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Montana/Wyoming

Inspired Images: Photographing the Wonders of Yellowstone

Program No. 17947RJ
Capture stunning images of Yellowstone National Park as you improve your photography with expert instruction, learning about compositing, light and the secrets of a great shot.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Gardiner, MT
Program Concludes
Gardiner, MT
Group Type
Micro Group
Meals
17 ( 6B, 5L, 6D )
Activity Level
On this photography adventure, capture Old Faithful’s powerful skyward spray, a bison feeding in a meadow or the tremendous scope of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. As you record impressions of Yellowstone’s landscape, wildlife, geothermal features and historic structures, an instructor discusses composition, the use of light, proper exposure and more. Cap your week with a participant slide show and supportive critique.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Find your own vision of the iconic Yellowstone images as we visit the Old Faithful, Fishing Bridge and Canyon areas.
  • Explore the Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley, each a wide-open wildlife haven where you can expect to see bison, elk, waterfowl, coyotes and more.
  • Acquire new skills in exposure and composition.
General Notes
Extra-small group size; maximum of 12. For beginner to advanced photographers. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. NOTE FOR UPCOMING SEASON (2025 DEPARTURES): We are aware of some disruptions within the Park Service and believe our programs in Yellowstone National Park can operate normally with minimal impact. Although the full effects of layoffs and hiring freezes for seasonal workers is unknown at this time, we have minimized our dependence on Park Service for lectures, clean-up and other services. We utilize lodging operated by both the park concessionaire and private hotels outside of the park. Neither are operated by the Park Service and shouldn’t be impacted by layoffs or hiring freezes. Our restaurants are also operated by residents of the gateway communities or employees of the park concessionaire. In accordance with the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, our groups pack out what they pack in and do not rely on Park Service for cleaning up after our visit. Finally, we don’t foresee Visitor Centers or sites in Yellowstone National Park to be closed due to staffing issues. We will of course be monitoring the situation through our partners within the gateway communities, National Park Service and the CUA office.
Profile Image
Meg Sommers
Meg Sommers has been an outdoor enthusiast from early childhood. A resident of Cody, she has been photographing seriously in Yellowstone National Park since 1990. Meg’s photography covers the full spectrum from landscapes and wildlife to flowers. She has traveled worldwide to seek out new and interesting opportunities in wildlife photography. In 2006 after 20 years in practice, she decided to retire as an attorney and judge to photograph full-time. Meg is a prize-winning photographer who has taught for Road Scholars since 2012.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Patty Bates
Patty Bates
Patty Bates, with a bachelor's in wildlife management and a master's in range ecology, enjoyed a 35-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, including 20 years working in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. In retirement, she continues her work in wildland fire, and volunteers for Yellowstone Nature Connection, animal rescue transports, and Madison County Search and Rescue. Besides helping on Road Scholar trips, she keeps busy hosting guests to her sheep wagon and enjoying travel, camping, pets, quilting, and genealogy.
Profile Image of Zack Baker
Zack Baker
Zack Baker attended high school in Livingston, Montana, 52 miles north of Yellowstone. His love for the park started while snowshoeing and observing wildlife. At Montana State University in Bozeman, he earned a B.S. in plant science, but it was Yellowstone’s mammals that grabbed his interest. He led private wildlife watching, hiking, and photography trips, and drove snowcoaches in the winter. He joined up with Road Scholar in 2017 and is now the Program Director for Road Scholar at the University of Montana Western.
Profile Image of Zack Baker
Zack Baker
Zack Baker attended high school in Livingston, Montana, 52 miles north of Yellowstone. His love for the park started while snowshoeing and observing wildlife. At Montana State University in Bozeman, he earned a B.S. in plant science, but it was Yellowstone’s mammals that grabbed his interest. He led private wildlife watching, hiking, and photography trips, and drove snowcoaches in the winter. He joined up with Road Scholar in 2017 and is now the Program Director for Road Scholar at the University of Montana Western.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles total throughout each day on varied terrain; Getting on and off SUVS or Vans with photo equipment. Weather changes quickly. Elevations of 5,200-9,000 feet. For beginner to advanced photographers.
Micro Group (12 Max)
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (11 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.