There’s something truly special about spending a weekend surrounded by wild mustangs, wide-open skies, and good company — and our recent Mowdy Mustang Ranch Photo Retreat was no exception.
From the moment we arrived on Friday, the weekend promised adventure, creativity, and connection. The lodging accommodations were absolutely beautiful — spacious, cozy, and the perfect place to unwind after a long day on the ranch. Each participant had their own private room, allowing everyone to settle in comfortably before the fun began.
By late afternoon, we loaded up the ATVs and set out in search of the herds for golden hour. The experience of watching these majestic mustangs roam freely under the soft glow of sunset was something none of us will forget. After capturing the evening light, we gathered for dinner featuring some delicious local cuisine before heading back out to photograph the stars over the remnants of the historic teacher’s home on the property — a perfect end to our first night beneath the Oklahoma sky.
Day two began bright and early — or rather, before the sun even rose. We ventured out to the fields just as the mustangs stirred awake, watching them drink from the pond as the first light of day reflected across the water. The sunrise seemed to last forever, filling the horizon with color and dramatic clouds that eventually rolled into a full-on downpour.
When the storm hit, the electricity at the homestead went out for a few hours, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. We kicked back, listened to the rain, and enjoyed the slower pace that comes with ranch life. By afternoon, the skies cleared, giving us just enough time to dive into an editing course before heading out for another golden hour session.
That evening’s ATV ride was something straight out of a Western film — herds gathered around us as the sun dipped low, painting the landscape in warm, glowing tones. As night fell, we gathered around the fire pit, sharing stories and searching the heavens for Comet Lemmon and a few constellations peeking through the clouds.
Our final morning on the ranch came too soon, but we made the most of it with one last ATV ride along the ridge trail, chasing the morning light and capturing a few final compositions of the mustangs grazing below. We wrapped up our cowboy time with a hearty breakfast together before parting ways in the mid-morning sun — tired, fulfilled, and already talking about when we’d return.
This weekend was a perfect blend of photography, adventure, and peaceful connection with nature. Between the wild mustangs, stormy skies, and star-filled nights, Mowdy Mustang Ranch reminded us why we do what we do — to chase beauty, share stories, and create lasting memories behind the lens. So much so, I have already scheduled not one, but TWO, repeat events for 2026! Check out Frost & Stardust or the Milky Way Roundup and join us here in 2026!