Yellowstone & Grand Teton Workshop Details
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Workshop Details
This is a five day lodging included workshop.
Read the details or go to the Sign Up Form
Information That Pertains To Each Workshop Level
Basic Workshop
Designed for four entry level or amature photographers.
Camera topics covered: Exposure; ISO; digital noise; dynamic range; white balance; aperture; shutter speed; exposure compensation; bracketing; auto focus vs manual; jpeg vs RAW and lens filters.
Points of photographic interest are mentioned in the Itinerary section below. The Basic Workshop will pay particular attention to the most famous landmarks for those spectacular landscape images. Wildlife spotted along the way will be a bonus. That said, the workshop will not be held up waiting hours for a bear that may or may not emerge from the woods.
Advanced Workshop
Designed for four advanced amature or professional photographers.
Camera topics covered: All of the Basic topics plus histrograms; the Exposure Triangle myth; ISO Invariance; Camera RAW; long exposures & noise reduction; low light imaging; artifical pixels; PSD, TIFF, JPEG & PNG formats; prime vs zoom; large lens supports; image stabilizers; using ND filters and more.
All the points mentioned in the Itinerary below will be visited, but time will be prioritized for wildlife.
Private Workshop
Designed for two photographers of any skill level or one photographer and a companion.
Camera topics covered: Adjusted to each individual photographer.
Points of interest include everything available in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
A basic itinerary is show below, however, this is not a structured workshop. Where to go and when will be decided on moments notice based on information available at the time.
Lodging at the locations mentioned will be secured in advance with the general idea of making every attempt to end up there at the end of the day.
Information That Pertains To All Workshop Levels
Day One Introduction
With the exception of Private Workshops, all workshops consist of up to four photographers of similar skill levels. Private Workshops are limited to two photographers or one photographer and a companion.. Workshops begin at 7pm with an initial meeting at the historic Wort Hotel where the photographers will meet their guide. The guide will be a professional photographer that is completely familiar with the terrain to be covered and all wildlife in the area. Next, the photographers and guide will discuss digital photography in general, Topics covered are listed in each of the workshop categories. Basic, Advanced and Private. Regardless of the workshop, time for Q&A will be included.
Itinerary
During the initial meeting the events planned for Day Two will be discussed in detail plus an overview discussion about all of the days in the workshop. Exact workshop itineraries are not posted months or weeks ahead of time. This is because wildlife movement and changes in weather are daily events requiring last minute decision about where to go at any given time. Generally speaking, however, points of photographic interest within Grand Teton National Park make up a basic route that will be followed. Locations along the route 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 interest within Yellowstone will be West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, Hayden Valley, Artist Point, Canyon Village, Dunraven Pass, Tower, Calcite Springs, Lamar Valley, Mammoth, Norris, Gibbon River, Madison Junction, Firehole River, Midway Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful.
Wildlife sightings can happen at any place at any time.
Safety
Finally and most importantly wildlife safety will be reviewed. What are safe distances from the various types of wildlife. How to avoid wildlife confrontations. How to react if an encounter occurs and the proper use of 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.
Day Two In Grand Teton National Park
Beginning before sunrise all photographers will ride with their guide in the workshop vehicle from the Wort Hotel to all points to be covered throughout the day and back to the hotel.. During Grand Teton sunrise or sunset session the photographers may wish to return to the hotel for a break, food, change of clothing or any other reasonable reason. The average drive-time from the mid-section of Grand Teton National Park to Jackson is about one hour (each way). Points of interest on Day Two will include Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, Elk Ranch Flats and Togwotee if time permits.
Day Three In Yellowstone
Workshops in Yellowstone are full day events typically lasting 10 to 14 hours each. Day Three will focus on the eastern and far north portions of Yellowstone's famous caldera including Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, Artist Point, up and over Dunraven Pass, Tower, Lamar Valley and Mammoth. Lodging on the evening of Day Three will be in Gardiner, Montana just outside the park's northern most boundary.
Day Four In Yellowstone
Starting early in the morning, Day Four includes sunrise at famous Mammoth Hot Springs, then on to more Yellowstone features such as Norris Geyser Basin, Madison Valley, the Firehole River, Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. In late afternoon we will exit Yellowstone and re-enter Grand Teton National Park with lodging that evening at Jackson Lake Lodge. A great place for a spectacular sunset.
Day Five In Grand Teton & Back To Jackson
Starting at sunrise on Day Five we will visit the likes of Colter Bay, Pacific Creek, Willow Flats, Oxbow Bend and Cattleman's in search of moose and bears. Then head down to String Lake and Jenny Lake with so many amazing views. Also prime elk and pronghorn territory. Later in the afternoon we can get a bite at Dornan's, then it will be time to head back to Jackson.
Day Six
The sixth day will be hotel check-out, transportation to the airport and off to your next destination.
End Of Each Day
At the conclusion of each workshop day the photographers will have free time to explore the area near their lodging. The historic Wort Hotel is located in the middle of downtown Jackson. Everything is within walking distance. Gardiner, Montana is a great little town with a historic background. Once the main entrance to Yellowstone, the Roosevelt Arch remains a major gateway to America's first national park. Jackson Lake Lodge is located in the heart of the Tetons and is a full service hotel with excellant dining both indoors and out; plus bars, coffee stands, sitting parlors, gift shops and much more. A wonderful place to just sit and relax and look over your pictures. The town of Jackson is much more than a one stop-light affair. Photographers will have ample time to visit Jackson's many restaurants, art galleries and shops all within walking distance of the Wort Hotel.
More About The Accommodations
The Historic Wort Hotel - Jackson, Wyoming
The historic Wort Hotel is right in the center of Jackson. Everything is within walking distance. Town square with the antler arches, clothing and jewelry shops, art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops and more. While at the Wort visit the famous Sliver Dollar Bar for food and refreshments without even leaving the hotel.
Yellowstone Suites Bed & Breakfast - Gardiner, Montana
Located within walking distance of the Yellowstone River and the many shops and restaurants in Gardiner makes this a great place to lodge. The town of Gardiner is located right at the Roosevelt Arch, the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Jackson Lake Lodge - Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Lake Lodge is at a great location inside Grand Teton National Park. Close to Willow Flats, Oxbow Bend, the Jackson Lake Dam and other places frequented by moose, bears and other wildlife. Jackson Lake Lodge offers fine dining as well as quick diner style breakfast, lunch and dinner. A huge sitting parlor that overlooks the Teton Range is a great spot to just relax.
General Information
What To Expect
Days can be warm and the nights can be cool. Even during the summer months the Jackson Hole area including Grand Teton and Yellowstone 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. Typically around 6,500 feet. Yellowstone is even higher with an average of 7,000 to 8,000 feet. Visitors from lower elevations require time to accumulate to the thin air. The workshops do not require any strenuous activity.
Restaurants, grocery stores and sandwhich shops are plentiful in the town of Jackson. They become scarce to non-existant as you get deeper into the parks. Grand Teton has a few C-Stores and several restaurants near Signal Mountain and the Colter Bay area. Yellowstone has food services located at their main feature locations such as Canyon Village, Old Faithful, Mammoth, the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Tower. and Grant Village.
Restroom facilities are located throughout both parks. 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 major attractions.
What To Bring
Wear comfortable shoes. Not new shoes. Not all areas are paved and walking on uneven rocky ground may 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. 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. Don't need those big safari hats often seen in Africa.
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.
And you must bring your photo gear, the most important thing. Here's what you should have:
A digital camera of at least 12 mp; spare battery; battery charger; memory cards sufficient for holding several thousand pictures; a wide angle lens around 24mm and a normal lens in the 40mm to 80mm range. There are many zoom lenses available that cover 24mm to just over 100mm and those lenses would be a fine choice. Most landscape shots are taken from 24mm to around 80mm. You will also need a zoom telephoto lens that can range from around 100mm out to at least 300mm. 400mm would be better. Keep in mind that some wildlife will be at a distance. The more powerful telephotos will get you better results. You may need a tripod when using the telephoto lens especially if your camera and lens do not have vibration control, also called image stabilizers. A tripod should be lightweight with a three-way head. Pan-head tripods are good for shooting videos, but not for still photography. Make sure you have lens caps for all of your lenses and some lens cleaner can't hurt. And about filters: Most 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. Bring it if you have one. Neutral Density (ND) filters won't be needed in the Basic Workshop, but would be very handy to have if attending an Advanced or Private workshop. Using filters is something that will be discussed in our initial meeting.
Just don't bring too much. Only bring what you need. Remember that sometimes less is more. Fussing with too much camera gear can be an unnecessary burden.
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
$2,499 per person (four required)
$2,699 per person (four required)
$3,499 per person (two required)
Basic:
Advanced:
Private:
PAYMENTS
30% due upon confirmation of reservation.
70% due 14 days prior to workshop.
CANCELLATION REFUNDS
60% of all payments made up to 14 days prior to workshop.
What's Included
*** Transportation between the airport and the hotel in Jackson...
*** All lodging - rooms are double occupancy...
*** 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.