• Yellowstone Intimate Black Sand
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September 3-8‚ 2024 - Sold Out!

Select the dates below to join the waitlist

September 15-20‚ 2025 - 4 Spots Available

Workshop Dates
Investment: $2,995
Investment: $2,995
Sale Sold out
Learn More and Sign Up

  • Experience Level

    Beginner to Advanced 

    This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels. You'll receive personalized guidance to build on your strengths and overcome weaknesses. Expect to be challenged and grow, regardless of your starting point.

  • Fitness Level

    Easy

    Short hikes along the boardwalks with some up and down. We will be hiking up to a mile each day.

    More Info 

  • Curriculum

    Field Sessions & Classroom Instruction

    Our days will be split between sunrise, sunset, and night field sessions, with classroom time and breaks in between. You'll learn techniques like: stacking for noise, focus stacking, and unique Lightroom methodologies, to take your photography to the next level!

  • Group Size

    Limited to 8 Guests

    We keep our group sizes small to ensure the individual attention you deserve.

  • Location

    West Yellowstone, Montana

    View Map 

  • Fly To

    West Yellowstone, Montana (WYS) or Bozeman, Montana (BZN)

    Check Flights 

Description

Join us for an unparalleled experience as we delve into the surreal landscapes of Yellowstone National Park, capturing its majestic beauty both under the vast, starlit skies and during the glorious daylight hours. This extended workshop has been meticulously designed to provide three enchanting nights under the stars and abundant opportunities to explore and photograph the park's natural wonders during the day. By offering this unique blend of night and daytime photography, we minimize the chance of weather interference and ensure a diverse and fulfilling photographic journey. Whether captivated by the Milky Way's ethereal glow or drawn to the vivid textures and colors of Yellowstone's geysers and canyons, this workshop offers a comprehensive and immersive experience tailored to passionate landscape photographers.

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 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 

Itinerary

Preparation: Upon registration, a comprehensive itinerary will be sent to you, ensuring all the details are at your fingertips to help you plan your travel arrangements seamlessly.

Important Note:

Over the course of our workshop, we will dedicate three nights to capturing the star-studded night skies. Our remaining time will be strategically utilized, photographing the breathtaking landscapes in the morning and evening and working on processing techniques during the day. This adaptable schedule allows us to modify our plans based on weather conditions, providing the optimal balance of night and daytime photography. But don't worry, there will be time to rest as well!

Day 1

  • 5:00 pm: Gather at the hotel for introductions and a series of enlightening presentations designed to prepare you for photographing the wonders of Yellowstone. We'll discuss composition techniques, camera settings, and the unique challenges and opportunities of capturing the park's landscapes under both the sun and the stars.
  • Evening: If the weather is looking questionable for the rest of the week and we have clear skies, we'll venture out for our first night beneath the dazzling stars of Yellowstone. We'll focus on creating stunning compositions that showcase the Milky Way arching over the park's iconic features, such as the geysers and hot springs. We'll return to the hotel around 2 am. If the skies prove cloudy or we have clear skies the rest of the week, we'll rest up for the exciting days ahead.

Days 2-5

  • Flexible Schedule: Our days will be tailored to accommodate either night or daytime photography, depending on weather conditions, with processing sessions during midday. This approach ensures that every moment is an opportunity for creativity and growth.
  • Night Photography: On clear nights, we'll venture into the park to capture the awe-inspiring night skies. We'll experiment with long exposures, light painting, and creative compositions to create unique and captivating images that showcase the beauty of Yellowstone under the stars.
  • Daytime Photography: During the day, we'll focus on capturing the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone in the best available light. We'll visit iconic locations such as the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, and the Lamar Valley, seeking out compelling compositions and harnessing the power of light to create emotionally evocative images.
  • Processing Sessions: During midday, we'll gather for engaging classroom sessions where we'll dive into advanced post-processing techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop. We'll explore techniques specific to night and daytime photography, such as noise reduction, star stacking, and exposure blending, to help you create stunning, polished images that showcase your unique vision.

Day 6

  • Morning: We'll convene for a final image critique session, where you'll receive valuable feedback and insights on your work. We'll celebrate the progress made and share the unique perspectives and creative approaches developed throughout the workshop.
  • 1:00 pm: Our transformative workshop concludes, leaving you with new skills, unforgettable memories, and a deeper connection to the art of photography. Depart with a renewed sense of wonder and a refined vision for your photography journey, whether under the sun or the stars.

Throughout the workshop, we'll focus on developing your skills in both night and daytime photography, honing your technical abilities, and refining your post-processing techniques to create stunning, captivating images that showcase the unique beauty of Yellowstone National Park and your individual style.

What You'll Experience

Yellowstone's Grand Landscapes: Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of Yellowstone National Park, from the majestic waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to the colorful hot springs and geysers of the thermal basins. Capture the essence of Yellowstone's iconic landscapes through your lens, both during the day and under the starry night sky.

Diverse Photography Opportunities: Discover a wide array of photographic subjects, including the geothermal wonders of the geyser basins, the stunning landscapes that have made Yellowstone famous worldwide, and the unique geological features that shape the park's terrain. Explore the park's diverse ecosystems, from the lush forests to the expansive grasslands, each offering unique photographic opportunities.

Night Sky Photography: Take advantage of Yellowstone's dark skies to capture the beauty of the Milky Way arching over the park's iconic landscapes. Learn techniques for capturing stunning night sky images.

Classroom Instruction: Benefit from comprehensive classroom sessions covering composition techniques, night sky photography, and post-processing specific to the unique challenges of photographing Yellowstone's landscapes in both day and night. We'll help you refine your skills and create captivating images that showcase the grandeur of the park's natural wonders.

Personalized Guidance: Receive one-on-one support from experienced photographers who know the park intimately, ensuring you make the most of your time in the field and develop your unique creative vision.

Why Yellowstone Night and Day?

Unique Photographic Opportunities: Photographing Yellowstone's landscapes during both day and night offers a unique and comprehensive experience of the park's beauty. By exploring the park under different lighting conditions, you'll discover new perspectives and create a diverse portfolio of images that showcase the many facets of Yellowstone's natural wonders.

Dark Sky Destination: Yellowstone is known for its pristine dark skies, offering exceptional opportunities for night sky photography. Capturing the Milky Way over the park's iconic landscapes is an unforgettable experience that will take your photography to new heights.

Important Details

Lodging: We have secured a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn, conveniently located near the park's west entrance. The special group rate is $369/night, providing a comfortable and modern base for our photography adventures in Yellowstone. You may also choose to stay anywhere in the West Yellowstone area. More information will be provided after registration.

Image Gallery

What is Included

  • Small class size of 8 maximum to ensure proper attention to each client
  • Two attentive instructors for a client to instructor ratio of 4:1
  • Image Critiques
  • Tailored post-processing instruction in Lightroom and Photoshop
  • Sack lunch from local deli provided for dinners in the field

What is Not Included

  • Transportation - 2 people can ride in our vehicle, others will carpool together (all roads are paved) *
  • Lodging - we have a block of rooms held for you
  • Meals - we will be eating some meals together as a group

* Please note that carpooling is REQUIRED. We must get down to three vehicles for our group since parking can be a challenge at times.

Important Details

  • Lodging: We have rooms held at the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone for $369/night. You are welcome to stay anywhere in the West Yellowstone area, but this is where we will be holding the classroom sessions. 
  • More details will be emailed after signing up.

Safety First

Your safety is our utmost priority, especially when exploring remote locations. As certified Wilderness First Responders, David and Jennifer are prepared to handle any situation, big or small. We also carry satellite communication devices to ensure we can request rescue assistance if needed in areas without cellular coverage.

Responsible

As proud members of Nature First Photography, we are committed to responsible nature photography practices. We abide by and promote the seven principles of this movement to our clients, encouraging them to join us in preserving the natural world we capture through our lenses.

Join Nature First

Legal Compliance

At Exploring Exposure, we operate with the highest level of integrity. We obtain all necessary permits, carry comprehensive liability insurance, and acquire any required certifications to ensure our workshops are conducted legally and ethically.

For this workshop, Exploring Exposure is Authorized Permittee of Yellowstone National Park. We are also an equal opportunity service provider.

Our Teaching Philosophy

At our workshops, we are dedicated to helping you discover and develop your unique creative style through personalized training tailored to your skill level and photographic interests. Our goal is to provide you with a rigorous learning experience, both in the field and the classroom, to elevate your photography to new heights.

Your growth and satisfaction are our top priorities. We put your interests first, focusing solely on your learning experience. Throughout the workshop, we will take photographs alongside you to demonstrate how we approach a scene, share techniques, and foster a sense of camaraderie within the group. However, we will never leave you to pursue our own photographic endeavors. Our attention will always remain on you and your progress.

We regularly check in with each participant to provide helpful feedback and advice on your work, without being overbearing. Our biggest goal is to see you succeed and learn, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

We recognize that each participant joins our workshops at different stages of their photographic development. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced photographer, we are here to guide and assist you. We firmly believe that there is always room for growth and improvement in photography, and we are committed to helping you refine your skills and find your unique creative vision.

Above all, we strive to create a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience for you. Our small group sizes allow us to build strong connections with our clients, fostering a sense of community and belonging. We are driven by our love for photography and find immense joy in witnessing our participants' growth and artistic development.

Join us on this exciting journey of photographic discovery, and let us help you unlock your full creative potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spouses/partners welcome?

For this workshop, no. Unless they are paying full price for a seat. We must reduce the number of cars due to parking concerns.

Will I have cell service during the workshop?

Cell signal is extremely intermittent in most of the locations we will visit, you should not expect to be connected all the time, at certain locations you may be offline for long periods, enjoy the silence. There is cell service and wifi available in West Yellowstone.

Will weather cancel the workshop?

Dramatic weather is when the best photographs are created! Unless there are very dangerous conditions the weather will not stop us, in fact it will encourage us! No rain checks will be given for any weather related circumstances.

Will the instructors take photos during the workhop?

The instructors will take a few photos in a limited manner, this is so you can see how we approach a scene, create comradery with the group, and show you the same type of images you will be taking for our processing session. Our focus will always remain with you.

More Information

Fitness Level

This workshop will involve short hikes of 2-3 miles total daily. We will only be on the boardwalks so the hikes are easy.

How to Get There

If you are flying in there are several options:

  • West Yellowstone Airport - 5 minutes to the hotel
  • Bozeman International Airport - 1h 45m to the hotel
  • Idaho Falls Airport - 1h 45m to the hotel
  • Jackson Hole Airport - 2h 45m to the hotel

We recommend using Google Flights to find the best option for where you are coming from.

Cancellation Policy

  • If you cancel 90 days prior to the workshop we will refund your initial payment minus a $100 fee.
  • 90 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 60 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.

Have Questions?

Feel free to reach out, we are happy to help!

Customer Reviews

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D
Douglas Punzel

David and Jennifer are talented photographers and run a very organized and informative photography workshop. The scouting done before the trip and their knowledge of the area makes for a great time. Great instructors seem to attract great students, that is the case with Jennifer and David.

E
Ellen Golodner

Simply the Best!
I am a returning client for all the reasons one might expect. David and Jennifer are committed to teaching and providing each client individualized instruction in a friendly and helpful setting. They are organized and prepared, so the workshop comes off as an effortless experience for the client. Their true expertise was on full display at the Yellowstone at Night workshop when the weather had a mind of its own and clouds rolled in, obscuring the Milky Way. We quickly pivoted to shoot the storm, lightning and all, when it was safe. Rapidly, new locations were obtained, taking advantage of the storm in real-time instead of giving up because things didn't go according to the original plan. We didn't shoot the same ol' cliche Milky Way shots; we got something unique and arguably better! This could never have happened without an intimate knowledge of Yellowstone in the dark and what seemed to me quick thinking on one's feet to make things possible. It's obvious how much they care about giving us the fullest workshop experience, no matter the circumstances. Definitely the best!

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