Workshops are offered every spring and fall during the cattle works.
“Shooting West Texas Photography Workshops – Fall works at The Hess Ranch, Marathon, Texas.
– October 27 & 28, 2025.
– $1,200 ($400 deposit required to hold your spot).
Experience the Spirit of the Old West at the The Hess Ranch
Step into a rare opportunity to photograph life on The Hess Ranch est 1899.
We will be photographing real working cowboys driving cattle at The Hess Ranch, just north of Marathon, Texas.
The Hess Ranch lies in the heart of the Glass Mountains, where elevations range from 4,000 to over 5,000 feet above sea level. Cowboys on horseback, with the help of their loyal cattle dogs, will gather and drive the herd across this rugged landscape. Eventually, the cattle will be taken to pens for vaccinations and ear tags—an essential part of ranch life.
Disclaimer: This is NOT a Dude Ranch! This is not staged! These are the fall works of a genuine, historic ranch. You will witness and document the true cowboy way of life through your lens, capturing moments that most people never get to see.
The Hess Ranch has been family-owned for more than 100 years and remains a private, working ranch not open to the public. This workshop is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and immersive photographic experience.
Be one of the few to experience this rare slice of American history. For professionals, this offers the chance to add truly unique and award-worthy content to your portfolio. For amateurs, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the spirit of the West. Artists will also find endless inspiration in the dramatic western landscapes and authentic working scenes.
Produced by Vicki LeBlanc, with support from ThinkTank, Mpix, and Red River Paper.
– For reservations send email to vicki@vickileblanc.com or call / text 713-569-1366.
– Non photographer companion can be arranged, fee will apply.
POLICES AND PROCEDURES:
Shooting West Texas photography workshops are limited to a small group of attendees. The cost of the workshop is $1,200; a non-refundable deposit of $400 is necessary to reserve your spot for the workshop. The balance of your workshop is due, either by check or credit card, before the first day. Night photography location will be determined.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you can’t attend the workshop you registered for, your deposit will be forwarded to the next workshop offered. Deposits are non-refundable.
HEALTH:
You must sign a Release of Liability form before the workshop begins with Shooting West Texas and The Hess Ranch, Kokernot o6 Ranch or The Gage Ranch. We cannot be made responsible for any student’s health issues. Photographing in ranch situations can be dangerous. You should be in reasonably good health to handle the high altitude (4K-6K elevation).
LIMITS OF LIABILITY:
All workshop participants accept full responsibility for personal injury and or personal losses during the period of the workshop. Applications and payments are an acknowledgment of the terms and conditions as outlined in this document. Shooting West Texas, Vicki LeBlanc, are not responsible for injuries resulting from a participant’s carelessness, or for loss or damage to personal property before, during or after the workshop has been attended. This includes all damage to person or property due to accidents, delay in itinerary, or expenses incurred due to theft. Payments, including deposit, for the workshop offered by Shooting West Texas Photography Workshops mean the depositor has read this document and agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. I have read the above paragraph concerning the policies and procedures, cancellation policy, health and limits of liability. I agree to hold Shooting West Texas Photography Workshops and Vicki LeBlanc harmless according to the above paragraphs. I also agree to be bound by the above terms and conditions, and wish to participate in the photography workshop.
