Wildlife Adventure in Grand Teton NP - Spring 2012

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Join one of North America's most successful wildlife photographers as he leads you to the amazing wildlife and scenics of Grand Teton National Park.

Join Nikonians Academy Instructor Jim Stamates for 4 wild days to learn, shoot, and experience Grand Teton National Park in the Spring.

Trip Dates: 6/6/12 - 6/9/12

Springtime in Grand Teton NP is an exciting time. Bison, Moose and Elk have dropped their young. Birds are nesting and beavers and river otters tend to their young. We arrive before dawn at Schwabacher Landing and we wait for the sun to kiss the tops of the snowcapped Grand Tetons. The reflection in the beaver pond adds the perfect touch to our first image of the day. Then on to Mormon Row to get the classic shot of the barns with the snowcapped peak. Bison herds move in unison as the brand new calves jump, play and chase each other. That’s just the first morning and we have many opportunities awaiting us. We head to Oxbow Bend but not for scenics, instead we look for river otters, beaver, moose, and elk along with their newborn calves and pups. Don’t forget to look up! Bald eagle and osprey nests cap the tall evergreens. Bears are out of hibernation and looking for any opportunity to fill their stomachs after the long winter. Pronghorn, coyote, and fox fill the memory cards and this is only the first day!

Join Nikonians Academy and Jim and Kathy Stamates for 4 wild days to learn, shoot, and experience Grand Teton National Park in the spring.

You will shoot:

The Wildlife of Grand Teton National Park. Wildlife species may include; Moose, Bison, Elk, Pronghorn, Black and Grizzly Bears, Coyote, Fox, River Otters, Beavers, and Wolves. We will concentrate on finding subjects with young. We will also look for Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls, Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes and Osprey. Many of them will be nesting as will smaller birds. We will also look for Ruffed Grouse displaying. Landscapes will include the Snake River, Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, Moulton Barn, and Jackson and Jenny Lakes.

You will experience:

The Grand Tetons in the spring, being near wild animals, the feeling of wilderness, great camaraderie, exceptional photo opportunities, and lots of fun. No strenuous hiking.

Transportation, Lodging and Meals:

Workshop fee includes training and resources but does not include transportation, lodging, meals, or park entrance fees.

We will base out of Jackson, WY.

If you fly, Jackson Hole Airport, JAC, is about 12 miles from Jackson, WY. Jackson Hole is the valley and Jackson is the town. We will shoot all day Thursday May 26 and have a farewell dinner that night so plan accordingly.

Lodging options and itinerary will be emailed to you upon signing up for this workshop.

Camping and RVs are also an option.

We will carpool and travel to several locations during the day. Wildlife photography is an adventure and we will be open to what each day will offer us.

Save $100

If you combine this workshop with our Yellowstone Spring Wildlife Adventure, then we will refund $100 off the overall price.

  • You will learn

    • Jim’s 3 Keys to Great Images
    • How and where to find wildlife subjects
    • How to anticipate your subjects next move
    • Low Impact Field Techniques of a Professional Wildlife Photographer
    • You will learn camera settings for active wildlife and quiet landscapes
    • How to find all the best locations in the Tetons to express your vision.
    • The Tetons provide abundant wildlife opportunities. You will learn how to get into the rhythm of your subject so it accepts your presence and allows you ample time to make your perfect shot. We will discuss field ethics and etiquette, when it is okay to use fill flash and when it’s not, and how low-impact techniques will improve your wildlife and nature photographs. We will practice techniques to use a tripod effectively, shooting with a long lens to get sharp images, and panning techniques to show motion with moving subjects.

  • What to bring

  • Required

    • SLR • digital or film, tripod, wide angle, short telephoto, and the longest lens you have. (You don’t need a super telephoto if you don’t have one, I’ve made some of my best wildlife images at under 200mm)
    • Bring a great attitude, a willingness to learn and share, and a desire to experience wildlife and adventure like never before.
    • Layer clothing, prepare for any type of weather any time of year in the Tetons. Usually, cool mornings give way to warmer afternoons. Weather is unpredictable. We will shoot in any conditions we are given.
    • Hat, Gloves, Rain parka suggested buy most likely not needed
    • Hiking Boots
    • Water Bottle (refillable)
    • I will email a suggested pack list to all participants.

  • Optional

    • Laptop computer or portable hard drive to download cards. This is a field workshop and we will be shooting from dawn to dusk with midday breaks for lunch of course. There will be no classroom instruction.
    • Grad ND and Polarizer filters, Macro lens, Tele extenders, Flash, Flash extender, cable release, rain cover for camera and lenses. Other items you may want are knee pads or small ground cloth for low angle shooting.
    • Thermos for hot and cold drinks; coffee, tea, hot chocolate.

  • What is provided

    • Guidance by our professional photography instructor
    • Training materials for the workshop
    • Amazing photo opportunities
    • This is a four day workshop in the field. No classroom instruction.

  • Venue Information

      Please check your venue by specific city area location.

 

Photograph Grand Teton wildlife with one of the best wildlife photo instructors out there.

Cancellation policy: If you cancel more than 30 days before the workshop, we will refund your tuition except for a $125 fee. If you cancel less than 30 days before the workshop, we will refund 50% of the tuition. If you cancel less than 7 days before the workshop, we offer no refund.

 

Wildlife Adventure in Grand Teton NP - Spring 2012 workshops are provided in the following locations:

City Area Date Instructor Price (Member) Price (Non-Member)
Grand Teton NP 06-JUN-2012 Jim Stamates $995 $1095

Member prices are only applicable to Nikonians Silver, Gold and Platinum Members. Non-members can register as Nikonians members here. Nikonians Basic members can upgrade the membership level here. Membership payments help sustain the growth of the Nikonians community and its services such as the Nikonians Academy.