Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America,” is home to the greatest herds of American Bison—America’s largest land animal. During the height of their breeding season, the valley pulses with raw energy as bulls clash and herds thunder across the grasslands. This is the most dynamic and photogenic time of year to capture these powerful icons of the American West.
Once we enter the north entrance of Yellowstone at Gardiner, MT, the adventure begins. We’ll seek out these impressive, adrenaline-inducing animals and photograph at different times of day, with an emphasis on the breathtaking light of morning and the warm, rich tones of evening. While bison remain our primary focus, the region also offers opportunities to photograph North American pronghorn, Rocky Mountain elk, Black and Grizzly bears, Gray wolves, and two species of deer.
After time photographing in Yellowstone’s northern range, we venture south into Hayden Valley with the option to photograph the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its dramatic lower falls. Though not as famous as the Lamar Valley, the Hayden also hosts healthy populations of the park’s stunning wildlife and provides a different backdrop for our imagery.
Our final morning offers one final chance to pass through the Lamar Valley toward Mammoth Hot Springs, stopping for spectacular photo opportunities along the way. After lunch at the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, we return to Bozeman and gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Reasons to go with our guide
- Safety is paramount this time of year!! Photographing safely amongst animals displaying dynamic and occasionally unpredictable behavior cannot be emphasized enough. The leader will continually analyze the situation to put the group in the safest location while also considering light and direction of movement.
- Access expert knowledge with a leader who has decades of experience in Yellowstone.
- Learn from a leader/ naturalist photographer who can read the landscape and who understands animal behavior, with knowledge of likely locations to find other wildlife in addition to the bison herds.
- Experience the thrill of being in the right place at the right time for the best bison action by working with a leader who is expert at predicting herd movement.
- Learn from an experienced leader who can anticipate unique animal behaviors and position the group for seeing shots and compositions in a new way.
