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!