Badlands National Park – Women’s Photography Retreat
May 4th-8th, 2027
Tuition $2300
Use Code: EARLYBIRD to get $200 of tuition. Code valid until 6/10
Badlands is known for its towering badland formations and abundant wildlife, including bison and bighorn sheep. The park is also a designated dark sky park, making it ideal for capturing stunning night photography. With storm season approaching, the retreat will offer the opportunity to capture lightning strikes and dramatic storm clouds over the unique landscape. Come see why this is my favorite National Park to photograph!
Calling All Creative Souls
Who is this for?
This photography retreat is perfect for anyone with a love for travel, a sense of adventure, and a creative soul. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this retreat is designed to help you improve your skills and capture stunning images in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. It’s also a great opportunity for women who are looking to connect with like-minded individuals and explore new places in a supportive and inspiring environment. So if you’re ready to take your photography to the next level and embark on an unforgettable journey, this retreat is for you!
REVIEW
“I had a wonderful time on my trip to the Badlands of South Dakota. I learned new techniques and gained some great friends from across the country. I loved the life experience each person brought to the adventure as well as our host. Beth is such a great teacher! She was patient, encouraging and fun! I had looked forward to this trip with her for a YEAR! It was totally worth it and would like to join her for some of her other workshops! 10 Stars from this Wyoming gal! Thank you Beth!”
-Ginny H
REVIEW
“Taking a photography workshop with other women that love photography is such a fun experience and I now have some wonderful lifelong friends. Beth has a casual, non-intimidating style of teaching. She took us to a lot of varied places to shoot with different lighting which helped us think about how and what to capture. I had always thought about astrophotography but taking this workshop pushed me to try it and I can’t wait to do it again! The Badlands offered an amazing landscape and I was able to try different things like putting myself in the landscape shot which I probably wouldn’t have done if Beth didn’t encourage us to do it.”
– Andrea B
Capture jaw-dropping landscapes
What to Expect
Students can expect to shoot sunrises and sunsets every day. We will spend one night photographing the stars. We will work with filters, long exposures, ICM, compositions, self-portraits, and more.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival + Sunset Welcome
Guests arrive, check in at the ranch, and settle in. We’ll gather for a brief welcome meeting to go over gear, expectations, and the plan for the week.
That evening, we head into Badlands National Park for our first sunset session. This is a relaxed shoot designed to get everyone comfortable—focusing on composition, light, and learning how to read the landscape.
Day 2 – Iconic Overlooks + Golden Light
We begin with a sunrise session, capturing the soft light as it hits the layered formations.
After a midday break for rest or optional instruction/editing, we head back out for sunset at some of the park’s most iconic locations:
- Big Badlands Overlook
- Yellow Mounds Overlook
- Panorama Point
We’ll focus on composition, leading lines, and creating depth in wide-open scenes.
Day 3 – Wildlife + Expansive Views
Sunrise takes us to a new location for fresh perspectives and evolving light.
This day is centered around variety:
- Conata Basin for wildlife and prairie landscapes
- Pinnacles Overlook for dramatic cliffs and sweeping views
You can expect to photograph bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep, with the possibility of burrowing owls, deer, and pronghorn.
We’ll cover wildlife techniques, quick setting changes. Sunset will be chosen based on the best available light.
Day 4 – Sunrise + Milky Way Night
We head out early for one more sunrise session, refining everything you’ve learned—composition, light, and intentional shooting.
The afternoon is intentionally slower paced with time to rest, edit, or get one-on-one feedback in preparation for a late night.
That evening, we return to the park for sunset, followed by our Milky Way session (timed around the new moon for optimal conditions).
You’ll learn:
- Night photography settings
- Focusing in the dark
- Composing the Milky Way over the Badlands formations
The following morning is a sleep-in morning after our late night under the stars.
Day 5 – Departure Day
No scheduled events. Enjoy a relaxed morning, pack up, and depart at your convenience.
Lodging
Working Ranch
Please note lodging is not included in the price of this retreat. You will book your lodging separately through the ranch. They have several rooms at different price points. They do not open their calendar for bookings until January 2027. We will send a reminder to book your rooms in 2027.
We will stay at Circle View Guest Ranch in Interior, South Dakota. The ranch sits right outside the park overlooking the White River. The ranch is home to many fun farm animals like cows, donkeys, chickens, and even peacocks. We are served the most amazing home-cooked breakfasts you will ever eat! Image is an aerial view of the ranch.
Instructor
Lindsey Englar
Lindsey’s Instagram
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions.
What is Included in the price?
Photography education, and continental breakfasts. Complimentary canvas from our sponsor Pro Prints.
What is not included?
Transportation to the retreat (we will carpool during the retreat), airfare, lodging (must book through the ranch), trip insurance, other meals and beverages, and admission to any other places we may visit.
What gear do I need?
Please view my recommended gear list here: https://intothewildwego.photography/photography-gear-reccomendations/
What is your cancellation policy?
You can view all my Terms and Conditions here: https://intothewildwego.photography/terms-and-conditions/
What is the nearest major airport?
The nearest major airport is in Rapid City, South Dakota From there it is about an hour drive from the ranch.
