Step into a world few get to witness: Yellowstone National Park in winter, where silence reigns, steam rises from the earth, and wildlife emerges from the snow like living sculptures. This exclusive photography workshop is based out of Gardiner, Montana—the gateway to the park’s only stretch of road open to vehicles in winter, providing rare access to the snow-covered wonderland beyond.

We’ll explore the legendary Lamar Valley, a haven for wildlife photography where bison—crusted in frost—trudge through deep snow, and herds of elk roam peacefully across frozen fields. If conditions allow, we may even catch the haunting presence of a gray wolf, silently navigating the terrain in search of prey.

Along the Madison River and other accessible areas, thermal features sculpt surreal microclimates where fog, frost, and golden light collide to create dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime images. With the summer crowds gone, the landscape becomes an artist’s canvas—open, quiet, and endlessly inspiring.

Expect:
📍 Daily departures from Gardiner with access to the park’s 52-mile open route (North to Northeast Entrance)
📸 Expert guidance on capturing wildlife in challenging winter light
📸 Unique compositions of steaming geysers, icy rivers, and snow-laden trees
📸 The opportunity to tell powerful visual stories in one of the planet’s most photogenic winter settings

This workshop is for photographers eager to brave the cold in pursuit of extraordinary imagery and unforgettable experiences. Four-wheel drive is essential—and so is a sense of adventure.

Yellowstone in winter isn’t just a destination—it’s a frontier of the imagination. Come photograph the magic before it melts.

Winter in Yellowstone offers a rare and unforgettable photographic experience. Early mornings in Lamar Valley reveal iconic bison moving through deep snow—one of the few places in the U.S. where wild bison have roamed continuously since prehistoric times. With luck, you may also capture elusive gray wolves against the snowy backdrop.

The quiet stillness, absence of crowds, and abundant wildlife make winter a magical season for photographers. Along the Madison River, bison with icy coats and steaming breath create striking images, while elk graze gracefully in snow-covered valleys.

Though many roads close, the route from the North Entrance remains open year-round, providing access to this winter wonderland. Steam from geothermal features rises into the cold air, shaping the landscape into a breathtaking fairy-tale scene.

Yellowstone in winter is a premier destination where wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and geothermal wonders come together—offering endless photographic opportunities in a truly unique setting.

All participants will fly into Bozeman, Montana, where a group pickup is scheduled for January 5, 2026, by noon.
If you prefer to fly into other airports, such as Salt Lake City, please note that transportation between SLC and Gardiner, MT, will be your responsibility.

(All times Mountain Time; Sunrise approx. 8:00 am, Sunset approx. 5:00 pm)

• January 5, Monday:
  Travel-in day — Group pickup at Bozeman airport, noon
• January 6–11, Tue – Sun:
  Photography and exploration in Yellowstone National Park
• January 12, Monday:
  Travel-out day — Return to Bozeman airport

We will be lodging in Gardiner, Montana, just outside the park’s North Entrance at the Absaroka Lodge 406-848-7414.
Rooms have been reserved at a group rate of $115 per night, but you’ll need to contact the hotel directly to book your room and provide your credit card for the reservation.

• Camera gear:
  📷 Camera body (or two) with plenty of memory cards and extra batteries
  🔭 A variety of lenses — wide-angle, standard, telephoto, and super-telephoto
  🎥 Sturdy tripod and/or monopod for stable shooting in winter conditions
  🌿 Neutral density and polarizing filters for creative control
• Clothing & Comfort:
  🧥 Layered, weather-appropriate clothing — temperatures can range from -29°F to 50°F
  🧤 Don’t forget warm gloves, thermal socks, and insulated boots

Ridley’s Gardiner Market
📍 701 Scott St. West, Gardiner, MT
🕖 Open daily: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Ridley’s is a fully stocked grocery store with a bakery, snacks, beverages, and pre-prepared meals. I recommend picking up a sandwich or ready-made meal each morning to take into the field, in case we don’t return for lunch.

Also, be sure to bring a hot drink in a well-insulated mug (like a Yeti or similar) to help stay warm during long hours in the cold.

I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
It can help protect your investment by covering registration fees, flights, lodging, equipment rentals, and other trip-related expenses in the event of unexpected cancellations or emergencies.

Check providers like AAA, AARP, or your credit card company, many of which offer reliable coverage options.

Jeff Swinger

Email jeff@swingmanphoto.com

513-200-8815

Each day will begin at first light, giving us ample time to reach our morning shoot location and get set up in the best possible conditions. After the initial session, we’ll explore nearby areas before returning to the hotel in Gardiner for lunch, downloading images, and taking a mid-day break.

In the afternoon, we’ll head back into the park for golden-hour light, searching for bison, elk, and other wildlife as they move through the landscape. We’ll end the day at a hand-picked sunset location, capturing images through twilight when the light turns soft and cinematic.

Expect to spend 7+ hours in the field daily, with timing and locations adjusted on the fly to make the most of Yellowstone’s ever-changing winter light and conditions.