Learn to photograph the Milky Way framed by the jagged Teton crest on a private, four-hour workshop from Jackson Hole. Hands-on instruction, private transport, and site selection away from light pollution let photographers of all levels get striking night-sky images.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The van eases off Highway 89 and the last band of headlights falls away. You step out onto a cold, gravel pullout and the Tetons rise, black and enormous, like cutouts against the stars. A guide sets up a tripod, checks a headlamp that glows red to preserve night vision, and gestures to the Milky Way as it slashes from horizon to zenith. The air smells of sage and late-summer sagebrush; the mountains don’t compete with the sky so much as complete it.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Light mobility required—able to walk short distances on uneven ground and stand for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
The Teton Range rose along a normal fault; the valley bottom was later shaped by glaciation and homesteading in the 19th century, creating the open, ranch-lined plains you see tonight.
Conservation
Minimize light pollution by using red headlamps and avoiding unnecessary illumination; follow Leave No Trace and stay on designated pullouts to protect fragile sagebrush soils.
Reserve your spot on the Night Photography Workshop in Grand Teton National Park today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Tripod is non-negotiable
Bring a sturdy tripod—small movements ruin long exposures and cheap tripods can flex in wind.
Dress in layers
Even summer nights get cold; pack a warm jacket, hat and gloves to stay comfortable during long exposures.
Charge and back up
Bring spare batteries and a second memory card—long exposures and cold drain power quickly.
Scout from the car
Use the guide’s local knowledge but arrive with headlamp and comfortable shoes for short walks to better viewpoints.
Sturdy tripod
Stability for long exposures is the foundation of night photography.
Wide-angle fast lens (14–35mm, f/2.8–f/4)
Captures wide star fields and foreground in a single frame.
Extra camera batteries and memory cards
Cold and long shooting sessions deplete power and storage quickly.
Headlamp with red-light mode
Preserves night vision while adjusting gear and framing shots.