Northwest Trek - Any Advice

Hello,

I'm about to go on the photo tour at Northwest Trek (about an hour outside of Seattle). I was wondering if you've ever visited the park and if you have any recommendations about getting the most out of photographing the animals.

Thanks in advance!
Christina
http://members.photoportfolios.net/nature_stock_photography
www.naturestocklibrary.com

Never been on the photo tour, but I go to the park once or twice a year. If you are taking the tram ride, you get pretty close to the animals... you probably don't need that long of a lens. I usually take my 70-200, which is plenty.

Have fun.

Christina, the 70-200 will work nicely on the walking part of the park, but for the tram where you get to visit with the range animals--buffalo, elk, sheep, etc--you might want to consider a 300mm or even a 400. I remember wishing for a 400 when I was on the tram. I actually like using a 400 in the walking part too, but then I like animal closeups...

Either way, you'll come away with some great shots. It's a terrific place. Good luck.

Cheers,

Thanks so much. This info helps a lot!

I've been on the photo tour at Trek. They bring the animals close to the tram with food. So you don't need a long lens. The trams vibrate a lot, but if people want to shoot at one spot for awhile the driver will shut the engine off if asked. 70-200 or 70-300 should do the trick for you. Good luck. It's fun.

It can be pretty dark there. Bring a tripod and a flash.

A bunch of us went aas a photo group a couple years ago. they removed the usual glass in the Trams for us. I remember that it was quite dark in parts of the forest, where the moose and elk were. Some of the big horn rams were on a distant hill, so a long lens would be useful. And then there were mountain goats about 20 feet away. The walking part is especially delightful with good chances to get close and unobstructed shots of lots of critters.
Have fun! A neat place.
sandy R