Let’s take some pictures….
at the equine photographer summer camp hosted
Equine Photographers’ Summer Camp
AN EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT
Join me on an three day adventure in the heart of Iowa this June photographing beautiful horses and their owners at some epic styled shoots while networking with fellow horse crazy photographers from across the country.
The Equine Photographers’ Summer Camp will be held June 13-15th, 2025 in the Des Moines area and include a mix of sunset, midday, and sunrise shoots at different locations to give attendees a beautiful and diverse range of images to add to their portfolio.
Check out some past styled shoot images by Tisha from the past years…
“Can’t recommend Tisha’s retreats enough. She’s so kind and her love for photography is so bright. She wants others to succeed and offers help where she can, and it’s so cool seeing her creative process up close.”
About Your Host
If you don’t already know me, Hello, my name is Tisha — I love dreaming up creative and unique photoshoots that bring something different to your portfolio and entice your clients to step into some BOLD boots for their sessions with you in the future. I am not a formal, stand-in-front of you and tell you what to do kind of person so please don’t expect to have a super detailed class-type setting from my retreats but rather a relaxed time where you can explore and experiment in a safe space with me along side you to answer any questions anytime.
Hi there! I'm Mariah, and I'm thrilled to be co-hosting alongside Tisha, where I'll be lending a hand with her styled shoots. My passion for horse photography is only rivaled by my love for sewing dresses, which I often sneak into my photoshoots. When I'm not behind the lens or at the sewing machine, you can find me running around assisting other photographers with their photo sessions because I can’t get enough!
About your Co-Host
About the Retreat
The retreat will include 5 beautifully styled shoots with several different types of horses in variety of locations during sunset, sunrise, and midday to provide attendees an array of killer shots to add to their portfolios. We strive to provide a mix of shoots that your potential clients can see themselves in as well as some more fun, over the top shoots.
During the styled shoots, I will guide the models to start and then give everyone a chance to jump in and direct the models if you are comfortable doing so. These photoshoots are designed to allow you to try new things and get outside any box you may feel stuck in. I will be right there alongside you the entire time to provide as little or as much guidance you wish to have from me. I may offer suggestions and will always encourage all attendees to support each other during the shoots.
We will have a headshot swap one day to so everyone can get some updated branding photos of themselves
We will have dedicated group editing time and plenty of business chitchats
All level of photographers are welcome however it is recommended that you have a very comfortable understanding of your gear and settings as those are not taught in depth at the retreat.
Retreats with me are kept small so everyone gets plenty of time working with the models and get some kickass images you will love showing off in your portfolio.
Equine experience is not required however I highly suggest being comfortable around horses to attend.
About the Models
At my retreats I work with models that are “real” people with their own horses and I do this for a few reasons — one, when potential clients are looking at your portfolio it is easier for them to see themselves in the photos. When they see other “normal” people wearing fun outfits and being a little extra they will be more confident to do the same in their session. Another reason is the bond a person has with their own horse will shine through in portraits more than if it was a professional model next to a pretty horse — I live for showing that bond and it is what most potential clients also want from their photos with you. And finally, this is a time where you get work hands-on with people that would be more like your “average” clients so it’s practice for directing and posing them in a pressure-free zone so when you get home and are working with clients you are more confident guiding them into the shots you are trying to create for them.
“Tisha’s workshops/retreats are great for both beginners and professionals. Tisha creates an environment where everyone is seen and heard. The shared experiences and skills that are discussed are worth the trip alone. She creates gorgeous shoots and facilitates everyone’s creative ideas. If you are going to learn, book it. If you are going to relax and get creative, book it.”
Recommended Gear
Camera body: I recommend a full frame or mid-range body. Lower end “kit” or starter cameras are not ideal but if that is all you have that is totally fine too.
Lenses: ideal lenses for the weekend would include the 70-200mm, 85mm, 100mm, 135mm, and the 200mm. A 24-70mm along with other fixed focal length wide angles are always nice to get a little more creative and this is the safe place to experiment with wide angles and horses.
This retreat is a natural light focused weekend however if time allows at the end of the shoots we can play with OCF and creative lighting if you wish. Please let me know if that is something you would like before arriving so I can plan accordingly.
Plenty of batteries and a charger.
Memory Cards: Plenty of them because you are going to fill them up!! Also make sure they are fast writing so you aren’t slowed down while at the shoots.
A laptop equipped with Lightroom and Photoshop to edit along side me in our down time.
Travel + Lodging Info
Your stay at the rental house is included in your ticket price with checking in Thursday, June 12th and checkout being Monday the 16th. There may be shared rooms however no one will have to share a bed.
Transportation to and from the shoots will be included in your ticket price. (excluded from local ticket pricing)
If you are flying in for the weekend, flights as well as transportation to/from the airport is not included. The closest major airport is Des Moines International (DSM). I will try and organize a pick up/drop off to the airport but cannot guarantee it.
Meals are not included in your ticket price. I will arrange group dining options based on everyone’s preferences and dietary requirements to the best of my ability. There will be a variety of snacks, fruit, and water provided throughout the weekend. The shoots will sometimes fall during breakfast and dinner time so please ensure you have a snack to hold you over until we are able to have a meal.
“I loved the difference in shoots and how each one had different vibes. They felt different while still being at the same retreat which was great for diversity! Loved the out of the box situations that Tisha provided that truly inspired future shoots for me.”
Attendance + Fee
This retreat will be limited to 5 photographers
Tickets are sold at a first come basis, after filling out your ticket request below you will be notified of your ticket status. You will have 24 hours to claim your ticket offer before it is offered to the next person. A waitlist will be started once all five tickets have been offered.
$1,500 when you Pay in Full
due 48 hours after invoice sent
$1,700 when you Pay in Installments
installment options available in 2 or 4 installments with final installment due 20 days before retreat start
***If you are local and do not require stay and will drive yourself to/from shoots you can take $500 off your ticket price
All tickets are non-refundable however they may be transferred to another photographer or future event, 1:1 mentoring session, or a photo session with Tisha within 1 year.
Ready to Save Your Spot?
Please fill out this form if you are interested in a spot at this retreat.
Tickets are first come basis and you will be notified via email or text message within 24 hours about your ticket status after submitting this form.
You will have 48 hours to claim your ticket with payment before the ticket becomes available again.
Only 5 tickets are available for this retreat.