MUSES OF THE WEST
Muses of the West is a scenic photography experience set in carefully chosen locations across the American West and select destinations around the world—places where landscape and light become part of the art itself.
Each journey brings together a small collective of models and photographers, united by a shared appreciation for the beauty of the human form and the expressive power of artistic nude photography.
More than a tour, Muses of the West events create an opportunity to deepen your craft—refining your vision, expanding your skills, and creating within a community of like-minded artists inspired by both place and possibility.
Event Details
FAQ
-
For nature tours, we recommend you bring outdoor gear, including hiking shoes and sandals. Extra socks, a jacket, a sunhat, a comfortable camera bag/backpack, and be prepared to walk within 1/4 mile from the cars on uneven ground. Specific details on the length of the walk/hike and elevation will vary with each event. Final location selections will be chosen based on the physical abilities of the attendees in each group. If you have any concerns, please email us with any questions.
-
We suggest you bring a portrait lens, a zoom lens, and a wide-angle lens at a minimum. A reflector or light is up to each photographer.
-
Exact details for where to drive or fly into are provided for each event at sign-up.
-
We always provide lodging in upscale Airbnbs or Inns with comfortable common spaces to edit together, have communal mealtimes, stretch, and relax between shooting times. Photographers will have private bedrooms, and depending on the space, may have to share bathrooms. In the case of bad weather or if we feel inspired, we can shoot in that space too.
-
Photographers will take turns shooting with the models 1-1 in timed rotations. There will also be opportunities at each location to shoot with all the women at once. *NO over-the-shoulder/Paparazzi-style shooting is permitted.
COST & PAYMENT:
A 25% retainer fee is required to reserve your spot. 50% is due 6 months before the event, and the total amount must be paid in full 90 days prior to the event start date.*Optional Model & Chef gratuity $50-100 suggested per model per day
Email jessaraymuse@gmail.com to arrange payment.Â
*Non-participating family members may attend for an extra fee of $1000. This includes transportation, all meals, and lodging in your assigned room. If they need a separate room, then additional fees may apply.
Model Releases:
MOTW will provide a non-commercial Model release. If you wish to have a full commercial release, this will need to be discussed in advance, and an additional fee will be required per model.
REFUND POLICY:
Due to high overhead costs, we can only provide refunds if we are able to rebook your spot. Please give us as much advance notice as possible to make these arrangements. Be sure to read through the cancellation policy at the time you fill out the event registration form.
MEALS:
Our organizers, Greg & Jessa, are skilled cooks with over 20 years of experience each. We strive to serve freshly made meals for 90% of what is provided during a tour with us. If/when we do eat at a restaurant, we will pick family-owned or natural/organic options as much as possible, according to the dietary needs of each group.
Most of the meals are made by Greg, but occasionally Jessa or another assistant will pitch in to make it all come together. We customize the meal plans to fit the needs of the group for each event.
For nature tours, we often make meals to-go for sunrises and eat dinners on-site for sunset to maximize time efficiency and to provide the best possible experience for everyone on tour. We provide healthy snacks including fruit, protein bars, jerky, trail mix, drinks, water, and electrolytes for these tours. We know that being out for long days and in the elements can take a lot of energy and we want everyone to feel the best they can and stay safe.
We have experience making meals for many diets, including:
– Keto – Carnivore – Vegan – Vegetarian – Ovo pescatarian – Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Kosher – No Carb & More!
We send out a form before you attend our events. We request that this form be filled out by 1 month before the event starts so that we can customize your tour experience and plan around your dietary needs.
Please notify us in advance if you have any special food or drink requests. We buy organic ingredients whenever possible for produce and local, wild-caught, or grass-fed for any animal products. We provide dairy creamer, non-dairy milk, herbal tea, caffeinated tea, coffee, lemons, seltzer, electrolytes, etc., for everyone to enjoy while at our events. That being said, if you don’t tell us what you need, we can not provide it for you.
Please note:
*Alcohol is not provided. We will buy some wine for arrival and departure dinners on estate events, but overall, if you plan to drink in the evenings, you will need ot bring your own alcohol and keep your drinking to a minimum so as not to cause major disruptions. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
OUR ORGANIZERS
Jessa Ray Muse is a true muse of the American West. Born and raised in Utah and now based in Colorado with her husband Greg and two sons, she has spent years exploring the western United States and discovering some of its most breathtaking landscapes. With an expert eye for unique and inspiring locations, Jessa continually scouts destinations for unforgettable photoshoots — from sweeping sand dunes and hidden hot springs to alpine lakes, wildflower fields, ancient ruins, dry lake beds, and abandoned structures rich with character.
When you adventure with Jessa, you can expect more than a photoshoot — you’ll experience the West through the guidance of a passionate explorer and seasoned creative who knows how to uncover the region’s most remarkable hidden gems.
P.S. Jessa is first-aid & CPR certified in case of an emergency.
Co-organizer Greg is our lead chef, off-road driver, official bag man, and staff photographer. With more than 20 years of outdoor experience, he brings extensive knowledge in hiking, camping, survival skills, and location scouting.
His culinary background includes cooking for varying diets such as gluten-free, vegan, keto, and carnivore cuisine, as well as baking, campfire cooking on location, and preparing meals in professional kitchens under tight time constraints for large groups. His delicious cooking is always a highlight of the Muses of the West experience!
Greg is also available to book as a model for an additional fee on group tours, or he can be booked for private one-on-one photoshoots and custom tours.
