Photographing Yellowstone In Winter

After just returning from my very first time shooting during the winter in Yellowstone, I can honestly say it should be a trip on EVERY photographer's list.  It is like going on an African Safari in North America!  For 6 days we explored the area between the North and Northeast entrance of the park on the only park road open during the winter.   Along with Jen, we had the pleasure of hanging out with our great friends and locals Eric Rock and Melissa Scott who often guide wildlife and photography tours in the park.

No doubt I learned more about Yellowstone from spending a week with them then I would have learned in a month of prep with guidebooks.  Their knowledge was key in understanding were to find specific species and why much of the wildlife moves to the north end of the park during winter.   No doubt driving the road was like a winter African Safari.

 


Because we only had about a week to spend around the park, we opted to not take the Snow Coach to the interior sites like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.  But rather focus on wildlife along the road where we had easier access and the ability to be based from our own vehicle.  

I was a bit sad to miss some of these classic spots; but as a photographer I long ago learned it is better to focus on a small area rather than spread yourself too thin.   Despite not getting close enough to photograph any Wolves in the Lamar Valley, hearing them howl while we watched them through binoculars was more than enough payoff for focusing our time in one area.  

  After spending a few nights in Cooke City and Gardiner we ended the Yellowstone leg of our adventure by soaking in the hot baths of Chico Hot Springs just North of the park for a night with several great friends from the Bozeman area.