Description

Winter is a magical time in Yellowstone, when the world has turned white and the darker animals are easier to find but not so easy to photograph.

Ever wonder how I get those beautiful images of the wolves and other animals in the snow?  Well, it took years of practice and trial and error, all while learning nature’s cues on how to find what might be hidden just beyond a hill or stream.  And, now, for the first time, I will share my winter time secrets with you during a private or group photography workshop in Yellowstone.

HOW WE WILL SPEND THE DAY

This private workshop will be for one to three individuals who are family members or close friends, not strangers, and are photographers.  Price will be per person.  Or, for a couple with one being a photographer and the other not.

We will begin the day before sunrise, heading out to Lamar Valley to look for wolves.  As the day continues, we will also look for weasels, badgers, foxes, coyotes, frosty bison, golden eagles on the hunt, big horn sheep, pine martens, moose and otters.  A day in the field will last about 10 hours, ending at approximately 4 p.m..  You will be encouraged, on one day tours, to bring a lunch that can be eaten on the go, and snow shoes, if you have them.  Short hikes are possible – it is always good to get out and stretch your legs and see what is beyond the road.

During the course of the day, we will attempt to photograph animals closeup, using telephoto lenses, and in the landscape, using wide angle lenses.  We will follow the rules set in place by the park service and discuss the ethics of wildlife photography so that we do our best not to disturb the animals, or get in the way of other photographers.  We will work on composition and how to get that perfect exposure in the snow.

For group workshops, we will have a get together the evening before, to become acquainted and so that I can answer questions.  On the first day of the tour, we will meet one hour before sunrise and go directly to the Lamar Valley area, for either sunrise or early morning wildlife photography.  The day will end at around 4 p.m.  The second day of the tour will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end after sunset.  After the tour, feel free to email me up to 5 of your best images for critique and suggestions.

THE NEW COVID WAY

During the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, our workshops and tours will be geared towards maximum safety for all involved.  Masks will be worn when distancing is not an option, inside and outside if participants are not vaccinated. There will be no mask requirement for a fully vaccinated group.  If you are not vaccinated, we will encourage clients to drive their own vehicle and follow their guide, using walkie talkies to keep in contact.  If this is not possible, we will screen each person to assure they are healthy.  Your guide is fully vaccinated.   Any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact.

CLOTHING

You will be responsible for wearing warm and comfortable clothing.  Be prepared for the temperatures to range 40 degrees during the course of a day.  It may snow, rain or shine.  It may be frosty and bitterly cold, or too warm for your jacket.  I suggest a down winter jacket with fleece layers, a warm hat, gloves that will allow you to control the camera (heavy and light gloves are preferred), a face mask, sunglasses, sun scree, snow pants, good comfortable and warm boots (I use Baffin and winter Muck Luks, warm socks (I always carry an extra pair in case they get wet) and hand and toe warmers.  My preference is water proof boots for crossing creeks.

FOOD

Food is scarce to non-existent in the park so bring what you need for the day.  I will have a cooler to store your food in.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT

Photography equipment – you must know the basic settings of your camera in order to attend these workshops, and how to switch them on the fly.  You will want to have 1 or 2 camera DSLR camera bodies, with a long lens, preferable 400mm or more and a landscape lens, ie 17-35 mm.  If possible, a mid-range lens, Canon 100-400mm or Nikon 70-200, would be great.  Most of my lenses are 2.8 or 4.0, for better images in low light.  Teleconverters if you have them.  I recommend having your lenses and teleconverters  micro-adjust for perfect focus on all of your camera bodies.  Also, make sure your sensors are clean but, I don’t recommend you doing this yourself.  Bozeman Camera, in Bozeman, MT, does a great job with both of these tasks and does rent tripods and lenses for your convenience.  http://bozemancamera.com  406-586-8300 – tell them Deby sent you.  If you are a Nikon user, I have some telephoto lenses that can be rented.  Don’t forget a tripod!

NO GUARANTEES

Unfortunately, we can not guarantee that you will see and/or get to photograph in particular animals.  Nature is nature and somedays are filled with great sightings while others can be slow and we have to work real hard.

REFUND POLICY

The total cost of the workshop is due at the time of registering and can not be refunded, so be sure and do all of your research before booking.  We will endeavor to rebook your tour, if done within 6 months.   We recommend that you purchase trip insurance, in case the unexpected happens.

ROADS

Roads on the Northern Range are well-maintained in the winter and normally do not pose a problem unless we get a new storm during the night with high winds.

ACCOMODATIONS

You will be responsible for transportation to Gardiner, MT, where your workshop will begin, and for your accommodations.  I can make recommendations for motels and food, or you can check the “Gardiner” tab.

OTHER INFORMATION

I have been located in Gardiner, Montana, and touring the park for photography, videography and wildlife watching on a near daily basis for the past ten winters, so please do not hesitate to ask questions.  There is one grocery store in town, only a few restaurants open and not all motels are open, during the winter.  Your entertainment at night will be limited to a couple of local bars, dining out, or getting warm in your room.  Gardiner is a small town so you can walk almost everywhere but make sure you give the local deer and elk the right-of-way.

More information on Yellowstone in the Winter:

https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/visiting-yellowstone-in-winter.htm

https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/seasonalhighlights.htm

https://www.visitgardinermt.com

https://www.visitgardinermt.com/item/4-winter-skiing-and-snowshoeing

https://www.visitgardinermt.com/plan-your-trip/tourism-directory

COST

Private, two-day workshop/tour:

$1300 for one person and spouse or close friend who wants to tag along, for two days

Two day photography workshop, multiple participants:

$1150.00 per person for two days.  Meals are not included.  No non-participants on these tours.

Maximum 3 people in each workshop

Contact me for dates and booking.  [email protected]

TOUR POLICIES

We ask that you refrain from smoking or wearing scents of any kind on the day of the tour, for the comfort of those, including your tour guide, who might have allergies.

NO firearms, or weapons of any kind

Bear spray is recommended, even in Winter

You will be responsible for your equipment and comfort

You must sign a waiver of responsibility before the tour

NPS rules will be followed