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  • Experience Level

    Advanced 

    This workshop is designed for photographers

  • Fitness Level

    Easy to Moderate

    We will be hiking around the boardwalks in the snow up to a mile.

    More Info 

  • Curriculum

    This trip is focused on field time with a critique session over Zoom after the trip.

  • Investment

    $8,995

    Initial Payment of $2995

    Your final payment will be automatically withdrawn 90 days before the start of the workshop.

    Double Occupancy Yurt/Hotel: $1000 discount for each person. Sharing a yurt is a very ‘cozy' experience, so this should be shared with someone you know very well.

  • Group Size

    Limited to 4 Guests

  • Dates

    January 21-29, 2025

  • Location

    West Yellowstone and Canyon Village Yurts

  • Fly To

    Bozeman, Montana (BZN)

Your Pro Leaders

  • David Kingham

    David is an accomplished professional photographer renowned for his evocative nature imagery. His work showcases intimate landscapes, stunning nightscapes, and masterful black-and-white photography. As the founder of Exploring Exposure, David is dedicated to mentoring aspiring photographers, helping them refine their skills and develop their artistic vision.

    View David's Portfolio 

  • Jennifer Renwick

    Jennifer Renwick is a professional photographer renowned for her captivating abstract and small scene imagery. With a keen eye for detail, she uncovers the hidden stories within grand landscapes. Jennifer is passionate about helping fellow photographers discover their unique style and guiding them to express their vision through meaningful projects.

    View Jennifer's Portfolio 

Discover Yellowstone's Winter Wonderland: A Photographer's Dream Expedition

Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Yellowstone National Park during its most enchanting and least-explored season. Our winter expedition offers a rare glimpse into a tranquil, snow-draped wilderness that few get to experience.

Exclusive Access and Serene Landscapes

In winter, Yellowstone transforms into an exclusive haven. Travel is limited to specialized snowcoaches, dramatically reducing visitor numbers and unveiling a pristine, simplified landscape. This unique environment presents the perfect canvas for photographers seeking minimalist, ethereal scenes rarely captured by the masses.

A Fresh Perspective on Yellowstone

While many winter tours prioritize wildlife viewing, we've crafted a different approach. Our expedition places the spotlight firmly on Yellowstone's majestic landscapes and intimate natural details. We'll dedicate ample time to exploring and photographing the park's geological wonders, frosted forests, and steam-wreathed thermal features. Of course, we won't ignore chance wildlife encounters, but they're the icing on our landscape-focused cake.

Unparalleled Accommodation Experience

Our expedition features two distinct bases, each offering unique photographic opportunities:

  1. Yurt Camp at Canyon Village:
    For three nights, cozy, heated yurts serve as our base camp inside the park, offering unrivaled access to some of Yellowstone's most photogenic locations:
  2. West Yellowstone:
    We'll also spend time based in West Yellowstone, allowing us to explore the park's famous geyser basins:

This dual-base strategy provides access to an incredible diversity of landscapes, maximizing your photographic opportunities throughout the park.

A Photographer's Paradise

Whether you're drawn to grand vistas, abstract ice patterns, the delicate interplay of light and shadow on snow, or the vivid colors of geothermal features, our winter expedition caters to your creative vision. With extended time at each location, you'll have the freedom to experiment, refine your compositions, and capture the essence of Yellowstone's winter magic.

Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph Yellowstone as few ever see it – a silent, snow-draped wonderland punctuated by bursts of geothermal activity, all waiting to be captured through your lens.

Expedition Schedule

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation (Buffer Day)

  • Fly into Bozeman, Montana
  • Complimentary shuttle from Bozeman Airport to Holiday Inn Express in Belgrade, MT
  • Evening: Meet fellow photographers and guides for a welcome pizza dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Belgrade

Day 2: Journey to Yellowstone's Gateway

  • 10:00 AM: Shuttle departure to West Yellowstone
  • Afternoon: Photography session at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
    (Opportunity to capture close-up images of wolves and bears in a controlled setting)
  • Evening: Dinner in West Yellowstone
  • Overnight: Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone

Day 3: Into the Heart of Yellowstone

  • 7:00 AM: Snowcoach departure into Yellowstone National Park
    (Full day of photography, capturing the park's winter landscapes)
  • 4:00 PM: Arrival at our rustic yurt camp
  • Overnight: Yurt Camp in Yellowstone

Day 4: Hayden Valley and Beyond

Full day exploring and photographing:

  • Hayden Valley
  • Mud Volcano area
  • Lake Yellowstone (weather permitting)
  • Overnight: Yurt Camp

Day 5: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

  • Dedicated day at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
    (Opportunities for dramatic landscape shots of the canyon and waterfalls)
  • Overnight: Yurt Camp

Day 6: Farewell to Yurts, Return to West Yellowstone

  • Morning: Depart yurt camp
  • Full day of photography en route to West Yellowstone
  • 5:00 PM (approx.): Arrive at Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone
  • Overnight: Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone

Day 7: Upper Geyser Basin Exploration

  • 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Snowcoach tour of Upper Geyser Basin
    (Including Old Faithful and surrounding geothermal features)
  • Overnight: Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone

Day 8: Colorful Geothermal Wonders

  • 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Snowcoach tour to:
  • Fountain Paint Pots
  • Grand Prismatic Spring
    (Focus on capturing the vibrant colors of Yellowstone's famous hot springs)
  • Overnight: Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone

Day 9: Departure

  • 8:00 AM: Shuttle departure to Bozeman Airport
  • 10:00 AM: Estimated arrival at Bozeman Airport
  • Fly home with memory cards full of incredible winter images!

Post-Expedition

  • Post-processing sessions and image critiques will be conducted via Zoom after the workshop.
  • We will coordinate a time that works for all participants to ensure everyone can benefit from these valuable sessions.

Embrace the Extraordinary: Our Yellowstone Winter Yurt Experience

Picture this: A winter wonderland adventure that's as real as it gets. Our Yellowstone workshop isn't your typical luxurious getaway – it's an immersive journey into the heart of nature at its most raw and beautiful. Let's set the stage for what you can expect:

Rustic Comfort in the Wild

Our yurt camp is your cozy haven in the wilderness. While rustic, these dwellings offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Each yurt is equipped with a thermostat-controlled heater, ensuring you stay warm even when temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling -40°F outside. You might even find yourself shedding layers as the yurt gets toasty!

Embracing the Elements

  • Bathroom Facilities: We have clean, warm vault toilets. Yes, they might have a bit of an odor, but they're well-maintained and do the job.
  • Limited Water Supply: There's no running water at the camp, as all water must be hauled in. A foot pump at the sink allows for hand washing, and showers are available but should be used sparingly. This setup underscores the remote nature of our adventure and the need to be mindful of our resource use in this pristine environment.
  • Nighttime Necessities: To save you from midnight treks in the frigid air, each guest receives a chamber pot. It's entirely optional – the choice between using it or braving the cold for a bathroom visit is yours.

The True Yellowstone Experience

This workshop is designed for those seeking an authentic winter adventure. You'll need to come prepared with appropriate cold-weather gear, ready to face sub-zero temperatures. While we'll often be near the warmth of our snowcoach or yurts, there will be extended periods exploring boardwalks and capturing the park's winter beauty. These outings can last a few hours, so mental and physical preparation is key.

A Taste of Modern Comfort

The final leg of our journey shifts to a modern hotel in West Yellowstone. From this base, we'll embark on two full days of exploration in our private snowcoach. We'll visit iconic locations like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic, with the flexibility to stop wherever inspiration strikes. Our days will be packed from sunrise to sunset, with box lunches to keep us energized. Evenings bring us back to West Yellowstone for warm, satisfying dinners.

The Yellowstone Advantage

Our private snowcoach gives us unparalleled freedom to create the best possible Yellowstone experience. No need to worry about non-photographers' schedules, logistical headaches, or hidden costs. This is Yellowstone winter photography at its finest – raw, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Is This Adventure For You?

If the thought of witnessing Yellowstone's winter majesty in its purest form excites you, if you're ready to trade some modern conveniences for extraordinary experiences, then pack your warmest gear and join us. This isn't just a photography trip; it's a chance to connect with nature in ways few ever will.

Remember, this adventure isn't for everyone – and that's okay. But for those who dare, it promises to be a journey that will leave you with stunning images and memories to last a lifetime.

Image Gallery

What's Included in Your Yellowstone Winter Photography Adventure

  • Comfortable Lodging: Cozy accommodations throughout your stay, including our unique yurt camp experience and hotel nights in West Yellowstone.
  • Delicious Meals: Hearty, homemade meals at the yurt camp
  • Convenient sack lunches during snowcoach excursions

  • All-Inclusive Transportation:
  • Shuttle service from Bozeman to West Yellowstone
  • Snowcoach transportation for all park excursions
  • No need to rent a car!

  • Expert Guidance: All tips for our knowledgeable guides are covered
  • Park Entry: All fees for Yellowstone National Park entry
  • Snowshoes: Provided if needed for our adventures

What's Not Included

  • Flights: Airfare to and from Bozeman International Airport
  • West Yellowstone Meals: Dining expenses while in West Yellowstone
  • Personal Winter Gear: Required cold-weather clothing and accessories (a detailed packing list will be provided)

Safety First

Visiting Yellowstone in the winter is a true expedition. When at the yurt camp we will be four hours from the nearest hospital. If you have any health concerns that are likely to arise, this may not be the trip for you. Otherwise, rest assured that David and Jennifer are certified Wilderness First Responders. Also, all of the yurt guides have the same certification and have AEDs on site.

Experience Yellowstone's Winter Magic

This expedition offers a truly unique adventure into Yellowstone's winter wonderland. From cozy yurt stays to exclusive landscape access, we've crafted an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

  • Immerse yourself in snow-draped serenity
  • Capture extraordinary photographic moments
  • Enjoy delicious meals and effortless transportation
  • Push your boundaries for unforgettable memories

This isn't a luxury retreat—it's an authentic winter journey that will challenge and inspire you. Ready to embrace the cold, witness nature's winter spectacle, and create stories you'll share for years?

Don't wait—secure your spot now for this unparalleled Yellowstone adventure. Let's make some extraordinary memories in the heart of winter's magic!

Responsible

We are proud members of Nature First Photography. This movement is dedicated to responsible nature photography. At its core are seven principles that we abide by and promote to our clients. We hope you will join the movement!

Join Nature First

Legal

We always run our workshops on the up and up.

For this workshop Exploring Exposure operates under a Commercial Use Authorization with the National Park Service. We are also an equal opportunity service provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Being Prepared for the Cold and Snow

After signing up, we'll send you an extensive list of required gear. If you're new to winter adventures, you may need to purchase some cold-weather equipment. We're here to help with any questions about preparation.

Can I Bring a Spouse/Partner?

We apologize, but due to the nature of this expedition, partners may only join if they pay the full price for a seat. This ensures everyone gets the full experience and attention.

Will I Have Cell Service?

Cell signal is extremely intermittent in most locations we'll visit. At the yurt camp, there is limited service for most providers. Throughout the park, expect to be offline for extended periods. Enjoy the opportunity to disconnect! Wi-Fi and full cell service are available at the hotels in West Yellowstone and Belgrade.

What If There's Bad Weather?

Dramatic weather often leads to the best photographs! Unless conditions become dangerous, weather won't stop us—it'll inspire us! No rain checks will be given for weather-related circumstances.

Will Instructors Take Photos During the Workshop?

Yes, for this excursion, we'll be photographing alongside you. This allows us to demonstrate our approach to each scene. However, we're always available for questions and will regularly check in to provide feedback on composition and technique.

More Information

Fitness Level

For much of the trip we will be photographing near the snowcoach, but we will be hiking out to the thermal features on the boardwalks in the snow, up to 2 miles total. You need to be in good physical condition as these walks/hikes are tiring in the snow, and you need to be stable on all the icy and snow packed surfaces. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us first.

How to Get There

You will be flying into Bozeman International Airport (BZN).

We recommend checking Google Flights for the best rates.

Cancellation Policy

  • If you cancel 180 days prior to the workshop we will refund your initial payment minus a $100 fee.
  • 180 days before the start of the workshop, we will refund your initial payment only if we can fill your spot.
  • The full balance is due 90 days before the workshop. There will be no refunds on the full amount owed. We will attempt to fill your spot, if filled there will be a $100 administrative fee charged and the rest of your payment will be refunded.

There are NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY, even for medical emergencies. All cancellation requests must be in writing and received either by US mail or E-mail. We encourage participants to purchase refundable airline tickets and trip cancellation insurance. We strongly recommend trip insurance to protect you in the event of an unexpected situation that prevents you from attending the workshop. We recommend Travelguard or World Nomads.

We reserve the right to cancel any workshop if the minimum student enrollment is not met. In the event we cancel a workshop, participants will be given the option to reschedule to a later date or receive a full refund. we are not, however, liable for expenses incurred such as airfare or accommodations, and for this reason we also recommend the purchase of trip insurance.

Our customers tell it better than we do!

The winter workshop in Yellowstone was truly a unique experience and adventure that no other workshop offers. Being inside the park at the yurt camp gave us the advantage of being at locations much earlier and staying later than would have been possible had we travelled into and out of the park each day. The yurt camp was clean and cozy, and the hospitality of the staff was exceptional. David and Jennifer did an excellent job planning and coordinating with personnel at the camp, allowing us to concentrate on our photography and enjoy the experience of winter in Yellowstone.   

~ Keith Lisk – Yellowstone Winter Expedition 2024

Have Questions?