The Yellowstone ecosystem has been a destination for serious photographers since 1871, when W.H. Jackson first visited the area with the Hayden survey party. This unique and beautiful land was preserved in part as Yellowstone National Park by Congress in 1872. Yellowstone is still mostly a wild land. One has only to go a few hundred yards from the roads to experience land that is alive and changing. On this nearly two and a quarter million acres there is abundant wildlife. You will likely see bison, elk, wolves, big horn sheep, and many of the species of animals that have been here for thousands of years. The big predators thrive in the park; grizzly and black bear, wolves, coyotes, eagles, and hawks are all here in balance.
The spirit of the mountains that attracted the first visitors to the park, and the rare geologic features such as geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and boiling mud, offer to the photographer a vast backdrop for the study of photography. The silence of a snowy field in winter, or the thunder of a waterfall, encourages the photographer to look into the beauty of this place in a new way. No one leaves the Yellowstone region without feeling that they have touched the original character of the earth, and they are richer for it.
Highlights:
Travel daily into the vast Yellowstone National Park, where wolves, grizzly bears, elk and bison all interact in one habitat!
Take advantage of the best photographic opportunities - up for the best light at sunrise and stay out for beautiful sunsets.
Small groups – Eight maximum, assures a great deal of individual attention.
Work with and learn from one of the best nature photographers in the world!
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bozeman, Montana independently and transfer to the Wingate Inn for the evening. There is a free shuttle available from the airport. Dinner is on your own.
Overnight: Wingate Inn, Bozeman, Montana.
Day 2: Transportation will arrive at 8:00am for the transfer to Yellowstone National Park. You will spend some time reviewing the week’s itinerary and logistics of the trip. The guide for the trip is Tom Murphy, one of the best nature photographers in the world.
Tom Murphy is a study in patience with a passionate love for our wild clean earth. Tom's understanding of wildlife is apparent from the beginning. He photographs wildlife as they go about their daily lives, patiently waiting for each animal to share its life with him in the wild. His images reveal wildlife interacting with each other and with their environment: hunting, eating, drinking, running, plowing through deep snow, giving birth, nursing, playing, resting and sleeping, all in the beauty of the wildest places on earth. His landscapes reflect the natural beauty he loves and works diligently to preserve.
You will spend the remaining time today in the field, observing, hiking and learning about the ever-changing face of Yellowstone.
Overnight: Best Western at Mammoth Hot Springs. (B,L,D)
Days 3-6: The daily itineraries are planned to concentrate on either wildlife or landscapes. Wildlife migrations, seasonal color and vegetation, birth cycles, weather patterns, and a sensitive approach to animals determine the itinerary for this trip. While the group is watching for a wildlife opportunity, they can easily be distracted by a beautiful landscape and vice versa. There is always an important element of serendipity in natural history photography because there is little control over the light, setting, or subject. Nature photographers need an open creative mind to see the infinite array of beauty that is revealed on the land every day. The reward for paying attention and being patient is to witness the source of all beauty in the world; a clean, free and wild earth.
Wild land and wildlife photography will be emphasized and you will spend quality time searching for perfect photographs. EAC believes people learn best by doing, so most of the instruction is in the field. Their goal is to help you improve your photography skills and get you to the best locations at the right time to make exceptional photographs.
Overnight: Nights 3-5, Best Western at Mammoth Hot Springs
Overnight: Night 6, Wingate Inn, Bozeman, Montana (B,L,D)
Day 7: Transfer to the airport and flights home.
Notes
Weather The Best of Yellowstone, Special Photographic Expedition tour is located in an area where the weather may change at a moment's notice. Temperatures can vary greatly, and one must be prepared in the event the weather turns for the worst. A day that starts warm and enjoyable can suddenly become cold and miserable and sometimes you may be a distance from the vehicle or protection. Being in the presence of weather changes is a large part of the Yellowstone experience, but can be miserable if one is not prepared for the change. Use this list only as a guideline. Preparation is the key!
Luggage It is requested that luggage be kept to a minimum of one large (preferably soft-sided) suitcase and one carry-on/backpack per person.
Physical Activity Most everyone in a reasonably good physical condition can participate in this tour offered by the Environmental Adventure Company. The activities will include some hiking in conditions ranging from snow and mud to dry conditions. Standing and observing for periods of time and kneeling or squatting to examine wildlife tracks or signs, are part of the activities. Consult with your physician if you have questions about the program. It is your responsibility to let the tour operator know of any complications that may be associated with traveling under any of these conditions.
Pre-Departure Information When you sign-up for an adventure, you will receive a detailed Pre-Departure information packet prior to your trip which will help you prepare. This packet will help you make decisions about what to bring – and what not to bring! It includes a reading list, a clothing recommendation page as well as information on what to expect the weather to do while you are at the destination! There is also information about necessary documents, health issues, and even photographic tips. Feel free to contact EAC for more information.
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
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