PROGRAMS
The Sky is the Limit
Our workshops and retreats often go beyond traditional classroom style teaching by creating a space where participants explore in a non-competitive, supportive, and hands-on learning environment.

If you are unable to attend otherwise and would like to request a scholarship to assist in covering tuition costs for your program, please apply at least a month in advance by filling out this form. If you have received a scholarship in the past, you are not eligible to receive one again.
Please note that our scholarships only cover tuition.Lodging and meals, materials, and transportation are not covered. We cannot guarantee to offer the full amount requested.
April 2025
Portrait Photography Amid Nature’s Beauty with David Rider – G25040501
What role does the human portrait play in today’s visually saturated culture? Why do we photograph another person, allow ourselves to be photographed by others, publish selfies, or examine portraits of strangers on Instagram? Have you ever photographed a friend, only to be disappointed with the results? This workshop harnesses the mystical beauty and splendor […] ...
Photo Fundamentals with Sandy Kaplan – G25040503
Unlock the secrets of stunning photography with Sandy Kaplan, an experienced photographer and longtime friend of the ranch, known for capturing the beauty of nature and the essence of human moments. This workshop, “Photo Fundamentals,” is perfect for beginners and enthusiasts looking to enhance their photography skills. Explore and learn camera basics, composition, lighting mastery, […] ...
Cyanotypes: Photography with the Sun with Carol Schrader – G25040505
Making cyanotypes, one of the oldest forms of photography, is like dancing with the sun. This sun or UV photography allows for playfulness and serendipity as we engage with nature at Ghost Ranch. Cyanotypes allow us to create gradations of value and often “see into” plants and other objects. We will make a number of […] ...
Immersive Photography & Darkroom Workshop with Kent Bowser- G25040506
In the spectacular backdrop of Ghost Ranch and surrounding areas in the spring, we will use film cameras to capture black-and-white images. We will then take those images and, with expert darkroom training, produce finished prints. This will be an immersive experience, with extensive hiking and time commitment required to learn the processes. All levels […] ...
Ghost Ranch Astrophotography Experience with Wayne Hicks – G25040507
This course is designed primarily for beginners. We are offering a rich experience starting with observational astronomy as a basis for astrophotography by gathering under the fantastic skies and breathtaking landscape of Ghost Ranch. To this end, we will utilize the Ranch’s high quality 12-inch computer-driven reflecting (Schmidt Cassegrain) telescope. Astrophotography basics will include simple […] ...
May 2025
Introduction to Social Media & Photography with Alex Ignacio – G25040508
This course provides a thorough introduction to the topics of photography and videography specifically for social media content creation, as well as more streamlined and stress-free methods for making, posting, and sharing content. The focus of this weekend workshop will be on using available resources such as iPhones and natural light, but we will cover […] ...
Landscape Tintype Demo with James O’Connell – G25040509
Please call 505.685.4881 or 505.685.1019 to register for this free demo. James O’Connell will transport guests back to the 1850s as he demonstrates tintype photography. Tintype is a complex photographic technique resting one of a kind images on metal, and over the course of an hour James will walk guests through each step of the process […] ...
Environmental Storytelling with Katie Orlinsky – G25050102
For the last decade, National Geographic photographer Katie Orlinsky has been photographing stories that explore the relationship between people, animals and the land in the face of environmental change. In this hands-on workshop, Katie will guide participants in the art of environmental storytelling, with a focus on the unique, beautiful and increasingly fragile environment of […] ...
Eco poetry: Hike + Connect = Write with Carrie Nassif – G25050104
Ecopoetics is poetry with a sensitivity to the interconnectedness of the natural systems all around us. It may explore a collective sense of self, nurture a sense of wonder, and/or call us to advocate for the planet. This generative workshop is for writers of all levels and provides representative readings & links ahead of time […] ...
Hike the ‘Ologies’ with Connie B. Burkhart – G25050105
Explore the geology, paleontology and archaeology of Ghost Ranch through easy to moderate hikes to places that tell the stories of the rocks, the people and the fossilized life of the past. Learn how these ‘ologies’ fit together bringing history to life as we set the stage with lectures and adventures out in the field […] ...
Intermediate Landscape Watercolor with Patsy Welch – G25050109
This is a class for people who have already taken an introductory watercolor class. The Intermediate class will give students a chance to learn more advanced techniques. We will be using salt, alcohol, sea sponges as well as candle wax to find new ways to create the wide array of textures we see at Ghost […] ...
Drawing from Nature: Bones and Blooms with Helen Byers – G25050107
Please call 505.685.4881 or 505.685.1019 to register for this workshop. At Ghost Ranch, Georgia O’Keeffe found inspiration in the desert around her. Flowers and animal bones were among her favorite subjects—often in combination. Here is your chance to explore how the same subjects inspire YOU. Refine your realistic drawing skills with a week in residence […] ...
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