Author: Brennen Nicole

The Wichita Mountains are an incredible place to experience nature’s seasonal transitions, and the Fall Equinox at the Wichita Mountains Photo Retreat offered a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and unforgettable views. With the sun crossing the celestial equator, we were greeted with stunning light and dynamic weather, making every shot a unique capture.

Day 1:

We kicked off our adventure by meeting at the charming Plantation Inn in Medicine Park, where our participants settled into their quaint, cozy rooms. Dinner followed at the Old Plantation Restaurant, a local gem with rich history and classic Southern flavors—a perfect introduction to the area.

After dinner, we headed to Mt. Scott to catch one of the most stunning sunsets of the year. As the sun dipped behind the rugged peaks, a wildfire in nearby Indiahoma left a smoky haze that added an ethereal glow to the sky. This golden hour turned into a photographer’s dream—capturing that haze as it played with the light, transforming the landscape into a canvas of soft, warm tones.

With the night settling in, we turned our attention to the stars. Beneath the inky sky, we aimed to capture the Milky Way arching over the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, but the clouds and smoke had other plans. As we settled in for our long exposures, the harvest moon began to rise over Lake Lawtonka, bathing the landscape in a soft glow that contrasted with the vibrant stars—a magical moment that had everyone mesmerized.

To end the night, we explored the riverwalk and the one-lane bridge for some dramatic long-exposure urban nightscapes. The quiet of the night coupled with the calm reflections on the water made for a beautiful close to the first day.

Day 2:

Our second day began early with a breathtaking sunrise over Quanah Parker Lake. The first light illuminated the glassy water, casting a perfect reflection of the surrounding boulders and trees. The soft pastels in the sky made for postcard-perfect shots, giving us a serene start to the day.

Next, we embarked on a wildlife auto tour, driving through the refuge in search of the local bison, elk, and longhorn cattle that call this place home. We also made a stop at the Holy City, a unique location that provided both architectural interest and an opportunity to learn more about the region’s history.

Later in the day, we settled in for a Lightroom editing course to refine our shots from the previous day. The hands-on session allowed everyone to dive deeper into photo editing techniques, enhancing their images to match the beauty we’d witnessed.

Before the day was over, we visited the prairie dog towns to observe these cute critters scurrying around in their little communities. Their playful nature added a fun touch to the afternoon before we headed to Jed Johnson Lake for another awe-inspiring sunset. With the iconic Jed Johnson Tower in the background, we captured the golden hues of the setting sun reflecting off the tranquil waters—truly a moment to savor.

Day 3:

Day three began with a vibrant sunrise of the retreat at Treasure Lake. The sun began to fight for power as storm clouds began to gather, creating dramatic light and intense contrasts. The weather gave us incredible opportunities for unique, dynamic shots—one moment it was calm, the next, pouring rain.

Afterward, we spent the morning scouting lakes and photographing wildlife as the changing light created a whole new atmosphere. It was as though every corner of the refuge had something new to offer. The rainshowers really made the colors pop!

We wrapped up the retreat with a delicious lunch at the Riverside Café, where we exchanged stories and talked more about photography. With full memory cards and even fuller hearts, we parted ways once the rains moved in for good, and already looking forward to the next adventure.

The Wichita Mountains offer photographers a diverse array of subjects—from wildlife and rugged landscapes to vivid skies and historic structures. Each day, especially during the Fall Equinox, brings a new set of lighting conditions and atmospheric effects, providing endless creative opportunities.

If you’re looking to explore the magic of the Wichita Mountains and improve your photography skills, consider joining us for our next retreat. Whether you’re interested in nightscapes, landscapes, or wildlife, this is the place to take your photography to the next level. I have several scheduled events for 2025 in the refuge if you’d like to join us next year!

Our recent adventure of Chasing Central Oklahoma Light was an incredible experience, filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique opportunities for creativity, and unforgettable moments. This workshop was all about capturing the beauty of the region, from sunrises and sunsets to the vast night skies—and wow, did we succeed!

Day 1: Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge

We kicked off the adventure at Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge, where we witnessed a stunning natural display. The flat horizon gave us a perfect view of rainstorms circling around us in every direction, yet we didn’t feel a single drop! Instead, the storms added dramatic contrast and depth to our photos. The ever-changing skies made for the perfect backdrop, and the salt flats seemed to glow under the darkening clouds.

As the day turned to night, we dove into a hands-on lesson on light painting and astrophotography. Learning how to capture the stars against the backdrop of this wild, open landscape was truly awe-inspiring.

Day 2: Salt Plains to Gloss Mountain State Park

Our second day began with a peaceful sunrise on the Sandpiper Nature Trail at the Salt Plains, where the morning light gently kissed the landscape, casting golden hues over the tall grasses. It was the kind of sunrise that feels like a reward for waking up early. After soaking in the morning’s beauty, we relocated to Gloss Mountain State Park, where the ground was littered with selenite gypsum crystals—a fascinating find for both photographers and nature lovers.

As golden hour approached, we made our way to the back side of the park for sunset and blue hour blending practice. With the sky transitioning from vibrant orange to soft purple, this was the perfect setting to hone our capturing skills. Then, as the stars began to twinkle in the Bortle 2 sky, the night truly came alive. There’s nothing quite like capturing the Milky Way in such clear, dark skies.

To cap off the night, we ventured to Fairview to light paint the iconic grain elevators, recently featured in the latest Twister movie. This provided a unique combination of astrophotography and urban elements, bringing a cinematic feel to our photos.

Day 3: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Our final day of chasing light took us to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a landscape teeming with wildlife. From bison to longhorns, we had countless opportunities to capture the local fauna in their natural habitat. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we were treated to a glowing sunset on Mt. Scott, followed by astrophotography in the peaceful, star-filled setting of The Holy City.

Our last morning featured a beautiful sunrise at Treasure Lake, a serene end to our adventure. We spent the rest of the day capturing the Jed Johnson Tower and exploring the charming town of Medicine Park, where our journey concluded.

Conclusion: Until Next Year!

We successfully chased the best light that Central Oklahoma had to offer, coming away with not only amazing photographs but also lifelong memories. Each day was filled with learning, creativity, and shared experiences in some of the most scenic spots Oklahoma has to offer. Stay tuned—next year promises even more adventures and photo opportunities! Stay tuned for next year – we will shaking things up and adding a NEW location to the tour that will include a SXS sunset ride!

This year’s New Mexico Nightscapes was nothing short of magical! With permits secured and a group of enthusiastic photographers in tow, we embarked on a four-day adventure through the stunning and otherworldly landscapes of northwestern New Mexico.

Shiprock: Capturing the Spirit of the Rock

Our journey began at the iconic Shiprock, a geological marvel that rises dramatically from the desert floor. As we set up our gear, the sun dipped below the horizon, and an almost palpable energy surrounded us. It’s hard to describe the awe-inspiring presence of Shiprock—it’s not just the sheer size, but the way it commands the landscape. We spent hours trying to capture its magnificence and magnitude, with utilizing blue hour blending, median stacking and star trail techniques. The challenge of doing justice to such a legendary formation was a thrill for everyone.

Bisti Badlands: Darkness So Deep, It’s Almost Surreal

Next, we ventured into the Bisti Badlands, where the skies are some of the darkest in the continental U.S. Standing under that immense black canvas, we could see details in the night sky with our naked eyes—no telescopes or special equipment needed. The Milky Way stretched overhead, so clear and vibrant, it felt like we could reach out and touch it. We practiced our night photography techniques, capturing the surreal beauty of the badlands under the stars. There’s something humbling about being in a place so remote and untouched, with only the sound of your breath and the click of your camera shutter to break the silence.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park: A Step Back in Time

One of the highlights of this year’s event was our exclusive after-hours access to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. With permits in hand, we were able to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site long after the daytime crowds had gone. As the blue hour descended, we set up our cameras among the ancient ruins, ready to blend the soft evening light with the stars that would soon appear. The sense of history in Chaco Canyon is profound—being able to capture star trails above structures that have stood for centuries was an experience none of us will forget.

Our group took full advantage of this unique opportunity, using blue hour blending and star trail techniques to create images that tell the story of this incredible place. It was a powerful reminder of how photography can connect us to both the past and the present, capturing moments that are fleeting yet timeless.

New Mexico Nightscapes 2025: Registration Now Open!

Given the success and sheer enjoyment of this year’s event, we’re thrilled to announce that New Mexico Nightscapes is officially back on the books for 2025! If you missed out this year, now’s your chance to join us for another round of epic nightscape photography in some of the most awe-inspiring locations in New Mexico.

Registration is now open, and spots are limited—so don’t wait too long! Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or just starting out, this workshop is an adventure you won’t want to miss.

We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store. Join us under the stars and let’s create some magic together!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of hosting an incredible group of photographers for an Astro Masterclass that was nothing short of magical. The experience was filled with learning, creativity, and the kind of camaraderie that only a shared passion for the night sky can bring.

We kicked off the weekend with a blue hour blending session at Steel Creek. Nestled in the heart of nature, this spot provided the perfect backdrop for capturing the serene transition from day to night. Watching the skies slowly darken while blending the remnants of daylight with the emerging stars was a sight to behold. The second night at Sam’s Throne was also quite magical! We retouched on blue hour blending and worked on LLL and Light Painting with Light Painting Brushes.

As the first night fully settled in, we delved into more advanced techniques like capturing star trails over Roark Bluff. Finding Polaris became a fun challenge, and everyone was thrilled to see their cameras pull in those magical circular patterns in the sky. We also explored median stacking to reduce noise in our photos and experimented with low-level lighting and light painting to add that extra dimension to our compositions and didn’t end our “night” until the pre dawn hours.

Our home base for the weekend, Harmony Mountain Retreat, couldn’t have been more perfect. Each participant had their own private room and bathroom, providing a comfortable and peaceful place to rest after long nights under the stars. The large communal balconies offered forest views, and it became our go-to spot for grilling out.

The food was another highlight! We enjoyed delicious meals from Jasper Pizza Company and Wooden Spoon Provisions. I think I speak for everyone when I say the banana pudding was some of the the best we’ve ever had.

Convenience was key during our editing sessions, which we held right in the dining area of the lodge. With everything we needed under one roof, we could focus entirely on refining our photos without any distractions. The only time we left was to venture out and capture more starry skies.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and made this masterclass so special. Your enthusiasm and dedication are what make these workshops a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to see the incredible images you captured and to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure under the stars.

The Wichita Mountains Summer Photo Retreat during the Solstice was an extraordinary experience filled with break taking moments and stunning captures! From vibrant sunsets to the serene moonlit nights, every second of this adventure was a photographer’s dream.

🌅 Sunset at Jed Johnson Tower

Our adventure began with a captivating sunset at the iconic Jed Johnson Tower. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we captured the sky ablaze with hues of orange, blue, and pink, casting a magical glow over the Wichita Mountains. The silhouette of the tower against the vibrant sky was a sight to behold and a perfect start to our retreat.

🌕 Full Strawberry Moon Rise

That evening, we witnessed the full Strawberry Moon rise majestically over the plains. The glowing moon bathed the landscape in soft, ethereal light. We practiced capturing the moon’s details and the enchanting interplay of light and shadows it created on the plains.

🌙 Moonlit Nightscapes Along the Creek

Our first night at the lovely Plantation Inn in Medicine Park was a serene experience. We ventured out to capture moonlit nightscapes along the creek. The gentle flow of the water, illuminated by the moon’s soft glow, created a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere. These moonlit scenes added a touch of magic to our collection.

🌅🌙 Sunrise and Moonset

The following morning was nothing short of magical. We rose early to watch the sunrise and moonset simultaneously. The sky transformed with the dawn’s first light, painting the horizon in shades of pastels. As the moon bid farewell, we captured the beautiful transition of night into day, a truly mesmerizing experience.

🐾 Wildlife Encounters

Throughout our retreat, we had the privilege of photographing some of the Wichita Mountains’ most majestic residents. We spotted and captured images of bison grazing peacefully, prairie dogs scurrying about, elk wandering through the plains, and longhorns showcasing their impressive horns. These encounters added an element of wild beauty to our portfolio.

🌊 Dazzling Lakes and Scenic Landscapes

The Wichita Mountains are home to some dazzling lakes, and we took full advantage of these picturesque locations. The reflections of the surrounding landscapes in the bright blue waters and blooming lilly pads provided endless opportunities for stunning compositions. Each lake had its unique charm, making every shot a new adventure.

💻 Editing Skills Workshop

Amidst all the shooting, we also dedicated time to honing our editing skills. We gathered to work on our photos, learning new techniques to enhance our captures and bring out the best in our images. The combination of hands-on shooting and post-processing sessions ensured a well-rounded learning experience.

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The Plantation Inn in Medicine Park provided a comfortable and welcoming home base for our retreat. After days filled with exploration and photography, we enjoyed the cozy ambiance and the opportunity to relax and recharge for the next day’s adventures.

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The Wichita Mountains Summer Photo Retreat was a journey of discovery, creativity, and camaraderie. From the mesmerizing sunsets to the captivating wildlife encounters, every moment was a testament to the beauty and wonder of nature. Our participants left with not only stunning photographs but also memories that will last a lifetime.Thank you to everyone who joined us on this incredible adventure. Stay tuned for our upcoming retreats, and don’t miss your chance to embark on your own photography journey with us for the Fall Equinox at the Wichita Mountains Photo Retreat!