Dramatic Portrait : Nudes and People in the Badlands of South Dakota

with Doug Beasley
Badlands of South Dakota
May 22 – 26, 2008

We will meet in Interior, South Dakota, for a five-day workshop in and around the Badlands National Park. This remote, sacred region with its sculpted soil, sweeping vistas and extraordinary light is an ideal dramatic background for figurative image making. We will work collaboratively with our models to connect this sacred land to our own individual vision. We will also work on maximizing light potential, using exposure as a creative control and how to use available light more effectively to create more powerful images with mood and personal style. There will be a combination of guided assignments and group sessions but the majority of our time will be spent one-on-one with our models doing individual photo shoots, with Doug available for feedback and guidance, if desired. We will gather each evening for dinner to discuss the days shooting and personal focus and goals for the following days.

Workshop begins in the evening on Friday, May 22nd at The Circle View Ranch, and ends after our morning shoot on Monday, May 26th at 12:00 noon.

Accomodations

We will stay at The Circle View Ranch, a real working cattle ranch. The Circle View, owned and operated by friends Phillip and Amy Kruse, is located high on a bluff with a spectacular view of the White River and the Badlands National Park.

Doubles are $70 a night per person (we will help pair you with someone), bunk rooms for three guests are $60 per person, and singles are available for $80 a night. If you prefer a single room, please let us know upon registration. Singles will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. If you prefer a more romantic option, you can set up your own tent on top of the bluff or near the fire pit for only $40 per night and watch the sun rise over the majestic Badlands.

Meals

For those staying at the Circle View a great homemade breakfast is included each morning. Lunch will not be with the group, but there a couple of local restaurants that you won't want to miss. We will have homemade dinners prepared by Amy Kruse two nights during the workshop, for a small additional fee. Other dinners can be prepared ourselves at the ranch, where they have a full kitchen for us to use, if we stay out to shoot in the beautiful late afternoon light. Plan to bring food with you to cook especially if you have specific dietary needs. It's also an awesome place to hang out at night and discuss the day's shoot or just listen to the coyotes howl. Going into town and visiting the Wagon Wheel Saloon is a must, where you can visit with local cowboys, eat homemade pizza and play pool.

What do others think about this workshop?

Friday, May 22, evening, to Monday, May 26, noon

Workshop fee: $495 ($200 deposit). Models fee: $235. Meals and lodging are not included but rooms will be held at Circle View Ranch upon registration.

Class limit: 12