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Date: May 20-22, 2023. (SOLD OUT)
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Date: May 23-25, 2023. (SOLD OUT)
Locations: Grand Tetons National Park and Jackson Area.
Cost: Full: $900.00 Deposit: $300.00
The deposit of $300 is required at registration to reserve your spot in the workshop. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to workshop start date.
Due to the complex nature of our multi-day expeditions, our cancellation policy is 90 days on all domestic and international expeditions. Cancellations made before the 90 days will receive a full refund of their deposit. Cancellations made within 90 days of departure will be refunded the full amount they have paid minus the $300 deposit. We strongly recommend travel insurance in order to protect you from unforeseen travel interruptions that prevent you from joining us.
Grand Tetons has arguably the highest concentration of wildlife of any park in the United States, including Yellowstone and Alaska. While we can't guarantee you will see wildlife, we can certainly make sure we make every effort possible to use our expertise to make sure we put you in the best possible places at the best times. Join our professional photographer as they guide you on our small group 3-day photography workshop in and around Grand Teton National Parks. This intensive field-based photography workshop will focus on finding, and safely photographing, the areas abundant wildlife while focusing on different photography techniques. Time will also be spent capturing both classic and lesser-known landscapes throughout the 3 days in the field.
Spring is a great time to photograph Grand Teton National Parks with the moody skies adding drama to the landscape, snowcapped mountains creating stark contrast, and spring rain showers saturating early season wildflowers and fresh vegetation adding vibrant color to every scene. Migrating wildlife will be moving to their summer range with newborn babies at their side. Bears will emerge from their dens high in the mountains and travel to the valley floor in search of spring’s first offerings. This workshop is designed to focus on the wildlife that frequent the area while still taking time to appreciate the beautiful landscape that is Grand Teton National Park.
Please note that due to the nature of wildlife photography there is no guarantee that specific wildlife will be seen during this workshop. We will be tracking wild animals and they come and go as they please. Please set your expectations accordingly.
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive and check into hotel. Meet in conference room at hotel for introductions and itinerary at 5:00 p.m., followed by a brief overview and discussion about what to expect. After the meet and greet we will drive out to Jenny Lake to watch the sunset and see if we can spot any wildlife.
Day 2:
Departure from hotel at 4:00 a.m. for Schwabacher's Landing sunrise shoot. Arrive at Schwabacher’s Landing at 4:45 a.m. and hike .25 miles to the ponds to select our shooting locations before the crowds arrive. The sun should rise around 5:45 a.m. this time of year. From 5:00 a.m. until sunrise we will discuss settings, composition and the importance of planning ahead and knowing the location. We will be setting up early to secure the best shooting location and to be prepared for large groups of people. Schwabacher's Landing has blown up in popularity in recent years so expect a large number of photographers to line up around you at this location. After the sunrise, you will have a short time to shoot the location in the early morning light.
After the Schwabacher's Landing sunrise shoot we will switch gears and prepare for photographing wildlife by discussing settings, strategies and techniques for maximizing wildlife photography opportunities. Most wildlife is primarily active at dawn and dusk, so we’ll take advantage of the first few hours of the day to scan river bottoms and wildflower meadows for elk, moose, eagles, mule deer, and bears.
We will return to Jackson for lunch and a mid-day break after our wildlife scouting. After a short break for lunch, we will explore Elk Ranch before working our way around the area looking for wildlife.
Around 5:00 p.m. we will take another short break to rest, process images, and have an early dinner in preparation for photographing the sunset behind the Tetons. For sunset we will make our way to the iconic barn located on Mormon Row. The sun will set around 8:30 p.m. and we will arrive early to ensure we get the best spot.
Day 3:
Departure from hotel at 4:00 a.m. for Oxbow Bend sunrise shoot. Arrive at Oxbow Bend around 5:00 a.m. to select our shooting locations before the crowds arrive. The sun should rise around 5:45 a.m. this time of year. From 5:00 a.m. until sunrise we will discuss settings, composition and the importance of planning ahead and knowing the location. We will be setting up early to secure the best shooting location and to be prepared for large groups of people. Oxbow has also blown up in popularity in recent years so expect a large number of photographers to line up around you at this location.
After the sunrise you will have a short time to shoot the location in the early morning light. As the sun gets higher, we’ll scan for osprey, great blue herons, waterfowl, beaver, otters, and other species in the Snake River, and search for elk herds and grizzly bears in the nearby meadows.
We will stop at Jackson Lake lodge for lunch and a mid-day break. After a short break for lunch, we will explore the Jackson Lake area looking for wildlife.
Around 5:00 p.m. we will take another short break to rest, process images and have an early dinner in preparation for photographing the sunset behind the Tetons. For sunset we will make our way to the Snake River overlook made famous by Ansel Adams. The sun will set around 8:30 p.m. so we will arrive early to get a good spot.
Trip Details
Physical Requirements:
All participants must be in good physical condition and have the ability to hike 3-7 miles per day on steep mountain trails with a daypack. Note: not all days will require extensive hiking, however, it is important to be physically prepared for the hikes that are strenuous.
Group Size:
Our small group size, combined with an experienced photography guide, will insure personalized attention and great wildlife and landscape photography opportunities. Group size is limited to 10 participants per workshop to ensure plenty of time for everyone to benefit from one-on-one instruction with the instructor throughout the workshop.
Accommodation:
Lodging and meals are not included. Suggested lodging is the Jackson Hole Lodge located in Jackson, Wyoming (307) 733-2992.
Meals:
Meals are not included during the trip dates. We often do snacks on the trail and then return for a late breakfast during photography trips as we are often out early to capture the morning light.
We will take a break mid-day, each day, for lunch and rest. There are many restaurants in the area as well as for dinner.
Weather:
Summer in Jackson Hole runs from early May to late October. Average high temperatures in the valley during the summer season range from 61°F to 81°F (16°C to 27°C), and daily temperatures can fluctuate quite a lot. The high elevation often creates cool mornings and evenings but hot afternoons. It is important to come prepared for a variety of conditions throughout the day as they can change quickly in the summertime.
Average highs and lows by summer months:
May: Average High 64°F/17°C, Average Low 30°F/-1°C
June: Average High 76°F/24°C, Average Low 37°F/2°C
July: Average High 81°F/27°C, Average Low 40°F/5°C
August: Average High 80°F/26°C, Average Low 39°F/3°C
September: Average High 73°F/22°C, Average Low 31°F/-1°C
October: Average High 61°F/16°C, Average Low 23°F/-5°C
Price Includes:
Multiple iconic locations around Grand Tetons area, including wildlife, sunrises, and sunsets.
Professional photography instruction before and during shoots.
Post processing instruction and photo review.
In camera review and camera settings adjustment when necessary.
Snacks and water during hikes and while driving.
Ground transportation during the workshop.
Price Does Not Include:
Airfare
Accommodation during the trip dates.
Participant meals.
Alcoholic beverages.
Transportation to and from the workshop location.
Guide & staff gratuities.
Travel Details:
Departure city is Jackson WY
Recommended Gear:
Personal:
Hiking boots, socks, and long pants
Rain jacket, warm layers for cold night and pre-sunrise shoots
Personal toiletries
Headlamp
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat
Hydration bladder or water bottle
Photography:
Tripod
Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera
Wide Angle lens, 10-22 mm
Mid-range lens, 24-100 mm
Long Zoom lens, 100-400mm
Filters: ND, Polarizer, Graduated ND
Extra Batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies
Remote Shutter Release
Laptop to back up your images and to participate in the post processing session.
Safety, Confidence, Being Prepared:
ISO Photography Training is a professional organization dedicated to safe, quality, positive experiences for our students, and responsible stewardship for the breathtaking locations and beautiful wildlife we enjoy at every workshop. We work with the United States Department of Interior, the National Park Service, and the US Forestry Service to obtain all the proper permits to operate safely, conscientiously, and legally. We carry much more than the required minimum of insurance, and our skilled instructors are certified in CPR, as well as in the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.
Book Now...
Date: May 20-22, 2023
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Date: May 23-25, 2023