It’s hard to take a bad picture of the Tetons; unrivaled beauty and wonder await for you to capture those jagged granite peaks and the area’s wildlife with your camera. Consider taking a private photo and interpretive scenic and wildlife tour and bring your photography goals and skills to the next level.
Why Take One?
A Jackson Hole photography tour is a unique way to experience the jaw-dropping scenery that’s impossible not to see no matter which way you turn your camera lens. You’ll also learn tips from a professional photographer on how best to add a furry or fine-feathered wild thing to your photo in a compelling manner. The experienced photographers who guide these private, interpretive tours and/or photography workshops offer invaluable education not just on photography but also the environment, landscape, wildlife and history of Jackson Hole and the national parks.
Best For ...
Anyone who's interested in seeing wildlife (guaranteed!) in and around Jackson Hole and capturing their essence on film or digital. Your guide will help you challenge your skills and perhaps learn new ones, covering such basic topics as gear, lighting, composition and more, to help enhance your portfolio.
Traveler Tip: Wyoming Camera Outfitters, located a block from Town Square at 35 So. Glenwood carries all manner of photographic gear as well as rental options for Canon, Nikon and Sony. Store camera sales rep Isaac Spotts is a prolific local photographer, so be sure to pick his brain for "insider" information!
Related Story: Tips on Photographing Wildlife
Quick Facts
Duration: 4-5 hours for a half-day; 8 hours for a full day
Average Cost: $595 for half-day; $895 full day
Where: Around Jackson Hole and in Grand Teton and/or Yellowstone national parks
How: Most tour companies offer a complimentary pick-up and drop-off at your hotel located in the town of Jackson or Teton Village
Highlights: Seeing wildlife up close in their magnificent stomping grounds in the Tetons
Traveler Tip: Book your tour before you come out to Jackson, and don't forget to tip your guide!
What Are My Options?
These private safari tours into Grand Teton and/or Yellowstone national parks — with anywhere from one to four people in attendance — are tailored to individual skill level and wildlife photography goals. They range from half-day workshops (sunrise or sunset) to full or custom multi-day photo experiences. The tour operator you choose will suggest how much photography equipment to bring.
Photo tour or workshop operators include Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, AlpenGlow Tours, Roam Wild Photo Tours, and Grand Teton Photo Tours
When’s a Good Time To Go?
Spring, fall and winter are the best times to see large herds of elk on the move and moose grazing the willow bushes. Grizzlies and black bears are also active during the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—storing up calories either pre- or post-hibernation. In the spring you’ll likely see bears with their cubs as well as other mammals and ungulates with newborns in tow. Of course, the summertime provides a plethora of wildlife sightings! And the sunsets? Well, the sunsets out in the Tetons are epic year-round. Ditto with the sunrises. You won’t know which way to point your camera next!
What's Included?
• Experienced, professional photography guide, dedicated to giving you a memorable day in the Tetons and/or Yellowstone National Park (depending upon the tour company’s offerings)
• High-quality binoculars and spotting scopes
• Pick-up and drop-off in town at your hotel or a convenient meeting place
• Comfortable 4x4 vehicle where everyone is guaranteed a window seat
• Organic, locally sourced snacks, and beverages; continental breakfast and/or lunch
The Last Word
The wild things are all around you here and Jackson Hole photography tours offer the best way for you to discover what to look for and where to look for it. And the landscape never disappoints. There perhaps isn't anything more memorable than spotting bison, moose, bears, elk, coyotes, sage grouse, bald eagles, white pelicans, pronghorn, and other "residents" of Jackson Hole during your vacation and then capturing them in a photo you will treasure — and maybe brag about? — forever.
Traveler Tip: For inspiration before or after your tour, visit some of the galleries featuring jaw-dropping photographs by several of Jackson’s most prolific photographers: Tom Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery, Gallery WILD, Gary Crane Studios, Wild By Nature and Heather James Fine Art as well as the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Photography courtesy from top—Follow us on Instagram: @jacksonholetraveler, @thomasdmangelsen @jacksonholesafaris, @roamwildphototours, @wildbynaturegallery, and @tiffanytaxis.com shares exploration in GTNP with guests.