LOCATION: 

The Onaqui Wild Horse HMA (herd management area) is located in the West Desert and encompasses 321 square miles just a short drive southwest from Salt Lake City, Utah.  The picturesque valley extends from Johnson's Pass to south of Simpson's Springs and offers background views of the Cedar Mountains, Stansbury Mountains and Simpson Mountains. 

ABOUT THE HORSES:  

The word Onaqui originated from the Native America word meaning Place of Salt and the herd population count is just over 260 as of March 2026.  These beautiful horses have been living in the area since the late 1800's and are found in a stunning array of colors including bays, sorrel, roan, buckskin, black, grey, cremello and pinto.  Foaling season technically begins March 1st for wild herds where fertility control isn't used, but because it is, on Onaqui HMA you are bound to find a few new little additions arriving year round. 

THE WORKSHOPS:

Wild Horse Photo Safaris are provided by A Place In Time Photography, LLC. 

I love to facilitate a once in a lifetime experience for my guests where they immerse themselves in the lives and beauty of the wild horses while promoting environmental stewardship and a safe, educational experience which allows the horses space they need to maintain natural patterns and behavior.  You will learn details about the lives, families and hardships of the herd and hear stories and learn the individual names of countless horses throughout the duration of your tour. 

For more specific details about the range, horses and Frequently Asked Questions please click here.

Transportation for your equine photography workshop depart from and return to the town of Tooele, a quick 25 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport, where you'll have access to all the modern amenities you'll need before starting on our adventure into the desert.

The exact start and end times will be coordinated at the time of booking your workshop. 

The photo workshops are limited in space to a maximum of 4 guests to ensure everyone has the best personalized experience.  

The easy drive from Tooele to the Onaqui HMA will take approximately 45 minutes and wind through scenic mountains and open desert terrain.  Once we arrive at the range there are various locations where we will begin to look for the herds grazing, resting or coming to/from the watering holes. 

Depending on where the horses are located there will likely be varying degrees of walking involved so close toed shoes are required and dressing in layers is recommended to account for possible weather change. 

The terrain is primarily flat with a potential for a gradual incline/decline (similar to walking across an open field) and easy to traverse for most.  Average distance to reach the horses is between 5-10 blocks at a time.  As the horses move and graze we walk on foot with them.  On average 90% of the tour time is spent on foot - this is not an activity where one should expect to drive up to the wild horses and photograph them from the car.  I offer small stools for guests to carry with them to be able to sit and enjoy the horses.

The elevation is 5,100ft.

While in the field you'll learn all about the individual Onaqui Wild Horses, their family structure, bonds and how Federal Management comes into play.  If requested, you will receive one on one basic photography instruction to help you improve your ability to creatively frame an image.  Achieving beautiful wildlife photographs is about more than just being in the right place at the right time, it's about anticipating the possibilities of the scene unfolding in front of you through the lens. 

Please bring your preferred camera body, lens (100mm-500mm lens recommended with or without a teleconverter) and tripod or monopod if you are unable to shoot for periods of time hand held, but all external light sources and drones must be left at home.  We will be shooting from the gound, not out of the car.  Anticipate photographing from a distance of 150 feet or more. 

While I'm happy to give suggestions for optimal camera settings and great shot opportunities you will need to know all the basics of how to work your camera prior to arrival.  Bringing a manual is always recommended. 

All external lighting sources and drones must be left at home.

To hear what previous guests have to say about their experience click here

THE CANCELLATION POLICY:

It is understood that the Retainer and/or final payment amount are non-refundable charges if cancelled 180 calendar days (6 months) or less from your scheduled workshop start date.

179-151 calendar days: non-transferable credit given towards a future workshop or photo safari which much be used within 12 calendar months of the originally scheduled workshop date.  150 days or less no refund will be given. 

More than 180 calendar days: a refund will be given via the same method of payment received.

Credits may only be rescheduled once or will be forfeited and no refund given.

**Obtaining a travelers insurance policy at your own cost is recommended.