15th Annual Black Hills Photo Shootout. A weekend of photography, socialization, and fun!

Keynote Speaker: Erik Kuna with Special Guest Instructor: Rammy K.

Schedule of Events

Saturday Morning

Sunrise At Devil's Tower. led by Tomas Alvarez. Estimated session time: 6:15 - 9:15am.

There are few places that command attention like Devils Tower. Rising from the surrounding plains like something ancient and immovable, this sacred monolith transforms under the rising sun. We'll arrive well before first light to capture the deep blues of pre-dawn and stay through golden hour as warm tones slide down the tower's fluted columns. Multiple compositions are possible from pullouts and short paths near the main parking area—no hiking necessary. Expect wide-angle landscapes, subtle telephoto crops, and maybe even a hawk riding the early thermals. If you want your sunrise to feel like a spiritual experience, this is the session for you. Image by Chad Coppess.

"Abstracts in Nature" Led by Kendra Perry Koski.
Estimated session time: 8:00 - 11:00am.

Exploring Intentional Camera Movement, Abstract, and Impressionistic Techniques . Step into a more expressive way of seeing the natural world in this hands-on workshop dedicated to creative photographic techniques. We'll explore Intentional Camera Movement (ICM), abstract photography, and impressionistic styles—with nature as our canvas. This is your chance to break free from the literal and experiment with motion, form, and light in fresh, artistic ways. You'll learn a variety of techniques—including the Adamski Effect—to create painterly and abstract images that reflect emotion, rhythm, and energy. Through guided exercises and in-the-field experimentation, you'll develop your eye for composition, movement, and color in nontraditional ways.

Recommended Gear: A wide-angle lens is preferred, though any focal length can be used, bring your Lensbaby Lenses in you have them. A tripod is essential, Polarizers, ND filters, and any other creative effect filters will open up even more creative possibilities.

Led by Jay Grammond.
Estimated session time: 6:15 - 9:15am
Location: High Plains Western Heritage Center.

Step into the weathered boots of the prairie's early settlers in this immersive session set against a backdrop of open skies, golden grasses, and a timeworn homestead cabin. With models in authentic period dress and scenes inspired by frontier life, you'll capture the quiet resilience and enduring spirit of those who carved out a life on the land. From rustic tools to a sheep herder's wagon, every detail invites you to tell timeless stories through your lens. Let the whispers of the past echo through your images in this evocative blend of portraiture, landscape, and living history. This session focuses on intimate storytelling and legacy.

Saturday Afternoon

Led by Rebecca DeWitt.
Estimated session time: 4:00 - 7:00pm.

Step into the cinematic world of the American West during the most magical light of the day. Golden Hour at the Ranch invites creators to capture the authentic rhythms of ranch life under the warm, golden hues of a South Dakota sunset. Set on a working ranch near Spearfish, this hands-on video session blends storytelling with stunning visuals as we film real-life wranglers, horses in motion, and sweeping landscapes bathed in evening light. Participants will create a short narrative or highlight reel using a mix of interview, action, and B-roll techniques. Whether you're drawn to the grit of leather and dust, the poetry of horse silhouettes against the horizon, or the quiet dignity of ranchers at work—this session is a rare opportunity to build cinematic Western content from the ground up.

Estimated session time: 4:00 - 7:00pm
Part One: Two-part compositing Workshop. In part one, you will embark on a creative journey to build a composite portrait from start to finish. This is a hands-on shoot where you'll work closely with the instructor to set up your shots - learning essential lighting techniques, proper camera settings, stabilization, and composition. You will capture a series of images needed for your final composite. Prerequisites: a solid tripod, and your own DSLR or mirrorless camera with lenses are required. ND filters sized for your lenses are highly recommended.

Led by Tomas Alvarez.
Estimated session time: 4:00 - 7:00pm
Tucked away in Spearfish Canyon is a little gem known as Savoy Pond - a quiet spot where reflections meet the canyon walls and time slows down. We'll begin this session with a gentle 1.2-mile hike along the well-maintained trail. It's mostly flat and follows the creek, offering photo ops even before we arrive at the pond. Once there, the still waters, surrounding pines, and shifting light create a perfect canvas for composition, symmetry, and reflection work. Bring a polarizer if you have one, and prepare to be surprised by how peaceful (and photogenic) this tucked-away spot can be.

Led by Rammy Kazemi.
Estimated session time: 4:00 - 7:00pm.
Join Rammy for an unforgettable three-hour photography session set against the dramatic backdrop of Spearfish Canyon, one of South Dakota's most scenic treasures. Timed to capture the golden hour light and the rich tones of early autumn, this session begins mid-afternoon and flows into the vibrant hues of sunset. Instructor Rammy K will lead you in exploring a variety of locations along the canyon - towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and winding creek beds - each offering unique opportunities to compose stunning landscape images. As the sun dips below the canyon walls, we'll shift our focus to low-light techniques and to capturing the changing mood of the landscape.

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