Grizzly Bear Workshop Details

This is a single or multi-day workshop in Grand Teton National Park.

Read the details or go to the Sign Up Form

Information That Pertains To Each Workshop Level

Information That Pertains To Both Workshop Levels

Itinerary

Grizzly Bear Workshops begin just before sunrise.  You will be picked up at your hotel in Jackson and will ride in the workshop vehicle to all locations covered during the day.  You will be returned to your hotel later in the afternoon or evening.

Grizzly Bear Workshops are generally 12 hours long and will focus on the areas inside Grand Teton National Park, Togwotee Pass and the Jackson Hole Valley.  There may be limited breaks during the workshop day with brief returns to Jackson and your hotel all depending on bear activity or inactivity.

Points of interest within Grand Teton National Park will be the Moose-Wilson Road, Moose, Antelope Flats, Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, Snake River Overlook, Hedrick Pond, Elk Ranch Flats, Togwotee Pass, Lossier Hill, Pacific Creek, Two Ocean Lake, Oxbow Bend, Willow Flats, Pilgrim Creek, Colter Bay, Jackson Lake Dam, Signal Mountain, String Lake, Jenny Lake and Lupine Meadows.  Points of interested outside the park will also be visited if bear activity is suspected.

Grizzly bear sightings can happen at any place at any time.

About Other Wildlife

The primary goal of this workshop is to locate and photograph grizzly bears.  We may stop to photograph other kinds of wildlife if spotted along the way.  But, we will not spend hours, for example, waiting for a bull moose to lift its head from the willows.  We will move on in search of the bears!

Safety

Most importantly wildlife safety will be reviewed.  What are safe distances from the bears and other kinds of wildlife.  The differences between grizzly and black bears, how each species behaves and how to avoid confrontations.  How to react if a bear encounter occurs and how to use bear-spray.  Location of first-aid supplies in the workshop vehicle, what to expect regarding cell phone coverage and emergency calls plus where local medical facilities and hospitals are located.  All will be discussed.  Bear spray will be provided.

General Information

What To Expect

Days can be warm and the nights can be cool.  Even during the summer months the Jackson Hole area can range upwards to 90 degrees during July while dropping to 30 degrees at night.  Layered clothing is key.

The Jackson Hole Valley and Grand Teton are at high elevations.  Inasmuch as visitors from lower elevations generally require time to accumulate to the thin air, strenuous activity during a Grizzly Bear Workshop is not anticipated.

Restroom facilities are located throughout the park. They are not heated and are very basic.  But, they serve the purpose.  Heated washrooms with running water can be found where there are lodging facilities, restaurants and key points of interest.

What To Bring

Wear comfortable shoes or boots.  Not all areas will be paved and walking on uneven rocky ground will be required.

About clothing:  Locals in Jackson say there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.  Layered clothing is most important.  During the summer months light jackets serve as good windbreakers and tend to be water resistant.  Long sleeved sweatshirts with hoods are good to have.  Short sleeved tee-shirts are important too.  Denim jears or good walking pants work out best.  But not too thin.  Don't want that wind blowing through.  Gloves won't be needed during the summer months.  But during March thru late April and again during mid-September into late October the heavier jackets, ankle high boots and gloves will be more than welcome.  Thin glove liners work well when using your camera out in the cold.  We won't discuss winter in Jackson at this time.  That's a much longer story.  And let's not forget hats.  Hats are important no matter what season.  A simple hat or cap will do.

Bring any medications you might need.  Keep a personal list of any medications you expect to be taking during the workshop.  There are several pharmacies in Jackson that can fill a perscription.  Otherwise, aspirin is about all you will find at the C-Stores in the parks.

Spare perscription or reading glasses if you use them.

Photo gear you should have:

A digital camera of at least 20 mp; spare batteries; battery charger; memory cards sufficient for holding several thousand pictures.  A zoom lens with a range from about 24mm to 100mm would be good for those occasional landscape shots.  More importantly you will need a zoom telephoto lens in the 80mm to 400mm or 150mm to 600mm range.  A 500mm or 600mm prime lens would also be very good.  Keep in mind that some wildlife will be at a distance.  The more powerful telephotos will get you better results and so will half-frame cameras.  You will need a tripod when using the longer telephoto lenses.  The tripod should include a gimbal or similar head.  Make sure you have lens caps for all of your lenses and some lens cleaner can't hurt.  And about filters:  Many photographers use UV filters over their lenses which offer a level of protection to the front glass elements.  Not a bad idea.  Some photographers like a polarizing filter for their landscape shots.  Bring it if you have one.

Just don't bring too much.  A good DSLR and long lenses are the most important.

Lastly, talk with us before you run out to buy all new camera equipment soley for attending a workshop.  All the things you will need can be rented at much less expense. With some advance discussion, we can provide you with everything you need or augment what you already have.  This is also a great way to find out what equipment you actually like.

COSTS

Grizzly Bear Workshop In Grand Teton National Park

Basic:

Advanced:

PAYMENTS

30% due at confirmation of reservation.

70% due 14 days prior to workshop.

CANCELLATION REFUNDS

60% of all payments made up to 14 days prior to workshop.

Multi-day Grizzly Bear Workshops can be reserved.  A 10% discount will apply for two workshops.  They can be consecutive or seperated.  A 20% discount will apply for three or more workshops.  The days can be consecutive or seperated provided they all occur within the same season.  It is sometimes possible to add workshop days during the initial workshop.  Just mention your interests on your reservation form.  We will be as flexible as possible.

What's Included

*** Workshop Transportation & Guide...

*** Photography instruction and assistance every step of the way...

*** Workshop vehicle spotting scopes and first aid...

*** Bottled water...

*** Bear spray for each person in the workshop...

*** All Workshop Expenses...

What's Not Included

*** Park Entrance Fees...

*** Rental photography equipment if required...

*** Meals...

*** Tips...

*** Miscellaneous Expenses Not Relating To The Workshops...

*** Gifts, tee-shirts and other souvenirs...

Jackson Hole Photography Studio is a permittee of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Jackson Hole Photography Studio owns and operates a full time commercial photography studio in Jackson, Wyoming offering many services including this workshop.

 Read more about it here.