Gypsy Vanner Workshop 2026
Photograph these enchanting horses over two incredible days, then perfect your images with expert guidance from Judy.
An unforgettable journey for the passionate artist.
An Immersive Photography Experience For Only 10 Students September 24th - 27th 2026
Indulge in an extraordinary two-day equine photography experience set on the private farm of one of the premier Gypsy Vanner horse breeders on the East Coast. This exclusive retreat offers rare, up-close access to photograph these majestic horses in motion, capturing their power, grace, and feathered beauty as they run through sun-dappled pastures. This is more than a photography workshop, those that have come have left feeling like they had attended a retreat, a step back in time. While photograhing these amazing creatures you will learn about the culture of this farm family and make new friends.
Have a look at the video below for a little bit of magic behind this workshop from past events.
Reviews from Previous Attendees
"Judy- thank you so much for a wonderful experience this weekend. I really appreciated all the behind the scenes work you did to make this event go off so seamlessly. Spending two days with Sylvia and her horses was incredibly special and unique, truly something no other instructor could ever offer, all due to your ability to connect with people. I’m looking forward to next year’s Gypsy Vanner workshop! ."
Amy Masi, MD
Readyaimeeshoot Photography
"Judy brings a passion not only for her subject, but the art and more importantly the technical knowledge needed to be able to do the art. Her willingness to freely part with the knowledge and her openness to input from students during the class as well as paying attention to those that may be struggling while allowing others to try different perspectives, is refreshing."
Ed Connor, WV
Connor Photography
"Judy brings a passion not only for her subject, but the art and more importantly the technical knowledge needed to be able to do the art. Her willingness to freely part with the knowledge and her openness to input from students during the class as well as paying attention to those that may be struggling while allowing others to try different perspectives, is refreshing."
Victoria Manninna, VA
Photographer
Gypsy Vanner Experience Summary
To witness a Gypsy Vanner in motion is to experience living art, each movement a symphony of strength and elegance, framed by flowing manes and feathered hooves. It’s a rare vision of beauty that leaves an indelible mark on the soul. This is not merely a photography workshop, it is an exclusive experience. With privileged access to one of the East Coast’s premier breeding farms and the guidance of a master photographer, you'll capture these majestic horses in their most authentic moments, all set against a backdrop of natural splendor.
The experience includes the following:
- Meet and greet on photographing these amazing horses on Thursday night September 24th at 6pm while enjoying some local pizza. BYOB.
- 2 days of photographing Gypsy Vanner horses September 25th and 26th at a private farm on the property of Dancing Dream Vanners. Known all over the world for their beautiful horses.
- Each day we will head out for sunrise and sunset photography of the horses at the farm.
- Guidance with field shots and barn shots with constant light.
- We will have time for image reviews and mentoring on how to improve the shots and how to edit them both days back at the hotel from 1-4.
- Day 3, optional trip to photograph eagles at Conowingo Dam. September 27th, we will check out of the hotel and head to Conowingo Dam to photograph eagles. A great final stop on your way home.
- Custom Photoshop brushes provided for this workshop.
- 1 hour of private mentoring ($250 value) for each attendee scheduled at your convenience. Does not expire. Must be present at day 3 editing seminar.
Mare and Foal
Mare
Stallion
Mare
Tenative Schedule
How do I get there? The best airport to fly into is Harrisburg, then uber/lyft/carpool to the mansion, which is about 1 hour southeast of Harrisburg. If Philadelphia is better, rent a car and drive up to Lancaster. Once we have our 7 attendees there will be a Facebook group to chat and see who is coming from where and then you can carpool from airports etc.
All photography is weather dependent, but we will photograph in light rain, so come prepared.
Thursday September 24: Arrive at the hotel 5:30 or so for our meet and greet in the lobby area. We will have pizza and get to know each other.
6pm presentation on the horses and camera settings. Confirm departure times for Friday morning. Friday September 25: The Hotel is providing breakfast to go bags, we depart for the farm to arrive there by 6:45 am. We will shoot for several hours then break for lunch. Return to the hotel to review images from the morning at 1 pm. We return to the farm for sunset images. Dinner is on your own, A curated list of local eateries will be provided.
Saturday September 26: The Hotel is providing breakfast to go bags, we depart for the farm to arrive there by 6:45 am. We will shoot for several hours then break for lunch. Return to the hotel to review images from the morning at 1 pm. We return to the farm for sunset images. Dinner is on your own.
Sunday September 27: Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel. We check out of the hotel by 8 am. Optional: Then travel to Conowingo Dam and photograph bald eagles. This is about 30 minuets south of Lancaster. From here we say good by until next time!
The Offical Hotel
3476 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, Pennsylvania, 17534, USA
We will be having our classes and meet up at one of Lancaster's newest hotels. Hampton Inn and Suites. I recommend staying here. They are providing breakfast for people staying at the hotel for the workshop.
Map Of General Area
Gypsy Vanner Materials
Terms and Conditions
Canceling And Refund Policy
ALL REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED BY BUSINESS CHECK FOR THE AMOUNT BASED ON CANCELLATION DATE
Canceled 180 days or more before Sept 24, 2026: full refund minus $150 admin fee.
Canceled 179 - 90 days before Sept 24, 2026: 50% refund minus $150 admin fee.
Canceled 90 - 1 day before Sept 24, 2026: no refund unless we find a replacement guest. Then you will receive a 50% refund. Transferring your workshop to someone else must be pre approved due to the nature of the schedule and logistics of the house.
Cancellation Of Workshop
The workshop can be cancelled due to medical emergency, family emergency or unsafe travel. If this happens you will receive a full refund. Any incurred expenses for your travel to and from the workshop are not covered by Judy Reinford Photography. We suggest you purchase travel insurance.
Travel
Judy Reinford Photography is not liable for any airline or travel cancellations or delays. Please note that arriving at the workshop one or more days late will not entitle you to any refund.
Weather
Weather conditions are unpredictable, and safety is our top priority. Extreme weather will prevent the safe photography of the horses, The farm owner may cancel if they feel the weather is unsafe for the horses and her handlers.
Insurance
It is highly recommended to purchase travel and medical insurance for your trip to ensure peace of mind and protection against unforeseen circumstances. This coverage can provide essential assistance in the event of travel delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies, allowing you to fully enjoy your adventure without worry.
Photography
By attending this workshop, you consent to being photographed or videotaped by our team. These images and videos may be utilized in future promotional materials to showcase and advertise our events. Your participation helps us share the excitement and value of our workshops with a broader audience, and we greatly appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Liability
All attendees will promptly sign liability forms, which include all terms and conditions, via an online form. This form will be sent to you once you have selected your room package in the house. We're thrilled about this exciting adventure! Let's ensure the paperwork is completed at the beginning so we can focus on having fun.
Judy Reinford
In 1989 Judy graduated from Kutztown University and started working in photography for Hess’s department store. She photographed everything from china to jewelry to bed linens. Looking back, climbing a 10 foot ladder to use an 8x10 film camera to photograph products that were printed on plastic and backlit for store displays was fun and challenging. There was no Photoshop.
In 1994 Judy started working at an ad agency in pre-press, scanning film on a large drum scanner
and working in Photoshop to edit and composite. This led to a job at Rodale Press, continuing
to do the same thing
Returning to photography with her new skills, Judy started a career as a fine art photographer. Judy specializes in Equine and Pet photography. Her studio is located in Bath, Pennsylvania. As a mom to 7 spoiled Pomeranians, Judy enjoys working with the unpredictability, high energy, and often time challenging task of photographing animals big and small.
Judy’s interest in zoo photography came about with her interest in print competitions. This led to an interest in fundraising and donating to the zoo’s finished work for Gala silent auctions. Having a charity or nonprofit that matches the type of art she created was a perfect match. Judy Reinford has a BFA in Communication Design and Fine Art Photography from Kutztown University in Kutztown, PA.
4 Time GIA Nominee
ISAP Photographer Of The Year 2024
ASP Images Of Distinction, Best In Show Spring 2024
IPC 2024 Double Gold Medalist
2019-2022 PPA International Diamond Photographer Of The Year – Photographic Open
2023 PPA North Carolina Photographer Of The Year
2023, 2022 & 2020 Animal Image Makers - Best Equine Image
2023 Animal Image Makers - Best In Show
2023 Animal Image Makers - Master Of Animal Imaging
2021 Animal Image Makers - Accredited Professional Of Animal Imagery
PPNC Photographer Of The Year 2023
TXPPA Best Other Domestic Animal 2023
ASP 2nd Place Best Animal Portrait 2023
5 Time (2019- 2023) ASP State Elite Award
2021 MPI International Image Challenge - Digital Art Photographer Of The Year
2020 MPI International Image Challenge - Fine Art Photographer Of The Year
2020 - PPA International Platinum Photographer Of The Year – Master Artist
2019 WPPI Second Half Competition Third Place Animal Portrait
2019 ASP Bronze Medallion
2020 Imaging USA - Image Excellence Award
2019 ASP District Award 2019
Imaging USA - Craftsman Degree
2018 - PPA International Gold Photographer Of The Year – Photographic Open
2018 - PPA International Gold Photographer Of The Year – Master Artist
2018 ASP State Elite Award
2018 - PPA Northeast First Place Animal Portrait
2018 Imaging USA - Master Photography Degree and Mast Artist Degree
2017 - PPA International Gold Photographer Of The Year –Photographic Open
2017 - PPA International Platinum Photographer Of The Year – Master Artist
2016 - PPA International Silver Photographer Of The Year –Photographic Open
2016 - PPA International Gold Photographer Of The Year – Master Artist
