Darby, Montana – March 2010 – Triple Creek Ranch, the acclaimed Montana Relais  Châteaux resort, introduces two back-to-back Photography Workshop Weekends, scheduled June 4 – 7 and June 10-13, 2010.  Ideal for both aspiring and more accomplished photographers, the workshop weekends welcome two of the country’s foremost professional photographers, David Stoecklein, known as the “photographer of the American West,” and Kenton Rowe, whose expertise includes wildlife, landscapes and ranch life.   Two other Montana photographers will join Rowe on the second weekend.  Over the four-day/three-night weekends, guests will have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and swap trade secrets with instructors and fellow photographers while capturing the rustic romance, soulful cowboys and scenic surroundings of the Bitterroot Valley in Western Montana.  The weekends are priced from $650 to $2,495 per couple*, and include luxurious accommodations in log cabins with wood-burning fireplaces and hot tubs (in-cabin or nearby), all workshops and activities, and all meals and in-house beverages.  Guests should bring their own cameras and photographic equipment.

*There is a $1,500 per person premium for the David Stoecklein photography workshop.

The weekends are the latest example of Triple Creek Ranch’s commitment to and appreciation for art. The resort is well-known for its extensive private collection of Western-genre art and frequently hosts artist-led workshop weekends featuring celebrated Western artists.

David Stoecklein
World-famous Western-genre photographer David Stoecklein, author of numerous books including Cowboy Ethics, the Montana Cowboy and Cowgirls in Heaven, will lead the June 4 – 7 workshop, which promises to make participants “better photographers, more capable technicians and perceptive critics of the photographic arts.” Stoecklein’s signature style of honest, earnest portrayal; candid action; and subtle lighting accurately captures the sights and sentiments of the American West.   He launched his career shooting lifestyle images of skiing, fishing, hiking and biking for companies ranging from Coca-Cola to L.L. Bean and Timberland and has spent more than 30 years creating images portraying the spirit of the American West.   www.stoeckleinphotography.com 

Kenton Rowe
Award-winning photographer Kenton Rowe teams with two other prominent Montana photographers to lead the June 10 – 13 workshop.  Participants will hone their skills while shooting throughout the Bitterroot Valley, receiving instruction in basic photography and more advanced techniques to photograph wildlife, landscapes, night scenes and more. Rowe’s specialty is environmental photo-journalistic portraiture.    www.kentonrowephotography.com  .  

The weekend programs feature all the sumptuous services and amenities of Triple Creek Ranch, including accommodations in a luxury log cabin with wood-burning fireplace, stocked bar, and a private hot tub on the deck (or nearby); as well as photography workshops, one-on-one work critiques, and a continuous opportunity to ask questions about the world of professional photography in a personal, relaxed atmosphere.   Meals will be enjoyed in the mountain-facing Lodge with cocktails in the Rooftop Lounge.

Guests will enjoy exploring (and photographing) the resort’s 600 tranquil acres. An Orvis-endorsed fly fishing resort, Triple Creek Ranch offers superb fly fishing on the Bitterroot River. Hiking and horseback riding through the Bitterroot National Forest afford great views of area wildlife (also perfect settings for outdoor photography). Guests can also enjoy the resort’s tennis, fitness center, and heated pool. For relaxation, a massage in the privacy of the guest cabin and a hot tub soak among the Ponderosa pines make inviting options. When curling up with a good book is the preference, a crackling log fire in the cabin is especially cozy.

For information and reservations, contact Triple Creek Ranch directly at 800-654-2943 or 406-821-4600; via email info@triplecreekranch.com; online through the Web site www.triplecreekranch.com ; or via any travel agent.
 

About Triple Creek Ranch

Rated the #1 US hotel in Travel + Leisure’s 2009 “T+L 500” as well as the #1 US hotel for service and  # 3 hotel worldwide by Travel + Leisure in 2009, Triple Creek Ranch is a Relais  Châteaux member property and an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodge and resort.  Set against a backdrop of the Montana Rockies, Triple Creek Ranch is a favored all-inclusive luxury getaway for couples who appreciate a balance of rest, romance and outdoor recreation with exquisite service, an extensive wine cellar and innovative cuisine.  Accommodations in 23 luxury log cabins with fireplace (most with private hot tub); all meals, snacks and beverages (including hearty breakfasts and multi-course candlelit gourmet dinners with house wines and cocktails) are all included.  Children 16 and over are welcome.  www.triplecreekranch.com