Pack Goats & Epic Shots: Join Me on a Photography Adventure Like No Other

/ Val Westover Photography/
 

Hey there, photography lovers, backpackers, and mountain enthusiasts! If you’ve been following my journey at Val Westover Photography, you know I’m passionate about capturing life’s moments—whether it’s a family portrait, a business headshot, a wedding’s magic, or the raw beauty of landscapes, wildlife, and equestrian scenes. But today, I’m letting you in on something a little wilder: I’m training two Alpine goats, Groc (the black-and-white charmer) and Jacque (the tan-and-white trooper), to become pack goats. Why? To lead small, exclusive groups of you—photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers—on unforgettable photography expeditions into the heart of mountainous wilderness, where only the sure-footed can roam. Curious about how goats and photography go together? Let’s dive in!

The Vision: Photography Expeditions with a Twist

For years, my wife Stephanie and I ran incredible three-day photography experiences at a working horse ranch in Montana through montanahorses.com. Participants galloped across open plains, photographed cowboys at work, captured rodeos, and framed Montana’s jaw-dropping landscapes. Those adventures were a hit, blending hands-on experiences with stunning photography opportunities. Now, I’m taking that concept to new heights—literally—by focusing on remote, mountainous areas where vehicles can’t go, and only backpacking (and a couple of trusty goats) can get us there.

My main gig is portrait photography—families, business headshots, team photos, events, and weddings—but my heart beats for the wild. Landscape, wildlife, and equestrian photography let me tell stories through my lens, and I want to share that passion with you. That’s where Groc and Jacque come in. Photography gear is heavy—lenses, tripods, cameras, you name it. Carrying all that plus camping supplies for multi-day treks can be a backbreaker. My Alpine goats are being trained to lighten the load, carrying essentials like food, water, and camping gear so I (and you!) can focus on capturing epic shots without feeling like pack mules ourselves.

Why Pack Goats? Why Now?

If you’re wondering why goats, picture this: rugged peaks, hidden alpine meadows, and pristine lakes that take days to reach. These are the places where the light is pure magic, but they’re often only accessible by foot. Alpine goats like Groc and Jacque are perfect for the job—they’re agile, can carry 50-60 pounds each, and navigate steep, rocky trails with ease. Plus, they’re eco-friendly, leaving minimal impact on the trails we love. I’ve been working with these two for months, teaching them to handle packs and tackle obstacles. Groc’s bold and curious, always ready to lead, while Jacque’s steady and reliable, keeping the pace. Together, they’re my ticket (and yours) to deeper wilderness adventures.

This isn’t just about me getting to remote spots for my own photography—it’s about creating exclusive, small-group expeditions for people like you. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast eager to master landscape or wildlife shots, a backpacker craving untouched trails, a mountaineer seeking new challenges, or simply someone who loves nature and wants a unique experience, these trips are designed for you. Imagine a handful of us, hiking with Groc and Jacque, setting up camp in a high-alpine basin, and waiting for that perfect sunrise to light up the peaks. You’ll learn photography tips from me, capture portfolio-worthy images, and share stories around a campfire—all without the burden of a 50-pound pack.

What’s in Store for These Expeditions?

These aren’t your average group tours. They’re intimate, tailored adventures for those who want to go beyond the trailhead and create something extraordinary. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Access to Remote Beauty: We’ll venture into mountainous areas—think Sierra Nevada, Tahoe National Forest, the Utah High Uintas, or similar rugged gems—where goats give us the freedom to explore places most photographers only dream of.

  • Photography-Focused Experience: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, I’ll share pro tips on capturing landscapes, wildlife, and adventure scenes. Bring your camera, and let’s chase that perfect shot together.

  • Lightened Loads, Heightened Fun: Groc and Jacque will haul the heavy stuff—tents, food, water—so you can carry just your camera gear and soak in the experience.

  • Eco-Conscious Adventure: Goats are gentle on the land, grazing naturally and leaving no trace, aligning with our love for preserving these wild spaces.

  • Unforgettable Stories: From Groc’s curious antics to Jacque’s steady strides, our goat companions add a fun, quirky vibe to the journey. Expect plenty of laughs and photo ops with these two.

Join the Adventure!

My goal is to make photography expeditions that blend the thrill of backpacking with the art of capturing nature’s beauty. It’s about creating memories, building skills, and connecting with like-minded folks who feel alive in the mountains. If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing a hidden alpine lake, a herd of elk at dawn, or a star-filled sky far from city lights, this is your chance. These trips will be small (think 4-6 people max) to keep things personal and immersive.

Got questions? Want to know more about where we’ll go or how to prep? Drop a comment below or reach out through Val Westover Photography. If you’ve got experience with backcountry adventures or pack animals, I’d love to hear your stories! Sign up for my newsletter to stay in the loop on expedition dates, locations, and booking details. Groc, Jacque, and I can’t wait to hit the trails with you—let’s capture the wild together!

 

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