Participant Feedback

“I have now done 5 trips with Muses of the West and am about to embark on my 6th.
Every experience has been terrific… well scouted locations, fabulous models, great group vibe, fantastic food and terrific lodging.
I’ve put together several books of this work, since we do so much shooting that I have amassed quite a volume of strong pictures. Jessa puts everything together, but once on location we have great freedom regarding what and where we shoot. Models are never expected to work with more than one photographer at a time. When we share work during and after the tour I am always amazed how different and unique each photographer’s results are. This isn’t a class or group shoot… it becomes a collaboration of great models and talented photographers. Everybody benefits from being in a creative beehive with everyone else, but we each have our own vision. Cooperation and mutual respect makes it all work.
Jessa does a particularly good job of recruiting the best models. All are, of course, attractive. But all are wonderful people with strong characters and positive energy as well. My own work blends elements classic art nudes with portraiture… so it is very important to me that I work with models who are able to connect with a photographer. And when you do as many of these trips as I have it also becomes important to always be meeting and working with new people. Shooting 3 or 4 models in a day gives you great training on how to find the unique and special talents of each.
Shooting as much as we do, and traveling some distances on the typical day to be in position for the best light could be exhausting. But well planned schedules with time for mid-day rest, combined with Greg’s always fine food makes it work.
On these trips I tend to cover a lot of territory at our shooting locations finding the spots that appeal to me most. Our models are always up for a little adventure getting to some of these spots. But other photographers who are perhaps less mobile or familiar with scrambling around the wilds are able to do great work as well, because our scouting puts us places where there is plenty to shoot even right by our parking spots.
I have done other workshops in which some of what people were shooting was in what I felt was poor taste. I will not shoot anything that I would not be proud to share with my wife or put in a coffee table book in my living room. I have never felt at all uneasy with any aspect of what we have shot in Jessa’s tours. I constantly urge my wife to join us, and while she hasn’t I think that this is a measure of my sincere appreciation that these tours are organized to create art rather than crossing lines.
In sum, these trips remind me of Kodak’s original slogan, “You take the picture, we do the rest."”

Ashton Lee - Photographer

“Jessa Ray Muse is a truly exceptional artistic nude model whose work seamlessly blends beauty, movement, and nature. As the founder of Muses of the West photo retreats alongside her husband, Greg, she brings a deep personal connection to the terrain of southwest Utah, where she grew up. Her lithe, expressive posing style flows effortlessly with the landscape, as if she is a part of the rugged cliffs, vast deserts, and hidden canyons. Jessa’s sense of movement is astounding—every gesture feels perfectly in tune with the environment, creating imagery that feels both powerful and serene. Leading these retreats, Jessa demonstrates her professionalism and dedication to the art form. She carefully curates each location, taking photographers to off-the-beaten-path places that are visually stunning and creatively inspiring. Her deep knowledge of the land enhances each session, and her ability to pose with such grace and fluidity in these natural settings elevates the artistic experience. Jessa is not just a muse but a creative force behind these unforgettable retreats, bringing together a passion for the art of photography and a love for the land she calls home. Her talent, leadership, and professionalism make her an invaluable part of any artistic collaboration.”

Anonymous - Photographer

“As soon as Jessa Ray Muse posted the information for the Muses of the West New Mexico Landscape Adventure I knew I wanted to participate. The idea of photographing the three models in the selected interesting locations was exciting. I was drawn to the all expense pre-paid concept, including model fees, meals, transportation to all locations, and lodging. I was also able to have my wife included in the lodging and meals at a small additional fee. The 1:1 photographer to model ratio allowed for more time to make pictures.

As the start approached Jessa provided detailed information on all aspects of the event. We received a comprehensive schedule, the locations where we would stay, information about the models, and lists of what we should bring.

While we were together she was flexible in adjusting the schedule to accommodate weather and alternate photography opportunities. This led to some unexpected wonderful images.

Meals were prepared for the group and were personalized to accommodate food issues. This added to the enjoyment of everyone in the group. All were very good and contained ample portions.

The models were terrific and contributed many interesting ideas for the photographs. They all worked very hard and made the process fun.

Jessa chose varied and interesting places for us to stay. Each had its own charm and allowed us to spend more time together as a group, adding to the fun.

For the reasons above, I highly recommend the Muses of the West Adventures.”

Mark Harris - Photographer

“I attended the inaugural Muses of the West tour in 2022 and it was the best put-together model workshop that I've ever attended. Communication prior to and during the event, food and housing were all great and combined with the phenomenal posing and energy of the models made for a very successful trip with lots of great photos. Jessa Ray kept in communication prior to arrival so we all knew what to bring and what to expect for locations and models which made getting excited really easy!

Having the models and photographers share a house for the tour provided more opportunities to engage with each other and share photos and concepts each day so that our pictures together could evolve throughout the trip, versus had we been isolated in our own hotel rooms. The variety of locations provided unique opportunities each day for different poses and multiple opportunities for various types of dresses that the models brought with them.

Jessa Ray picked a group of models with varied looks and styles, but still complemented each other when we did group shoots. Jessa Ray ensured we rotated models between the photographers at each location and also planned pair and trio shoots too, thus ensuring the photographers maximized their variety of photos. Jessa Ray pulled double duty in modeling, pointing the photographers to pre-scouted locations and keeping us on schedule, and even providing alternate plans when other people wandered into our photo shoot location. Although she had a well thought-out plan for each shoot location, there was still ample time for the photographers and models to discover their own unique areas at the location to come up with their own adhoc concepts.

A surprising highlight of the tour was the food. Having a personal chef, Greg, prepare healthy meals each day ensured we were all fueled and ready to go. Jessa told us at the beginning of the trip that there would be no fast food on this trip! Even when we had to leave in the early morning for a sunset shoot, Greg provided homemade super smoothies to get us going that morning and would also cook on location after several shoots so that we could eat at a normal meal time instead of waiting for a long drive back to the house.

Having a tour with experienced models in interesting locations ensures you'll get great photos, but combining that with having a well-planned tour with good food and lodging guarantees you'll have an experience that you'll treasure and remember every time you view those photos.”

Greg Holden - Images Underfoot - Photographer

“Muses of the West events are well planned and very organized. Jessa’s extensive scouting trips have allowed her to find exquisite, out of the way locations throughout the southwest. She’s very detail oriented and plans her shoots to allow photography at the optimum time for each location. The provided transportation was reliable, the accommodations were comfortable, and the provided meals by co-organizer Greg were creative and delicious.

Jessa is great model and her reputation with other models lets her select beautiful, talent from all over the world. The ladies worked well together with no drama.

Overall, Muses of the West provided a great opportunity to shoot wonderful models in locations that I otherwise would probably never have found on my own.”

Gary Christopher - Aubeantigua - Photographer

“Colorado is beautiful and the "Muses of the West" photography tour that Greg Holden and I attended in September 2022 was super. We all stayed in a nice home that is usually a hostel, but the organizers rented out the entire house so that we have privacy as a group but also gave us the chance to shoot in the space. The house was both centrally located for our day trips, and also provided a fine opportunity for everybody to get to know one another. The home-cooked food throughout the trip was over-the-top! Both the models and the shooting locations offered a wide variety of opportunities to get all sorts of fine shots and I have already gotten some photo awards for the resulting images.

Other outstanding features of this workshop: The model-to-photographer ratio was great, so we all got to pair off in various combinations. The photo shooting locations covered a wide range of environments. We had ample time in the evening to process and review the work as the workshop progressed. I personally learned a great deal from working with the other photographers and models, as well as having a great time.”

Bill Seelig - Photographer

“I recently attended a Muses of the West event in Borrego Springs, California. The first
afternoon we met for lunch and then did some casual images as a way of introducing
ourselves to each other. We were three photographers, three professional travel models
(Gazelle Powers, Titania, and Jessa Ray Muse) and Greg who was the driver, logistician,
camp cook, scout, and if needed male model. The event organizer for Muses of the West is
Jessa Ray Muse. Jessa and Greg are a detail oriented couple who work exceptionally well
together. Our "mission" was primarily to engage in outdoor artistic shoots with a team of
outstanding professional models. Our a weather backup plan of shooting around
our upscale Airbnb.
Our first full day of adventures included both sunrise and sunset shoots.
Weather kept us indoors for part of the day, but then we ventured out into the great
outdoors. The topography of this area varies greatly. Rich fossil deposits and ancient
cultural evidence are to be found
On the second full day, we found ourselves in several rugged locations. I have much to
learn about shooting in these locations, learning what works at sunrise and sunset and what
doesn't, and lots more. I haven't said much about Greg.......in his role as Camp Chef, we
enjoyed three freshly prepared great meals each day. Well done! One more day of
adventure remains before I start my cross country drive home.
The third and last day started with an early sunrise shoot, some more shooting around the
Airbnb, shooting in a date palm orchard and an adventure at a bit higher altitude with live
oak trees and green pastures. Even though the wildflower bloom was doomed by lack of
moisture, our adventures out to areas of varied topography and the camaraderie of
creative people made lasting memories and friendships. Time to get packed, get to bed, and
get ready for the return drive cross country.
A big shout out to event organizer Jessa Ray Muse, our three outstanding models (Gazelle,
Titania, and Jessa) and Greg who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Also, I want to put in
a plug in for Style by Wanderlust Lingerie who provided sponsorship to Muses of the West by
furnishing very nice lingerie which the models were eager to model.
For me this was a badly needed, worry free and rejuvenating experience. One thing is
certain.............This will not be my last Muses of the West event! Review By Anonymous”

Anonymous - Photographer

“Muses of the West Tours are fantastic! I went on the Great Basin Tour in Utah. This was a great tour over several days of awesome locations, with great models, great food, and great fellow photographers. Jessa and Greg are exceedingly knowledgeable scouts and guides. With their well-thought out planning for the tour, I was able to capture the types of images I had anticipated. Accomodations were fantastic as well, with adequate time for travel to the locations and rest. All the fantastic meals were prepared fresh by Greg, an outstanding cook, some even right on location, making for great downtime and conversation between shooting. All in all this was an awesome tour and an incredible time photographically, socially and adventure wise. I would definitely return for this one or another of their tours and would not be able to recommend Muses of the West enough!”

Pierre Burnaugh - Photographer

“I attended a private tour with “Muses of the West”. Jessa put together a fantastic tour with great models and locations.
The models were wonderful to work with. They all worked together very well and had dynamic poses. All the models collaborated with me so I could capture the vision I was seeing. Greg put together great meals for us during the entire trip, they were wonderfully delicious and they even
took the time and care to accommodate my vegan diet. I will be attending more tours by “Muses of the West” as they put together a great tour and took time to make sure I was able to capture the best images possible. Highly recommend.”

Stephen Podrasky - Podrasky Fine Art - Photographer

“I've been to two photo events with Muses of the West, and I'm planning a third this summer. They've always had everything I could want in one of these. We get great locations that have been well scouted out. Jessa finds great models who are experienced and work well with the photographers and each other. The accommodations are well chosen, clean, and comfortable. And the food provided, and prepared by the chef Greg is excellent, and taking everyone's needs into consideration. Schedules are well planned in advance, with a good balance of shooting time and resting time, but with enough flexibility to handle unforeseen circumstances.”

Tim Henness - Photographer

“Working with **Muses of the West** is an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond a typical photography tour. Every excursion feels like a thoughtfully curated journey—one that blends breathtaking landscapes, artistic inspiration, and genuine human connection.

Jessa Ray and Greg are outstanding guides whose passion and expertise are evident in every detail. Their deep knowledge of the terrain allows them to lead photographers to extraordinary locations that feel both majestic and intimate. Each setting is carefully chosen, creating an environment where creativity flows naturally and photographers of all skill levels feel supported and inspired.

The tours are exceptionally well organized, striking a perfect balance between structure and creative freedom. Participants are free to focus on their craft, knowing that logistics have been handled seamlessly. An added highlight is Greg’s incredible cooking—sharing fresh, beautifully prepared meals in such remarkable settings elevates the entire experience and reflects the care they bring to their work.

Muses of the West sets a remarkably high standard for photography workshops. Their professionalism, artistic vision, and attention to detail make these tours truly special. I recommend them without hesitation to anyone seeking inspiration, adventure, and a meaningful creative experience.”

Photographer at Large⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **A Truly Exceptional Creative Journey**

“I have attended a number of Fine Art and Glamour photography events and workshops. All of the issues I have had with them Muses of the West (MotW) has eliminated in their workshops.

1. Model to Photographer Ratio. At MOTW, the ratio is always 1:1. I have attended workshops that promised 50 models to 36 photographers. But it later ended up with only 20 models and 36 photographers. Some of the models that were originally promised in the lineup later stated they had never agreed to ever attend the event.

2. Models taking off with one photographer for the day. MOTW has shooting rotations to ensure all photographers get equal access to all the models.

3. “Turn Key” operation. In most workshops, you have to pay for the workshop, then negotiate and pay each model separately. If you want to shoot multiple models together, the cost can easily become prohibitive. In addition, you then have to arrange accommodations, food, and transportation out of your pocket. When you attend a MOTW event, you pay one flat fee, which includes all model fees, lodging, food, and transportation for the daily shoots. Multiple model shoots are included in the schedules.

4. Balance. Most events just get whatever models they can. The MOTW organizers select experienced models that not only physically match but also play well with each other. They bring in international models frequently to provide a distinctive flavor to the shoots.

I have attended 2 Muses of the West events and am attending another in France this summer.”

Delphi Images - Photographer

“I went on the Muses of the West September 2025 Great Basin tour.
The locations were excellent. Jessa and Greg were excellent, well organized hosts. Greg magically prepared delicious hot meals from the back of his Subaru. The delicious food on location provided an excellent finale to the awesome sunset shoots.
Models were excellent. They came from a variety of backgrounds. Always professional and willing to work to get the best shots.
We stayed in a big, comfortable house. The one to one ratio of photographers allowed for ample
opportunity to create with all of the models. Additionally, time was given for photographers to work with some or all of the models as a group.
Great tour that I highly recommend.”

Art David Photo - Photographer