DAY 1

WELCOME & ORIENTATION

The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day.

DAY 2

On Day 2, participants will start early in Hayden Valley, where they will focus on photographing Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, and waterfowl in the soft morning light. After a mid-day break for lunch, class will head to geothermal features to capture unique images of birds like Killdeer, with steaming geysers and bubbling hot springs as dramatic backdrops. The day will end with a sunset shoot, perfect for catching birds in golden light.

DAY 3

On Day 3, class will begin the day at Swan Lake Flats, where participants will focus on photographing Trumpeter Swans, Northern Harriers, and a variety of waterfowl in their serene habitat, taking advantage of the early morning light reflecting off the water. As the sun climbs into the sky, participants will return to the classroom for instruction in post processing the photographs captured during the outings.

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, and goes through Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 1

• Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
• For more information about our activity levels, please visit our Activity Level webpage here.
• Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
• To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
• All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
• To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:

Suggested Packing List located in General Information document under the ‘Whom to Contact’ tab.

• Camera body: DSLR or Mirrorless systems are required.
• Bring the lens(es) that is/are available to you, but a preferred minimum focal length is 400mm, an ideal focal length is 600mm.
• Supports, such as, tripods, monopods, etc., are welcomed, but not required.
• Bring plenty of memory cards, they fill up quick.
• Cleaning kit for camera equipment isn’t essential but is a good pro tip.
• A completely charged battery, if available, bring backup.
• A laptop with photo editing software is recommended (I will be using the Creative Cloud Package).

Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:

Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3

Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm

If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.

General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Gardiner-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.

Cancellation Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.