Winter in Yellowstone is a dream location for amateur and professional photographers. Snow and frost make for unimaginably dramatic scenes while the park’s magnificent wild animals are more easily visible. However, winter conditions in Yellowstone also present unique challenges for photographers. We’ve put together some helpful tips to make the most out of your winter photography excursion to Yellowstone National Park.
Additionally, our Yellowstone Forever Institute offers a number of photography courses throughout the winter months. Learn from engaging experts, join other park enthusiasts, and hone your photography skills with the magic of winter in Yellowstone as your backdrop. See below for dates and descriptions of all the photography courses we are offering this winter.
Take a Photography Course this Winter in Yellowstone
Winter Wildlife Photography
$895 | Tuition & Lodging
Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Instructors:
Meg Sommers
Meg Sommers
Do you love taking pictures, but your camera is a mystery to you? Do you want to learn more about wildlife and how best to photograph them? Do you want to take your photography to the next level while learning how you can help conserve…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Advanced Winter Wildlife Photography
$895 | Tuition
Location:
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner, Montana
Instructors:
Meg Sommers
Meg Sommers
Is your camera one of your best friends? Do you want to learn more about wildlife and how to tell their stories? Then come immerse yourself with fellow enthusiasts in the heart of Yellowstone’s northern range. At the Buffalo Ranch, you will wake up right…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
- Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Yellowstone’s Galactic Night Sky: A Photography Workshop
$385 | Tuition
Location:
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner, Montana
Instructors:
Angela Tempo, MA
Angela Tempo, MA
The darkness of our night skies in Yellowstone is palpable, revealing the depths and beauty of our galaxy. We have evolved under these skies, studying them and being shaped by them. Join me as we peer into the darkness and focus our cameras toward the…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
- Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Yellowstone Winterscape Photography
$395 | Tuition
Location:
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner, Montana
Instructors:
Kevin League, M.A.
Kevin League, M.A.
Winter is one of the most splendid times to capture Yellowstone’s wildlife and stunning snow-covered landscape! This workshop focuses on capturing the park’s pristine winter scenery and abundant wildlife. We will explore the park’s northern region from Gardiner, through Mammoth Hot Springs to Lamar Valley…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
- Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Spring Advanced Wildlife Photography
$678 | Tuition
Location:
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner, Montana
Instructors:
Meg Sommers
Meg Sommers
Is your camera one of your best friends? Do you want to learn more about wildlife and how to tell their stories? Do you want to take your photography to the next level while learning how you can help conserve what you love? Then immerse…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
- Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Spring Basic Wildlife Photography
$1,087 | Tuition & Lodging
Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Instructors:
Meg Sommers
Meg Sommers
Do you love taking pictures, but your camera is a mystery to you? Do you want to learn more about wildlife and how best to photograph them? Do you want to take your photography to the next level while learning how you can help conserve…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
- Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Yellowstone Summer Solstice Landscape & Wildlife Photography Workshop
$733 | Tuition & Lodging
Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Instructors:
Kevin League, M.A.
Kevin League, M.A.
Early Summer is one of the most splendid times for you to capture Yellowstone’s wildlife and stunning landscape! This workshop is all about focusing on capturing the park’s pristine scenery and abundant wildlife. The timing of this workshop is intended to coincide with major wildflower…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
- Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Yellowstone’s Galactic Night Sky: A Photography Workshop
$575 | Tuition & Lodging
Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Instructors:
Angela Tempo, MA
Angela Tempo, MA
The darkness of Yellowstone’s night skies is palpable, revealing the depths and beauty of our galaxy. You have evolved under these skies, studying them and being shaped by them. Join me as you peer into the darkness and focus your camera on the cosmos through…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
- Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Capturing Yellowstone’s Night Sky
$494 | Tuition
Location:
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner, Montana
Instructors:
Kevin League, M.A.
Kevin League, M.A.
Yellowstone is famous for so many great reasons – the geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and notoriety as the world’s first National Park, to name a few. However, very few know of the park’s other unique attribute – its amazing night sky. Nighttime holds a special…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
- Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Fall Basic Wildlife Photography
$644 | Tuition
Location:
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner, Montana
Instructors:
Meg Sommers
Meg Sommers
Do you love taking pictures, but your camera is a mystery to you? Do you want to learn more about wildlife and how best to photograph them? Do you want to take your photography to the next level while learning how you can help conserve…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
- Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Fall Advanced Wildlife Photography
$644 | Tuition
Location:
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner, Montana
Instructors:
Meg Sommers
Meg Sommers
Is your camera one of your best friends? Do you want to learn more about wildlife and how to tell their stories? Do you want to take your photography to the next level while learning how you can help conserve what you love? Then come…
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
- Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are
possible. Good coordination is recommended.
- Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
- Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
- Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
- Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
- Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
Feature photo by Tom Kirkendall
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