Trip Suggestion #5

Author

Moshe Levis
December 25, 2023

Happy Monday! And if you’re celebrating I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Hope you're all revved up for another week of chasing the light and capturing those breathtaking moments. This week, I've got a real treat for you - a 3-day winter photography expedition to the mesmerizing landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. Having been there myself last winter, I can assure you, it's an experience you won't forget!

Table of Contents

🚗 Road Trip to Yellowstone National Park Photography

  • From: Los Angeles, CA

  • To: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

  • Distance: Strap in for a scenic 15-hour drive covering about 950 miles. The journey is as beautiful as the destination!

🌞🌚 Sun & Moon Timings (Approximations for 12/29/23)

  • Sunrise: 7:50 AM - those first rays over the snow are pure magic.

  • Sunset: 4:40 PM - perfect for that golden hour glow.

  • Moonrise: 7:30 AM (Waxing Gibbous)

  • Moonset: 4:50 PM - adds a mystical touch to the landscape.

📍 Must-Visit Photo Spots

  1. Mammoth Hot Springs: Steamy terraces against a snowy backdrop? Yes, please!

  2. Grand Prismatic Spring: Those vibrant colors pop beautifully against the white snow.

  3. Old Faithful: The iconic geyser in a winter wonderland setting.

  4. Hayden Valley: Wildlife against the pristine snow - absolutely majestic.

  5. Lower Falls: A frozen fairytale scene, perfect for long exposures.

🌥️ Weather Check

Cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -20°F to 20°F. Be prepared for icy conditions and snowfall.

🚘 Getting Around

An All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle is recommended for our winter trip to Yellowstone for enhanced traction and safety on the snowy and icy roads we'll encounter in the park

🏨 Where to Stay

I've got two great lodging recommendations

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins: Inside the park, offering easy access to the Upper Geyser Basin.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Located near the north entrance, ideal for photographing the Mammoth Terraces.

🎒 Gear Checklist

  • DSLR/Mirrorless camera with a range of lenses (wide-angle, mid-range, telephoto).

  • Sturdy tripod.

  • Extra batteries (keep them warm to preserve charge).

  • Memory cards.

  • Lens cleaning kit.

  • Weatherproof camera bag.

🍽️ Food Essentials

  • Insulated thermos for hot beverages.

  • High-energy snacks like nuts and energy bars.

  • Pre-packed meals if staying in cabins.

  • Water bottles (insulated to prevent freezing).

🧥 Clothing Must-Haves

  • Heavy insulated jacket and snow pants.

  • Thermal underwear and layers.

  • Waterproof boots with good traction.

  • Gloves, beanie, balaclava or neck gaiter.

  • Warm socks.

Day 1: Arrival and Mammoth Hot Springs

  • 5:00 AM: Depart from Los Angeles.

  • Evening: Arrive at Yellowstone, check into accommodation.

  • Night: Brief exploration around Mammoth Hot Springs.

Day 2: Geysers and Grand Prismatic

  • 5:00 AM: Start early to capture sunrise at Mammoth Hot Springs.

  • 9:00 AM: Visit Old Faithful; capture the eruption sequence.

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch break.

  • 2:00 PM: Afternoon shoot at Grand Prismatic Spring.

  • 4:30 PM: Sunset photography in the Upper Geyser Basin.

  • 7:00 PM: Dinner and review the day’s shots. 

Day 3: Wildlife in Hayden Valley, Lower Falls

  • 6:00 AM: Early morning wildlife photography in Hayden Valley.

  • 10:00 AM: Brunch and warm-up.

  • 12:00 PM: Visit and photograph the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

  • 3:00 PM: Late afternoon photography, seeking unique landscapes.

  • 4:30 PM: Sunset session.

  • 7:00 PM: Dinner, pack up for departure next day.

3 Possible Photos to Capture

  1. Steaming Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs: Capture the contrast of hot springs against the snowy backdrop.

  2. Eruption of Old Faithful: A classic shot of the geyser in full force with a winter scene.

  3. Wildlife in Hayden Valley: Bison or elk herds against the pristine snow, showcasing Yellowstone's abundant winter wildlife.

Remember, Yellowstone in winter is as challenging as it is beautiful. Be prepared for cold weather and enjoy capturing the unique beauty of this winter wonderland! 📸❄️🦬

Quick Tips for Capturing Stunning Images:

  1. Golden Hours Are Key: I found that shooting during sunrise and sunset in Yellowstone was transformative. The low-angle light brings out the vibrant colors and casts dramatic shadows, especially in the geothermal areas.

  2. Wildlife Wonders: Patience paid off when photographing Yellowstone’s wildlife. Early mornings and late evenings were the best times to use my telephoto lens for capturing bison, elk, and even wolves while keeping a respectful and safe distance.

  3. Geothermal Magic: To really make the colors pop in geothermal features like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, a polarizing filter was invaluable. It cut down the glare and enhanced the thermal pools' mesmerizing hues.

  4. Dynamic Landscapes: Yellowstone’s diverse landscape begged for dynamic compositions. I loved adding elements like meandering rivers or a herd of bison in the foreground of my wide shots to create depth and a sense of scale.

  5. Embracing the Weather: The park’s quickly changing weather created some of my most dramatic shots. Clouds rolling in, a sudden snow flurry, or mist over a hot spring added a unique and dramatic touch that only Yellowstone can offer.

These tips are based on my personal experiences in Yellowstone, where every photography venture brought something new and awe-inspiring.

Can't wait to hear about your adventures and see your stunning captures! And as always, drop me a line if you have questions or just want to share your experiences.

Stay inspired and keep capturing those magical moments!

Best,
Moshe Levis

P.S.: Remember, it's not just about the photos we take, but the memories we make while taking them. Yellowstone is ready for you - are you ready for it? 🏔️📸