Grotto

[irrigator]

This is Grotto Geyser in Yellowstone NationalPark.

[bob_r]

I think this is a cool shot and I don't know if you were shooting up on purpose but I like the POV. The thing that this shot is missing that probably really detracts from it, is something to give us an idea of the scale. Since rocks come in all sizes, I have no idea how big the geyser is.

Bob R

[irrigator]

Actually I was trying to get the rocks and spray in the shot. Here is a shot of the entire geyser on a more sunny and less rainy day.

[bob_r]

I like the first shot best even without a reference for scale. It's much more dramatic. The second shot is nice but makes the geyser look much smaller in relation to the trees and the blue sky isn't nearly as dramatic as the cloudy one. I've flown over Yellowstone many times, but have never had the time to visit. Looks like you got some terrific shots.

Bob R

[Bonish Photo]

Hey Irrigator, how long did you spend in Yellowstone?

The wife and I are planning a trip out there for our travel site, and I'm trying to figure out some logistics on how long to plan for. Did you guys go just to take pictures? Did you learn any good pointers while there? Was it your first time, or did you already know the good photo spots in advance from research and experience?

I have a ton of questions I was going to PM you with, but I'm sure there are a few of us here that havent been, and would love to know some of your tips and tricks for getting such great shots in and around Yellowstone. Maybe do like Jim did with his 'Tips for Shooting at a Zoo', and post a long, (Please as long as you would like ) post on your Yellowstone experience.

I love your shots, and everytime I see them, it makes me want to leave even sooner. We're planning on heading out there in the fall, so we miss the big summer crowds and I'd like to see the change of seasons. We'd also like to be there for a few weeks when the snow might be flying to get some contrast with the animals and the backgrounds like you did in the late spring.

Right now we're guessing a minimum of one month in and around the area, and probably more once we get there and learn of a few good spots that might need to be camped out at to wait for the best light. I'd really like to hear from someone who has just returned and knows the area well.

Thanks for all the great inspiration and Keep posting such wonderful images.

Pat
http://www.everymilesamemory.com

[Walczak Photo]

Hey irrigator,
I agree with Bob...that first one is much more dramatic. It's one of those pictures that just "draws you in" as you look at it. A lot of images...even really good ones, people will look at briefly, say "oh...that's nice" and move on to the next image...that first shot of your's tends to command a viewers attention. Very nicely done!

Bright Blessings,
Jim

[Graham Owen]

I agree with Jim, a very dramatic shot that drew me in to study and admire. The lighting in wonderful.

Graham

[gldiana]

Hi Pat (and all),

not sure if you made it here yet, but if you haven't and still need pointers, here are a few.
I live in Jackson, which is just south of Yellowstone and 3 miles out of Grand Teton National Park and I have also
spent a summer working inside Yellowstone.

1) The Old Faithful geyser is in a great location for sunset shots, but the place is really crowded all summer, if you could
make it there in September or October before the park closes you would be able to take better shots.

2) ...better yet, hike Lone Star Geyser, which is just as regular than Old faithful but much less crowded (it's about a 20 minutes
easy hike from Kepler Cascades (also nice place to photograph), the cascade parking lot is about 15 minutes from Old Faithful.

3) Don't miss the Canyon of the Yellowstone with Lower Falls (and lesser extent Upper Falls).
A great hike is the Uncle Tom's Trail which takes you right under Lower Falls and provides a
very dramatic view, it's a lot of steps to get down (worse part is going back up) but totally worth it.

4) Shoshone Lake has it's own geyser basin, it's a long hike and few people go there but a great way to go is paddling
a canoe or kayak from Lewis Lake (south of the park opposite Yellowstone Lake). The company I work for organizes multiple day
trips to Shoshone Lake or you can also rent canoes/kayaks from us and get there on your own (website is: http://www.snakeriverkayak.com ).
We're open until the end of September.

5) Yellowstone has an unpredictable weather and it's own micro-climate, make sure you have at least
a dry-bag to protect your equipment in case of sudden rain, etc.

6) Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are the best places to sight grizzlies, having a long range zoom certainly helps.

7) Don't leave home without a tripod and cable release.

Explore Sylvan Pass (8530 ft.), it's the road toward the East Entrance and Cody (lovely town, my favorite in Wyoming).
Great Views from there.

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
Just as great with awesome views.

1) For a beautiful skyline photo, catch the sunset over the Grand Tetons from the hills on Moran Junction.
See photo below from my website (http://www.lucadiana.net):



2) Hike the 4.5 miles trail (each way, about 3000 ft. elevation gain) from Lupine Meadows to Amphitheater Lake
(Strenuous, Park Services gives an average of 8 hours for a round trip, although I have done it in little over 2 1/2).
The hike takes you to glacial lakes (Surprise and Amphiteater) surrounded by sub-alpine meadows.

3) Take the easy hike from South Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls (about 45 minutes each way), make sure you have your tripod.
Best time to see the falls is in May/early June when they are huge. After most of the snow has melted.

4) Buy the National Geographic trail map of GTNP (best spent $9 in the park) with all the hikes and details.
Map #202 if I recall correctly.

5) At this altitude a polarizer is a must. But the morning light is harsh since the start. The best photos I've seen
were taken between 8 and 10am when the colors are nicely saturated.

6) ALWAYS bring lots of water with you and some snack like trailmix.

I hope this helps for a start, if something else comes up I will add it here.

Luca
PS: Lots of tourists refer incorrectly to the town as Jackson Hole. The name of the town is Jackson. Jackson Hole is the name
of the Valley that runs for about 60 miles from south of Yellowstone to south of town and includes also Teton Village
(the famouse Jackson Hole Ski Resort).

[Bonish Photo]

Thanks for all the great tips Luca. I'll probably become your worst nightmare in the next few weeks as my wife and I are planning on leaving just after Labor Day to head West.

One quick question. You say the park closes in late October? Does that mean they wont let you in after that? I was under the assumption you could go in year-round? We wanted to be there into late October and maybe a little of Novermber depending on the weather.

Once we get closer, I'm sure I'll be posting many questions, although you just answered many of them in that last post. I'd love to be able to hire a local guide that really knows the area to show us around the first few days were out there. We've found this usually keeps you from seeing a bunch of tourist traps and things that are sort of over played and not that great once a local will show you were the real gems are hidden.

Do you do that sort of thing, or know anyone you could hook me up with that would be willing to guide my wife and I? We're both somewhat adventureous and it wont be like walking along a path with two old codgers. We're both in somewhat good shape and are experienced hikers, bikers, paddlers and climbers.

Any info would be greatly appreciated
Pat
www.everymilesamemory.com

[gldiana]

You're very welcome, Pat.

I don't remember the exact operation dates but you can find them in the NPS (National Park Services) website, each park has its own site.
Once GTNP is closed you can only go through the Moran Junction gate to the Dam, they won't snowplow the rest of the roads, but they are open to hikes (after November snowshoes are pretty much necessary).

Same in Yellowstone, in winter it's open to snowmobile tours. North Gate remains open to access Mammoth Hot Springs.

Unless I don't get some serious schedule conflict I could be your guide. When you know your plans better let me know the dates, and it would also be useful to know what kind of scenery you like so that I can dig in my "mental database" (hehe) and match what you like with what is photography-wise viable.

Luca