Muses of the West Photo Retreat: A Journey into Artistic Nudes in Southeast Utah

I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend a four-day photo retreat with Muses of the West photo tours, led by the talented Jessa Ray Muse and her husband, Greg. The retreat focused on shooting artistic nudes, set against the stunning backdrop of southeast Utah. It was an experience like no other, blending artistry, nature, and collaboration with both models and fellow photographers.

Our base for the retreat was a cozy Airbnb just south of Nephi, Utah, where we were joined by three models and two other photographers. It was an intimate setting that fostered creativity, shared learning, and meaningful connections. Jessa, who is not only a skilled photographer but also one of our models, brought along two other professionals: Velveteen Serpent Queen and Kat Keen, each bringing their own distinct energy and style to the shoots.

We visited five breathtaking locations, starting with a sunrise shoot in the White Sand Dunes camping area. The air was cool, with a light breeze that teased the fabrics the models used as props, creating flowing, ethereal movements as the first light of the day crept over the horizon. Climbing the dunes as the sun rose, the interplay of light on the rippled sand mirrored the grace of the models’ movements. With three models, each possessing unique posing styles, we photographers were able to rotate between them, first capturing individual shots, then coming together to photograph them in harmony on the crests of the dunes. It was an awe-inspiring start to the retreat, made even sweeter by the light breakfast Greg prepared for us in a nearby picnic area after the shoot.

In fact, Greg was our personal chef throughout the retreat, ensuring we were well-fed and hydrated. After our morning session, we returned to the Airbnb to relax before heading out for our second shoot at a hot spring an hour away. There, we followed a similar rhythm, photographing each model individually at sunset and then coming together for a group session. As we wrapped up the shoot, Greg treated us to a delightful Chicken Alfredo dinner by the hot spring before heading back to the Airbnb for a restful night.

Day two was spent at a stunning location called the Lace Curtains, a rock formation with naturally occurring holes that created the perfect backdrop for our artistic vision. Watching the models pose within the rock face, blending their bodies with the organic lines and textures of the landscape, was a mesmerizing experience. Each model brought a new dimension to the formations, and by the end of the session, we had some truly unique and powerful images.

Day three began with another sunrise shoot, this time near a lava tube formation. The harsh textures of the volcanic rock paired with the delicate movements of the models made for striking contrasts. Once again, we cycled between individual and group shots, making the most of the early morning light before retreating to our Airbnb for a midday break.

Our final shoot took place at sunset on the dry Sevier Lake Bed. The light reflecting off the glistening salt crust gave the scene an almost otherworldly glow, with mountains in the distance completing the vast and breathtaking landscape. It was the perfect conclusion to our retreat, as the models posed effortlessly against the expansive, barren beauty of the lake bed.

The last morning was spent sharing a leisurely breakfast, trading contact information, and saying our goodbyes. The camaraderie that had formed between the group made it hard to leave, but I left feeling not only creatively fulfilled but also inspired to push the boundaries of my own photography.

The combination of stunning locations, talented models, and the thoughtful organization of Jessa and Greg made this retreat truly unforgettable. The views, the atmosphere, and the ability to capture the human form in such intimate and dramatic settings far exceeded my expectations.

If you ever get the chance to join one of Muses of the West photo retreats, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a transformative experience for anyone looking to deepen their artistic vision. For more information, visit Jessa Ray Muse's website