Magic in the Tetons Autumn 2026
October 2 - 6, 2026
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*Kristen Ryan Photography is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service.
Sunrise at the iconic Oxbow Bend in September 2018
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most spectacular and awe inspiring landscapes in the world. These rocky peaks rise majestically above the floor of the Jackson Hole Valley and will take your breath away with their beauty. There is endless inspiration for photographers in this amazing corner of northwest Wyoming. In late September, fall foliage will be lit with vivid colors and quite often the peaks will be topped with the seasonal changing snow.
The Tetons have held my heart since I was a young girl. As the story has been told to me, at the age of 4, I held up my arms and declared them "My Mountains". I think this is a common reaction to this magical place! Come spend 4 days with me in this amazing place as I lead you to some of the iconic can't miss spots in the valley as well as a few personal favorites.
Included in the cost of the workshop:
* 4 days of photographic adventures in an amazing national park!
4 nights of lodging in a prime location - a bedroom to yourself in a cabin with one other attendee
Welcome reception & light dinner
Small group limited to 6-7 attendees for lots of 1:1 attention
* Private online group for community and sharing
Pre-retreat 15 minute photo chat with Kristen to prepare for the adventure
Introduction to the Grand Teton National Park video with inspirational tips for photographing the beauty of the park
Not included: Airfare, Transportation to the cabins and within the workshop, park permit, meals after the welcome dinner .
DATES: OCTOBER 2 -6th Workshop will begin at 4:30 on October 2nd finishing up the evening of October 5th. This allows participants to have the freedom of flight choices home on October 6th.
Skill Level: All skill levels welcome though a solid understanding of shooting in manual is recommended.
Activity Level: Many of our locations are very close to the parking areas, which require little walking. However, participants should be prepared to walk up to several miles per day as we move around at locations.
Participants should be prepared for a vigorous schedule as we will be on location well before sunrise each morning. If conditions allow, we may also photograph the night sky.
Investment: $3875 - Shared Two Bedroom Cabin - This retreat tuition offers lodging with your own private bedroom in a Two bedroom cabin with a shared kitchen, bathroom and cozy living room steps from Grand Teton National Park.
$4675 - Private One Bedroom Cabin - This retreat tuition provides lodging in a private one bedroom cabin with bathroom, kitchen and living area all to yourself for the retreat.
Our home for the retreat provides the perfect resting place for us between all our photographic adventures. Located just 10 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport with a stunning view of the Tetons and steps from the south entrance of Grand Teton National Park, we couldn’t be in a better place to explore the park. We are within 30-40 minutes of all our locations which minimizes our driving and maximizes our exploration and time to rest! More about our lodging below!
The cost includes 4 days tuition plus 4 nights lodging, light welcome reception dinner, in field instruction, and opportunity for post workshop discussion and critique.
Deposit: A *deposit of $1000 will hold your place in the workshop. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the workshop*. Deposit is non refundable unless your spot is filled, in which case it will be refunded minus an administration fee. This same policy applies to the full tuition after it is paid. No exceptions.
Registration details will go out to my email list! Please sign up to be the first to know
Group Size: Limited to 6-7 attendees
Accommodations and Travel: Our lodging location is ideal as we will be close to Grand Teton National Park and many excellent shooting locations. We are also only 15-20 minutes from the town of Jackson and about 10 minutes from the Jackson Hole (JAC) airport. Other airport alternatives are Idaho Falls (approx 2 hours drive) and Salt Lake City (5 hours drive).
We will be staying in cabins which have rooms with a full size bed as well as a sofa bed. Participants will share cabins which also have a living area, kitchen and shared bathroom. There is a small grocery store and a pizza/pasta restaurant. The cabins are our home away from home and chosen not only for its fantastic location but to foster an intimate feeling within the retreat. Not to mention, the view. Did I mention the view?!
During the retreat, we will carpool to locations so you may need to rent a car and/or contribute some cash to another attendee who volunteers to drive. We need 2 additional drivers to myself so that additional drivers can switch off!
Cabins at the foot of the Tetons
Itinerary: Participants should be prepared to be flexible in the schedule. Weather and photographic conditions will dictate our schedule for shooting, discussion, meals and even sleep. We will take advantage of getting out in the field as much as possible while still providing time for meaningful connection, discussion and meals together. Weather in the Tetons varies greatly and the forecast can change on a dime. The workshop time will be heavily focused in the field but will also include the opportunity for post processing discussion after the retreat.
Photographic Opportunities: We will chase the light and follow Mother Nature as she guides us through our 3 1/2 days together. We will capture the grand landscape as well as more intimate scenes and maybe even wildlife if we are lucky enough! Possible shooting locations include Schwabacher's Landing, Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, Snake River Overlook, Signal Mountain, Jenny Lake, among others. Specific itinerary will not be determined until the week before due to the impact of weather conditions.
TESTIMONIALS FROM past SEPTEMBER ATTENDEES
“Magic in the Tetons was everything I imagined it would be and so very much more! Kristen is a generous, talented and amazing photographer and host! She took us to some of the most wonderful locations, all of the iconic spots, and beautiful more private locations off the beaten trail. Kristen planned the trip perfectly, making sure we got to each location in time for the very best light, and she was always available to be sure we were set up for success. She somehow struck that perfect balance….checking in with us to be sure we had what we needed, but providing enough room to let the creativity and wonder of the place take hold. And as expected, the locations in this beautiful park were simply awe inspiring! What I didn’t expect was the wonderful camaraderie, the support of other generous creatives, the laughter, and all the friendships I formed along the way. This experience was one of the most fulfilling photography experiences I’ve ever had, one I will never forget, and I’m already trying to decide which of her other wonderful trips will be next. I would take another trip with Capture Magic Retreats in a click of a shutter!” - Donna S
“The kinship I felt and the friendships I made on the Magic in the Tetons Retreat made the experience truly special. Having the opportunity to do something I love with women who have the same passion, created a bond that is magical. Beyond the personal connections, the overall trip was fantastic. The location of our lodging was perfect for accessing food while still being close to some of the iconic locations. Kristen Made herself available to help and answer questions before, during, and after the trip. Additionally, it was clear that she put a lot of thought into planning the trip and making sure it was a safe and valuable experience for everyone. The Tetons are such a special place, and it was a joy to be there with Kristen and the other wonderful ladies.” - Julie B
“If there is one thing I can say about attending one of Kristen's retreats, it's that I would do it over and over again in a heartbeat!! I jumped in on an open spot at the last minute and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience the magic of not only the Teatons, but also of Kristen. Not only is she patient and kind, but she is incredibly organized, supportive, and an amazing teacher!! If you're considering a retreat with Kristen, do not hesitate - just do it!!!” - Mandalyn G
“Wow!!! Just magical! Amazing Trip to the Grand Tetons! I was a little nervous before I left for the trip . Many insecurities running through my head but as soon as I met Kristen and the other 10 wonderful ladies at the retreat I felt totally at ease and had an awesome 4 days photographing. Kristen brought us to the best places at the best times to get amazing shots. Kristen is a great teacher , mentor and friend and makes everyone feel at ease no matter what level of photography you are at. As soon as I came home I wanted to return and plan on going on more of Kristen’s amazing retreats this year. Can’t wait!!!” - Kim C
"I was thrilled to have been able to sign up for Kristen’s Magic in the Tetons retreat! Her love for those mountains shines brightly throughout the retreat. From the accommodations to the stunning landmarks we visited, it was a trip I’ll never forget. She brings a vast experience for photographing the outdoors and is incredibly helpful when and if you need a hand to create stunning imagery like you imagined. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I simply can’t wait to join her on another amazing retreat!” - Kathy R
“ When I returned from Magic in the Tetons, my husband asked, “Did you find your people?” “Yes,” I told him. “I did.” Kristen’s retreat is so much more than a photography retreat. It’s a chance to creatively recharge, hone new skills, get inspired, enjoy the camaraderie of a special group of women and connect with nature in a stunningly beautiful location. Kristen has created a special experience that is hard to put into words. This is a trip you don’t want to miss.” - Ann K
”I had tried for several years to sign up for Magic in the Tetons but was either too slow and the retreat was sold out, or the dates didn’t work. (Or we had a pandemic ) FINALLY, I got to make the trip and it was soooo worth the wait. But Don’t Wait!!!! Sign up !! Magic is the right word. Kristen knows where to go and how to time all of the best locations to really see and photograph the Magic of this beautiful area. Add that to the company of wonderful women photographers to learn from and it was truly an amazing experience. I learned so much and now of course I want to go back and experience everything all over again! Thank you, Kristen and Megan!!!!” - Camille R
** Kristen Ryan Photography is an authorized CUA permit holder of the National Park Service and will conduct my workshop based on the permit's guidelines.
