innovative Business Building
Creative & Fast Workflows
Canon
Lightroom CC & Classic
Photoshop
Mac and iPad Pro
Phyllis burchett
Phyllis Burchett Photo, Photographic Artist
Super Powers:
Artistic Expression in Photography
Seeing the Details
Patience
Passive Income
Nikon
Photoshop
Bridge
PC
The magic of a Cowgirls with Cameras Experience is in our Leaders!
We are three very different photographers and all successful in our own craft using different approaches and techniques. We have been in your shoes — the novice photographer yearning to learn more; the intermediate photographer seeking to become better at your craft; and the experienced photographer looking to expand your horizons and fully tap into your creativity. We each offer our unique super powers, methods, and view points for you to consider. We believe this offers our students the opportunity to truly choose what works best for them. Our instruction style is open, engaging, non-judgmental, and friendly. We are passionate about photography, artistic expression, business, and having fun — we want to inspire you and help you take your photography to the next level.
Experience and Equipment Recommendations
Experience: Our Workshop & Retreat Experiences are designed to work for photographers from novice to advanced. We recommend to take full advantage of this event that you have a DSLR or Mirrorless prosumer or professional camera and lenses. If you need help in determining what equipment to bring or rent, we are happy to assist you.
The Important Details
The EARLY BIRD registration is only $3150!
Ends 11/15/25. Regular price: $3350
PRICE INCLUDES:
Photography Setups
Model Releases
Lodging
Meals
Travel to and from the ranch is not included.
We recommend you fly into Phoenix. You should plan to arrive on location by 3 pm on February 18 and plan to depart by 11 am on February 22 unless other arrangements are made in advance.
Lodging is provided by the Ranch and included in the price. You can expect to share a room and bathroom unless you arrange otherwise in advance.
Meals are provided by the ranch and included. The ranch is happy to accommodate a range of dietary needs if they know in advance. Please notify us if you need vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free, or other dietary options for your meals. Also let us know in advance if you have any food allergies.
We do everything we can within reason to make you comfortable during the event. If you have any special needs, please notify us in advance so we can arrange to meet them or set expectations accordingly.
Activity Level, Personal Gear, and Weather Considerations
Participants in this experience should be in good health and feel comfortable walking over uneven terrain and standing for extended periods of time. We may have to hike a short distance to shoot locations so please be prepared by bringing hiking or western type boots/shoes with closed toes. This is a desert event, so please bring appropriate clothing meant to be outdoors.
Horse experience is NOT necessary to participate in this experience.
a taste of the scenery
These photos are from past workshops in the general area. We will be photographing a herd of approximately 30 head at this event.
