I will be going to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks next week and was wondering if anyone had some specific suggestions for off-the-beaten-track shooting sites. I've only got a week and I'd like to shoot some non-touristy landscapes and wildflowers.
Thanks and Greetings from SENP.
We did that trip last year around this time. I would have to say that it is two primary things - awesome beauty and the land of photography. So don't shy away from icons. It is sorta like Yosemite in that way. Beautiful waterfalls, Mtns, rivers, lakes and plenty of wildlife!
I guess it depends how far you are willing to hike and if you will be hiking alone. Last summer in the Tetons an 'early morning' jogger was mauled by a grizzly while we were there. And there are 'a lot' of other wild animals roaming around. So remote hikes have a bit more danger involved than other places especially during 'golden hour.' Make sure and pick up some good books on shooting both parks. Also I recommend checking out other photographer's work in those areas to get an idea of what you would like to shoot.
For morning and evening landscapes think lakes, rivers and Teton reflections. Ask the rangers how the lupine fields are doing around Colter Bay. We saw some nice ones last year there. But wildflowers were low overall due to a poor winter. Just be aware that is grizzly territory.
Try Firehole Lake Drive in Yellowstone during breakfast or dinner, when everyone has migrated to town or Old Faithful Lodge. There are a lot of shooting opportunities in the area.
Check out the RKO Road in Teton Park.
There is not much written about it.
You can get a map by exploring Trails.com
You can read about it in an online book entitled:
"Mtn Bike Adventures in the Northern Rockies.
I found it by searching google on RKO Road+Tetons
Oh, I almost forget to mention Signal Mtn. http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/photos/233066953_djBfA-XL.jpg
The Teton view from here is not done close to as much as the other great icon spots (Snake River Overlook, Schwabachers Landing, Oxbow Bend, etc...). Also have a look at this cool map for some good ideas: http://www.wyofoto.com/Teton_Photo_Map.htm
And you can always try to do an icon differently. I think I saw a shot from the Snake River Overlook location done from the water level vs. the overlook above. That was a nice perspective.
Jenny Lake, String Lake and Colter Bay offer a lot of compositional opportunities both in the early monring and at sunset.
All good suggestions. If you can find it pick up a copy of Photographer's Guide to Yellowstone and the Tetons by Joseph Lange. This book steered me to the Leigh Lake trail in Grand Teton. It's an easy hike and there are some really nice views of Mt Moran reflected in String Lake which is along this trail. Also, in the area below the Jackson Lake dam the famous (or infamous) Bear #399 referenced in Derek's post has given her 2 year old cubs the boot and is now being courted by a couple big male grizzlies.
Lots of neat stuff to shoot but don't forget....If you're hiking in either Grand Teton or Yellowstone carry a can of bear spray. I was there in May 2007 and saw grizzlies in every kind of terrain from the most open prairies to the dense willows along the Snake River.
Thanks for all the great suggestions. And Derek, your photos are awesome! I'll be happy to come back with just one like those. I'll let you know how it went when I get back. And I promise to be careful of the bears.
Discussion
6 repliesThanks and Greetings from SENP.
I guess it depends how far you are willing to hike and if you will be hiking alone. Last summer in the Tetons an 'early morning' jogger was mauled by a grizzly while we were there. And there are 'a lot' of other wild animals roaming around. So remote hikes have a bit more danger involved than other places especially during 'golden hour.' Make sure and pick up some good books on shooting both parks. Also I recommend checking out other photographer's work in those areas to get an idea of what you would like to shoot.
For morning and evening landscapes think lakes, rivers and Teton reflections. Ask the rangers how the lupine fields are doing around Colter Bay. We saw some nice ones last year there. But wildflowers were low overall due to a poor winter. Just be aware that is grizzly territory.
Here are my shoots from last summer:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Locations
There is not much written about it.
You can get a map by exploring Trails.com
You can read about it in an online book entitled:
"Mtn Bike Adventures in the Northern Rockies.
I found it by searching google on RKO Road+Tetons
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/photos/233066953_djBfA-XL.jpg
The Teton view from here is not done close to as much as the other great icon spots (Snake River Overlook, Schwabachers Landing, Oxbow Bend, etc...). Also have a look at this cool map for some good ideas:
http://www.wyofoto.com/Teton_Photo_Map.htm
And you can always try to do an icon differently. I think I saw a shot from the Snake River Overlook location done from the water level vs. the overlook above. That was a nice perspective.
Jenny Lake, String Lake and Colter Bay offer a lot of compositional opportunities both in the early monring and at sunset.
Lots of neat stuff to shoot but don't forget....If you're hiking in either Grand Teton or Yellowstone carry a can of bear spray. I was there in May 2007 and saw grizzlies in every kind of terrain from the most open prairies to the dense willows along the Snake River.