Adventure Collective
null - Bozeman

Photography Tour

Gardinermoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate physical fitness to walk and stand for extended periods outdoors.

Overview

Capture the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife of Yellowstone on a private guided photography tour in Gardiner, Montana. Perfect for photographers of all levels, this experience combines expert guidance with breathtaking vistas for unforgettable images.

Hamden, Ohio

Photography Tour

Full Day Tour • Great for All Skill Levels • Private and Customizable

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About This Adventure

Full day Photography Tour of Yellowstone National Park

Duration

8 hours

About

Get an early start for that early morning light and a chance to capture some of the most iconic wildlife in North america. This trip is completely customizable allowing us to focus on the animals and landscapes you're most eager to photograph.

This tour is limited to 3 guests to maximize our ability to photograph. If you have a larger group, please inquire about options.

Please inquire about split days (Sunrise and Sunset) for additional costs

What to Bring

Of course your camera, batteries, memory cards and tripod. We recommend the longest lens you have. Beautiful images can be captured with any length, but having a lens 400mm or longer is recommended.

For every tour, year round we recommend the following items.

  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Your park pass (receipt, or annual/lifetime pass)
  • Sunglasses
  • Medications & Sunscreen
  • Camera (Spare batteries, and memory cards are recommended)
  • Inquire about lens recommendations
  • Warm jacket (Yes, even in the summer)
  • Rain jacket
  • Gloves and Hat (We recommend a ball cap for sun protection and a beanie to cover the ears)

Spring (April, May, June)

Spring in Yellowstone can feel like winter in many other places. However usually by afternoon the temps are rising and sun is kissing the newest greens on the valley bottoms. For us that means being prepared for just about any type of weather and being ready for it to change quickly. We highly recommend dressing for colder temps in the morning and using a layering system to help adjust to the warming later in the day. This is also a fairly wet time of year in Yellowstone so having water resistant shoes will help keep feet warm and a waterproof rain jacket is a must!

Guides Choice:

Hiking Boots with thick pair of warm wool socks. Thin merino long johns with a thicker windproof pair of hiking pants. A thin merino base layer shirt covered by a lightweight sun hoodie (synthetic material), a light puffy jacket, ball cap and sunglasses. As always a thicker puffy jacket, rain jacket, beanie and gloves can be left in the vehicle at the ready.

Summer (July, August)

Summer in Yellowstone is an amazing time to visit. Expect cool mornings, warm afternoons and a pleasant breeze. This is probably the greatest factor in making the most popular time to visit the park. Its typical for us to see sunrise temps around freezing which quickly give way to powerful sun and beautiful picnic weather. Later in the summer afternoon thunderstorms occasionally blow through and cool the air just in time for dinner and a campfire.

Guides Choice:

Hiking boots with thin merino socks. Wind-proof hiking pants and a merino base layer with a sun hoodie. A ball cap and sunglasses are a must! The lightweight puffy is usually enough to get through the colder mornings and is often retired shortly after the sun breaks the horizon.

Fall (August, September, October)

Fall is one of our favorite seasons here in the park with a cool dry breeze, the crunchy ground beneath our boots and plenty of sunshine. Mornings are typically frosty and most days are sunny and warm enough to shed the jacket by the mid-day. However, winter is always creeping into the days this time of year and snow flurries are not uncommon starting in September. Again, layering is key.

Guides Choice:

Hiking Boots with thick pair of warm wool socks. Thin merino long johns with a thicker windproof pair of hiking pants. A thin merino base layer shirt covered by a lightweight sun hoodie (synthetic material), a light puffy jacket, ball cap and sunglasses. As always a thicker puffy jacket, rain jacket, beanie and gloves can be left in the vehicle at the ready.

Winter

Winters in Yellowstone can be legendary. Potential snowpack over your head, temperature drops well below 0 and air so cold the moistures falls like diamonds in a haze around us. With all that in mind, it’s exactly what many visitors come for. Wildlife sightings are world class and the hustle of the summer transfers into the season of the wolves. Being prepared for the cold is imperative but not impossible and when ready Yellowstone provides her hearty visitors with a stunning winter wonderland. The heaviest of insulating layers should always be at hand along with durable insulated boots and all the accessories for head and hands available. With all this preparation making sure guests are warm and comfortable is a full time job during the winter and one we have learned some solid strategies for. Warm drinks, hand warmers and a comfortable touring vehicle ready to be converted into a warming hut are always nearby.

Guides Choice:

Warm insulated ankle high boots with a thin merino sock layer under the thickest merino socks available. We also recommend gaiters this time of year if you have them to prevent snow from getting into your boots and one more layer of protection for the feet. Heavy merino long johns under a layer of thick fleece or puffy pants and wind and waterproof hiking pants. Again, merino or thick wool baselayers work best with a heavy wool or fleece layer under a heavy puffy jacket. During the coldest mornings a thin puffy jacket under the thicker one is also recommended. Finally, a warm beanie, sunglasses and gloves that are easily put on and off are a must. We also provide hand warmers to put in pockets for that extra warming kick when fingers need it.

Adventure Tips

Use a wide-angle lens for landscapes

A wide-angle lens helps you capture expansive views and dramatic skies in Yellowstone's vast landscapes.

Bring extra memory cards and batteries

Ensure your equipment is ready for a full day of shooting without interruptions due to low storage or power.

Arrive early for morning light

The soft morning glow enhances landscape photos and provides great wildlife viewing opportunities.

Stay quiet and patient

Wildlife can be elusive; quietness and patience often yield the best close-up shots.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bison
  • Elk

History

Yellowstone was established as the world's first national park in 1872, highlighting its importance in conservation history.

Conservation

Yellowstone Wildlife Guide Company emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing and environmentally friendly practices to preserve the park’s natural beauty.

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Adventure Hotspots in Bozeman

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

DSLR or mirrorless camera

Essential

A high-quality camera helps you capture sharp, detailed images of Yellowstone's landscapes and wildlife.

Telescopic or zoom lens

Essential

A zoom lens allows you to photograph distant wildlife without disturbing them.

Tripod

Essential

A stable tripod is essential for sharp landscape and low-light shots, especially during dawn or dusk.

Weather-resistant clothing

Essential

Protects you from sudden weather changes and ensures comfort during outdoor shooting.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific