mountain tour photography

Wildlife & Scenic Guided Tours in Rocky Mountain National Park

With rmnphotographer, make magic with your cell phones and digital cameras capturing the dynamic wildlife and magnificent scenery of rmnp., capture incredible photos on your cell phones and cameras as your private tour guide shares the spectacular beauty of rocky mountain national park in the comfort of your own vehicle..

With your cell phones and cameras, RMNPhotographer Tours will guide your family and guests to photograph the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park. Capture views of snow-covered mountain vistas and lush green valleys. See alpine lakes, rolling streams, and waterfalls. Your guide will seek gentle deer, dynamic elk, and massive moose allowing you the time to take the pictures you've dreamed of. NOTE: Our private guided tours are in your own vehicle to ensure a unique and safe experience for your family and guests. There must be one seat for the guide. Our guide, per your request, will drive your vehicle so you can enjoy the journey. Timed-Entry reservations are NOT required as RMNPhotographer is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, to conduct services in Rocky Mountain National Park.

RMNPhotographer Tours provide the most dynamic,

private and personalized tours in RMNP.

3.5-4.0 hours

Mountains To Sky Tour

 (half-day).

Our knowledgeable and friendly guides are experienced RMNP photographers who help you capture images of a lifetime on your cell phones or cameras. 

• Tour through RMNP on Trail Ridge Road, the highest highway in the United States (12,183 ft.), to the “top of the world” at the Alpine Visitor Center. 
• See snow-covered mountain vistas and lush green valleys, alpine lakes, rolling streams, and waterfalls. 
• Seek gentle deer, dynamic elk, and massive moose allowing you to capture magnificent photos. 
• Return to tour Bear Lake Road, the most popular area in the park including Moraine Park and scenic Sprague Lake.

Adults : $129.00

Children (5-12) : $89.00

Infant (0-4): Free

7.5-8.0 hours

Over the Top Tour

• Tour through RMNP on Trail Ridge Road, the highest highway in the United States (12,183 ft.), traveling from Estes Park to Grand Lake. 
• With your cell phone and camera, capture lush green valleys, alpine lakes, rolling streams, waterfalls, and the Continental Divide. 
• Travel through historic Kawuneeche Valley to lunch (on your own) in the quaint village of Grand Lake before returning to Estes Park.

Adults : $199.00

Children (5-12) : $129.00

Lakes and Meadows Tour

Our knowledgeable and friendly guides are experienced RMNP photographers who help you capture images of a lifetime on your cell phones or cameras. . 

• Travel to the Alluvial Fan, Horseshoe Falls, Hidden Valley and the breath-taking views from Many Parks Curve.
• Experience Moraine Park and stroll around Sprague Lake with incredible views of the continental divide (our favorite place in the park). 
• Seek wildlife including gentle deer, dynamic elk, and massive moose allowing you to capture magnificent photos.
• Experience the incredible beauty of RMNP without high altitude travel.

5.5-6.0 hours

Mountain to Sky+Bear Lake Rd.

• Tour through RMNP on Trail Ridge Road, the highest highway in the United States (12,183 ft.), to the Alpine Visitor Center. 
• Seek gentle deer, dynamic elk, and massive moose allowing you to capture magnificent photos.
• Return to tour Bear Lake Road, the most popular area in the park including Moraine Park and Sprague Lake.

Adults : $179.00

Children (5-12) : $10 9.00

Add a Family Portrait Package

Incorporate into any tour a once in a lifetime family professional portrait package in beautiful RMNP.

● Easily accessible locations/unique settings.

● Family sittings and special events

● ¾ to 1 hour of photography in three personally selected locations.

● Accessibility and license to digital downloads of all high resolution images.

● Photos available privately to you online in five days or less.

Total Family Portrait Package all-inclusive $295

*Add this option at checkout

"The trip is so much more personalized than anything else...in Estes."

Our tour guide was phenomenal! He was extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating. He made what would have been an enjoyable trip anyway, a trip of a lifetime! Silly us we forgot to bring an extra battery for our camera so our guide made sure to take pictures on his equipment to send to us so we wouldn't miss out. The trip is so much more personalized than anything else you will see in Estes, I can not recommend this tour enough it is a must do!.

Mark - Colorado

 "The kids kept saying how interesting his stories were..."

You must call RMNPhotographer for a tour! In the summer of 2020, I brought my nine family members, and we went on a full day tour. At first, the kids were not happy about an all-day tour, but when we were done, they were not ready for it to end. Our guide, Brad, stopped at special places in RMNP to view scenery, wildlife, and share his knowledge with entertaining stories. In 2021, I came back with a 13 member 4H group. Again, Brad was our tour guide. The kids kept saying how interesting his stories were, and how much they learned. It is well worth it no matter how many times you have done it!

Kristi - Texas

"The tour is very personalized and filled with a rich history of the park..."

My wife and I were able to enjoy personal RMNPhotographer tours the past two summers. We had a fantastic experience due to our RMNPhotographer guide’s knowledge and expertise. The tour is very personalized and filled with a rich history of the park, breathtaking views, and phenomenal wildlife including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Our guide, Brad, was personable, kind, and has a deep passion and respect for RMNP.

Drake & Dana - Iowa

"He knew where to find animals, especially the elusive Moose!"

RMNPhotographer tours is a great choice. Our guide told us endless facts and interesting tidbits about RMNP, and he knew where to find animals, especially the elusive Moose! He spotted them in not one, but in two different locations. We stopped for a good 15 minutes in each location. With my cellphone, I got great shots of a huge bull moose and a cow and its calf, wading across a stream. It doesn't get much better!

Rick - Illinois

Call at: 515-298-9738

[email protected].

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Smoky Mountains Amateur Photography Tour

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a nature lover’s paradise! And this 4 day tour is planned with the flexibility for you to also turn it into a family summer vacation.

This is a photography tour built for beginners but all skill levels are welcome. We will take you to some of the most incredible photo locations at the right time of day to come home with an amazing collection of images… classic mountain vistas, waterfalls, streams, wildflowers, historic cabins, wildlife… perhaps even bears. We’ll spend our mornings and evenings chasing some of the best light and vibrant landscapes while working on composition and developing your personal style.

The Bearskin Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN will be our hotel headquarters, right at the National Park entrance.

Presented by Procam

Tour Details

Whether you are an experienced photographer or this is your first time using your camera, our guides will be able to coach and educate you so that you can take home incredible memories of the Great Smoky Mountains. This is not a “class.” We believe the best way to learn new photography techniques is to get out into nature with your camera… explore and shoot! We will get you to the best locations at the best times of day for beautiful images… and then teach you a few tricks with your camera’s manual settings. Questions are encouraged. Group size will be kept small (6-10 participants) to afford each participant one-on-one instruction.

All levels of photographers are welcome.  Our groups usually include a combination of singles, couples, friends and family… travelers who prefer to visit unique corners of America and have some fun!   In order to keep costs low for this excursion, we leave the travel to you. This gives you the flexibility to fly, drive, or even turn it into a family vacation. We offer a hotel discount code (see “accommodations” below) which can be used for extended stays if you choose to plan an extended family vacation and then join our photo tour. (I can help with that too! Just ask!) Due to limited space in our vans, only paying participants can join our 3-day photo tour.

We will provide lots of info leading up to the photography tour including what to wear, what gear to pack and recommendations for restaurants and “must do” attractions for your free time.

Book Now for $994  (30% off for limited time) $1,420 Regular Price $500 deposit to reserve your spot, balance due 60 days before trip. Click HERE to register

Your Tour Guides

• Spike Your host with the big mouth! He loves sharing his passion for photography, travel and adventure! Spike has traveled the Smokies and the world, chasing the perfect location to photograph. He started this small-group travel company to help others fulfill their bucket list and realize it's as much about the experience as it is about photography.
• Bobby Alcott Bobby Alcott is an award-winning commercial photographer based in New York City. The native Detroiter co-founded a global corporate photo agency and specializes in nature, sports, portrait, advertising and destination weddings. His images have been featured in advertisements and art galleries for over 25 years.

Departure & Return Location

Knoxville Airport (TYS)

Price Includes

• 3 days of photography in the Smoky Mountains with transportation from location to location
• Knowledgeable tour guide who has scouted locations
• Professional photography instructor
• Any necessary park entrance fees
• Grab-and-go breakfast, water & snacks during photo tour
• Printed guide to photography tips & techniques
• Printed & digital guide to local Gatlinburg tourism area to help you plan your trip
• Photo review & professional critique (optional)
• Airport transfer to/from Knoxville for early-bookers (limited space, book now!)
• Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Price Excludes

• Travel to and from Tennessee
• Hotel accommodations (a group rate discount code will be given upon tour registration)
• Most meals, alcohol, incidentals
• Car Rental or Transportation except for airport transfers for some early-bookers

Day 1 August 10

Check-in day. We will meet as a group before dinner for a quick welcome orientation. The night is left open for you to explore Gatlinburg on your own. For some, this is a first visit to the Smokies so we supply a guide with recommendations of things you might want to see that aren’t a part of our photography tour. If driving or flying, aim to arrive by 3pm.

Suggested flight from Michigan: Delta # 5042, 10:10am (DTW) to 11:36am (TYS)

Days 2, 3, 4 August 11-13

Our itinerary will be planned around weather conditions, lighting, and recent wildlife activity. Each day we will be starting at dawn and ending just after sunset in order to capture the perfect scenes in the perfect light. However, we typically will take plenty of breaks to eat, rest and recuperate. Two of the three days, we will set up on a mountain ridge for sunrise. We will head into the valley on the third day to search for wildlife. Some of the sites we may visit: Clingman’s Dome, Morton Overlook, Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, Luftee Overlook, Mingus Mill, Mt LeConte, Oconoleftee Overlook, Chimney Tops, Elkmont, Cliff Branch Falls, and more. Weather is the number one variable for our schedule and each location we choose. We will keep this entire 3 day photography workshop fun and flexible!

Day 5 August 14

Check-out and head to the airport

Suggested flight to Michigan: Delta # 5042, 12:25pm (Knoxville) to 2:07pm (Detroit)

We are authorized park permittees as necessary in all government regulated locations we visit. This includes National Parks and Wildlife Refuges. We follow all park regulations and uphold the values established to protect you and the park we are visiting. 

Your guide Spike is a partner to the National Park Service and supporter of the National Park Foundation, working to protect wildlife and park lands. A portion of the proceeds from every Explore With Spike tour on U.S. National Park lands will be donated back to help preserve the park’s history as well as help the next generation discover their own personal connections to parks.  Likewise, we are proud to celebrate America’s Indigenous peoples. A portion of the proceeds from any of our tours that visit a reservation will be donated to help preserve the land and culture of our country’s Native American histories.

Covid-19 Policy

While most of our photography tour will take place in the great outdoors, we will be traveling from location to location in two vans all day long. Because of this, we will require proof of vaccination to attend this photo tour in an effort to keep each other safe. This policy may change as we get closer to August and continuously monitor the spread of variants. Masks will not be required. Message me with questions or concerns. Explore With Spike’s tour guides, pros and staff are fully vaccinated and boosted. We wish to be respectful to each other and the people of Tennessee. Kind people are our kinda people!

READ OUR COVID-19 POLICIES HERE

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel more than 60 days prior to the start date of the trip, you will receive a refund (minus certain fees). In the event that you have to cancel your trip, we make every attempt to replace you with another paying traveler. In the final 60 days prior to the start date, the trip is non-refundable unless we can replace you and the tour sells out. Photo tours require an enormous amount of work, advertising and prepaying expenses that are not refundable which occurs long before the start date of the trip. It is really difficult to fill a spot within the final weeks of the trip. Please click the link below to read the full refund policy. We highly recommend you purchase Travel Insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen changes to your travel plans. Insurance for this trip costs less than $100 for most people. More info available below.

EXPLORE WITH SPIKE CANCELLATION POLICY

GET MY ADVICE ON TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE  

Testimonials

• Rose Schultz, Shabbona IL "Well worth it. Affordable and fun. What a great learning experience! Spike was so approachable and helpful. I needed help with long exposure, he explained it to me on my level. I can’t wait to attend another tour with him!"
• Richard Miazga, Canton MI "Before Spike's tour, I had only taken pictures in the auto mode. He had photography experts to answer your questions and assist you, a local guide, even camera equipment if you needed some. I learned about photography and some architectural history about Chicago as well. A great way to get started in photography."
• Cheryl Malkowski, Whitmore Lake MI "I was a little nervous because I am so new to the photography world. The tour met and exceeded my expectations. Spike and the photography expert were both so helpful and patient and willing to answer any and all questions to help me feel more comfortable with my camera. I would absolutely do another tour with Spike!"

See more area photos on Instagram:  @GreatSmokyNPS  @VisitGatlinburg

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Providing private photography tours & lessons around Asheville, NC.

We offer small, private  tours & workshops that focus on helping you capture better photos. Our tours show you to the most breathtaking locations across the Blue Ridge Mountains that only the locals know about.

Learn how to take images

That you are proud of..

Photography Lesson Tour

It doesn’t matter if you shoot with an iPhone or a high-end DSLR, we can help you take better photos. We’ll spend half a day together at scenic locations going over photography tips and tricks that will take your images to the next level. Book Now

View a list of all tours

We know the locations. We’ll teach you the skills. And we’ll pick you up!

Our mission is to provide unforgettable experiences to photographers in the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond. We offer memorable experiences at stunning locations in the mountains near Asheville – teaching you how to create images that you’re passionate about. We provide you with hands-on workshop-style photography lessons ranging from total beginner to advanced levels, covering technical know-how and artistic styles. Our guides are very knowledgeable about the area and will find the perfect spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains to give you the best opportunity to capture an incredible image. We know when and where to take people for each season – winter snow and ice, spring blooms, summer grandeur, and fall color. Our award-winning photographers can help you learn to take better shots of a waterfall or a sunset. We’ll work directly with you to pick a trip that’s right for you, based on the season, your fitness level, and scene preference!

Announcing our 2024 Colorado Fall Color WORKSHOP!

We’re absolutely thrilled to be offering a photography workshop out in Colorado this fall! 3 full days in the remote Rocky Mountains – chasing light, learning about photography, and simply enjoying the best CO has to offer! Happening Oct 3rd – Oct 5th. This will be quite the adventure. We’ll be staying in rustic cabins and taking 4×4 vehicles into the heart of the mountains to capture the best aspen groves Colorado has to offer! Click the button below for more details.

Colorado Workshop Details

Testimonials from REAL people!

“J was a great guide! He was easy to get along with and knew so much about the area and where all the good places to go during different times of day, including when the weather wasn’t 100% ideal. He taught me a lot about how to frame pictures and different concepts to think about in photography. When I got back to my hotel and went through the pictures I took I was so impressed at how they came out and the fact that I actually took them.”

– Kathy Bischoff

“Me and my teenage daughter who is very much into photography took this tour so she can learn a bit more about it while we visit some beautiful places. J was an awesome guide he customized our trip to what we wanted to see, he knows a lot about the area. We saw 2 beautiful waterfalls and the most amazing sunset on top of Blue Ridge Parkway while my daughter learned a lot about photography techniques and her new camera.”

– Adrienn Horvath

“J was absolutely incredible to work with and learn from. He is very knowledgeable about the area and some of the best spots. His eye is like no other and he helps you align your eye to see nature in its best form so you can capture it for yourself! I would most definitely recommend this tour not only for beginners but experienced photographers as well!”

– McKenna Estes

Recent Blog Articles

2024 Workshop Dates

May 21, 2023

Announcing our 2024 Photography Workshop dates! It's never too early to start planning your big trips! If you're already familiar with our offerings of the past, you'll notice that we are offering three new photography...

February Special Tour Offerings

Feb 11, 2023

Last-minute announcement about two special tour offerings February 13th & 14th Interestingly enough, on back-to-back days, we'll be offering one tour focused on capturing snowy...

Places to Photograph Sunsets near Asheville in Winter

Dec 30, 2022

4 of Our Favorite Locations to Shoot Sunset Near Asheville During Winter Finding a location to shoot sunsets near Asheville in winter can be challenging due to the fact that the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed more often...

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How to Master Mountain Photography: Pro Tips and Secrets

Nothing makes a photo more mesmerizing than a colossal mountain towering over the landscape. While mountains can add a sense of wonder and depth to your photos, mountain photography is not as easy as it looks. 

In this post, we’ll cover a few tricks and tips professional photographers use to get those awe-inspiring mountain pictures we all love. We’ll talk about the best locations, camera settings, and gear for getting those beautiful summits in your snapshots.  

Mountain Photography is an Art Form

Since mountains are naturally photogenic, everyone pictures mountains as an easy time for magnificent mountain photography. Profound photographers have an arsenal of expensive high-end equipment to produce stunning mountain imagery. However, we know not everyone has the funds or technical expertise to handle such camera gear. 

With the right guidance, you can take beautiful mountain photos using a simple 35mm SLR. The only accessory you may need is a wide-angle lens, which isn’t too costly. The mountain photography tips below will help you produce highly-respectable mountain photos.

How to Work With a Mountain Background

When choosing the camera settings for mountain photography, make sure they are congruent with the time of day and your goals. This typically includes adjusting the ISO speed, shutter speed, exposure, and sharpness. 

Sharp Images are Important

Adjusting the sharpness is crucial for mountain photography, but be careful as it’s easy to overdo. Spend some time incorporating the sharpness to match the desired photo in mind. However, don’t spend too much time and energy on sharpness and focus on other creative aspects such as composition and light. 

Aperture and Depth of Field

One of the most challenging things about capturing mountains is getting the right balance of width and focus. Many photographers use a wide aperture to get the entire base of the mountain in their image, but only to find that the focus isn’t clear. When it comes to mountains, try a narrow aperture to help keep the middle and background elements in focus.

ISO Film Speed

The right ISO film speed for mountain photography heavily depends on the weather. On cloudy days, increase the ISO speed to help you reach the sweet spot of 1/30 a second. However, be vigilant as overdoing the ISO speed might result in a noisy image. 

Most decent cameras can adequately adjust the exposure automatically, but they don’t always get it right. Any avid landscape photographer knows that light conditions change frequently, so having the correct exposure setting is vital for taking a photo of a mountain. Remember, be patient and try out different filters to see which one best matches your vision. 

Composition: The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is an excellent way to expand and balance your image. When working with a mountain background, you want to align the subject of your photo (usually the summit of the highest peak) with the vertical third-line on the right side. Not only does the rule of thirds accentuate your landscape, but it also helps the subject stand out from the rest of the scenery.

Where to Find Beautiful Mountains for Mountain Photography

Your mountain makes your photo. Finding the most breathtaking peaks is not only going to help you capture more stunning images, but will also allow you to explore the natural beauty of our planet.  

Here are some of the best locations for mountain photography.

Glacier National Park

The Northern Rockies inside Glacier National Park offer a unique and wild scenery that’s favorable among serious landscape photographers. The impeccable beauty of the peaks only scratches the surface of all this landscape has to offer. From flowing streams to vibrant foliage, there are endless creative opportunities in Glacier.

Glacier National Park is widely known for its sunset and sunrise photo opportunities. If you’re more into night photography, this might be the perfect location for you. Make sure to pack suitable hiking gear and capture some of the location’s vast wildlife, such as bears, elk, and mountain lions. 

The Cascades

Located between Washington and Oregan are the stunning Cascade Mountains. The vast mountain range of volcanic mountain tops offers a fantastic contrast to the region’s misty forest environment. Some of the Cascade’s most famous peaks include St. Helens, St. Hood, and Mt. Rainer. 

All of the summits wear a nice layer of snow throughout the entire year. You can also find brushes of colorful flowers during the spring and summer months. 

There’s a lot of rainfall in the Northwestern United States, which produces raging waterfalls and flowing streams. Make sure to pack accordingly as it can get wet really fast. The silver lining of all that rain is that you have beautiful, harsh skies and rainbows to use as backdrops. With that, you’ll get an incredible picture of the mountains that will likely impress other serious photographers. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Capturing the Great Smoky Mountains is a must for anyone wanting to be an expert landscape photographer. Stretching across Tennessee all the way to North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains are full of mountain photography gold. 

There are a few major roads that canvas the entire region, which makes planning your trip a whole lot easier. If you find yourself in there, check out some of the vantage points around the Newfound Gap. The Newfound Gap has plenty of spots and is full of trails and wildlife. 

Mount Shasta

Mt. Shasta is a short trip away from Sacramento, California, and is one of the coolest mountains in the West. You get a wide array of different subjects, including beautiful snow-covered peaks and rushing streams. However, timing is everything with this mountain, and it’s hard to nail when the best time to go is. Some days the mountain is full of life while others seem deserted. 

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton offers multiple stunning locations to capture phenomenal images. The skies are generally clear, and there are tons of foliage, wildlife, and mountains. However, be cautious as large animals, such as bears, bison, and moose roaming freely around the park. Don’t harass or provoke them and carry mase if necessary. 

Several amazing photographers and locals are around, be social, and ask around for the best spots. Finally, dress warmly. Wyoming weather can be unforgiving, and though you may see direct sunlight, sometimes you can’t feel it. 

The world-renowned Kirkjufell sits in Iceland’s Snaefellsnes peninsula, about two and a half hours from Reykjavik. The peaks in the Kirkjufell mountains are by far one of the most popular destinations for photographers. 

There’s a beautiful series of waterfalls surrounding the base of the mountain, along with a beautiful lake that encompasses Iceland’s mysterious ambiance. To top it off, you can get a crystal clear view of the Northern Lights during the winter months. 

If you’re going to take on the Kirkjufell, make sure to go wide and find an excellent vantage point. You’ll likely run into several photographers who are more than willing to set you up with the right spot. 

The Dolomites

Any landscape or mountain photography fans have likely been to the Dolomites . From vast treelines, chiseled peaks, and bold lakes, the Dolomites are a landscape photographers dream come true. There’s no better way to feel tiny than to surround yourself with giant European mountain ranges.

If you head over to the Dolomites during the warmer months, make sure to go on as many hikes as possible. There are tons of hidden gems throughout the region you don’t want to miss. Trekking these mountains can be challenging, so pack suitable gear for both you and your camera.

What Gear Do You Need?

When it comes to taking pictures of mountains, you probably assume you will also need hiking gear. While this is somewhat true, you don’t need to go all Bear Grylls to be a good landscape photographer. Below are a few essential pieces of equipment to make your trip a whole lot easier.

• A Durable Backpack . Investing in a good backpack for landscape photography is worth every penny. Make sure you get a strong bag that’s both comfortable and water-resistant. You don’t want your camera gear to get wet. A good backpack should last you years and protect your camera and lenses. 
• A Reliable Tripod . There’s a lot of raving on the internet about whether you need a tripod for landscape photography. Usually, the people who are against the idea didn’t have the right tripod to begin with. A sturdy tripod will enhance the quality of your photos and keep your camera from tipping over. 
• A Remote Trigger . There’s tons of useful camera technology out there, so why not utilize it? A remote trigger can be your best friend when trying to get those tricky shots and angles. 

This is only the bare minimum you’ll need to stay comfortable. Don’t forget other essential items like shoes and clothing appropriate for the climate. The perfect mountain picture may be valuable, but it’s not worth getting frostbite.  

Pro Tips for Mountain Photography

Here are some of the top mountain photography tips to make you a master landscape photographer. 

1. Preparation is Everything

Preparing all of your gear and camera setting before setting off will save you time and energy. Moving from one vantage point to the next can be exhausting, and you need all your mental power to focus on getting the right shot. Fortunately, you can use a GPS or smartphone to map out your entire trip before hitting the trails. 

2. Have Patience

Getting the perfect shot can take hours or even days. If you want to capture outstanding mountain imagery, you need to be patient and wait for the right moment. Almost all photos you’ve seen on the internet or in coffee table books most likely took time to capture. Seldom do you arrive on location and get the shot of your dreams within a few minutes. 

3. Try Keeping it Simple

Simplicity is key. Many photographers go over-the-top with different filters and camera settings. Sometimes simple settings and minimal gear can produce high-quality images. It would be best to shift your focus and creative efforts towards composition, and less energy spent on setting up your camera settings. 

4. Look for the Right Weather

Weather conditions can make or break your mountain images. From what we’ve seen in some of the most famous mountain shots, early mornings are when the weather is prime. Tiny pockets of clouds and a nice backlight will make it look like you’re in a Bob Ross painting. 

5. Do Plenty of Scouting

Half of the fun of shooting mountains is finding the right spot. Plus, knowing your ideal location will prevent you from having to race the sun for optimal light. If you already know which vantage point you want to shoot from, get there at least 1-hour before the desired time. This will give you enough time to prepare your camera and plan out your shots. 

6. Choosing the Right Season

There is no single season that’s best for mountain photography. It depends on the location and what kind of photos you want. Above, we mention how the gorgeous Northern Lights are visible from Kirkjufell in the winter. 

With that in mind, most of the landscape photographer peak months are from September to October. It wouldn’t hurt to do a little bit of research about your location before planning your trip. This way, you’ll know when it’s prime time and hopefully will get the photo of your dreams. 

7. Add Water to Your Photo Whenever Possible

Lakes, streams, and mountains work very well together. Always try to include a body of water in your mountain photos, if possible. They add a bit of contrast and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get a phenomenal reflection that will give the composition of your photo a big boost. 

8. Know When to Take the Shot

We’ve all been there. Sitting and waiting for ages for the perfect shot. After a while, your mind becomes distorted, and nothing looks good. You get a good case of perfectionist syndrome, and you end up leaving with nothing.

This can easily avoid all of this by knowing when it’s time to take action. You’ll get that feeling in your gut, and when you have a sense, it’s time, take the shot. If it doesn’t look right, wait for another opportunity, but at least now you have some mountain pictures to work with.

9. Dress for the Occasion

Above we briefly mention how it’s essential to wear the right clothes. Packing something warm is vital, but you should also look for something comfortable. You may be on location for hours; if you start to feel discomfort, you may not have the patience to get the perfect photo. 

For starters, you’re going to want to layer up. While most of the time, it’s going to be cold up on the mountain, there are periods of direct sunlight that can cause you to feel hot. Also, we can’t stress enough how important it is to wear windproof and water-resistant clothing. Harsh weather conditions can be dangerous, and you don’t want to end up with windburn or hypothermia. 

10. Try to Have Fun

Although it can be frustrating and stressful trying to take the perfect mountain photo, remember why you’re there. Photography is your passion, so you should try to have fun and get out of your comfort zone. Try not to let the mountain reach the best of you. Stay focused, and you’ll, without a doubt, end up with some beautiful imagery.

How to Get the Best Light for Your Mountain Shots

Okay, so you’re probably well aware that light is essential if you want to take high-quality mountain pictures. If you want the best light, first you need to do some research on the area. You can start by seeing which time of the year is best for photography at your desired location. For example, many mountains in Europe look amazing towards the end of summer and beginning of autumn.

Next, you’ll want to pay attention to your mountain surroundings. Study the foliage and see if there’s anything that may impact the natural light. We understand you don’t have the time to scout the area, so use helpful apps like Google Earth and PhotoPills instead. 

When it comes to weather, you’ll want to pick a day where the clouds are low. Low hanging clouds bring more life to the mountain and ultimately will make your photos look great. However, shooting with clouds isn’t easy. Check and see if your camera settings are suitable, especially your ISO film speed.

Don’t Forget to Be Different

It’s tempting to opt for the beautiful sunrise or sunset, but that’s heavily overdone. There are a few things you can do to make your mountain photos stand out. However, it may take a little extra effort, but it will all be worth it when you have that perfect shot. 

One of the easiest things you can do is add people to your photos. There’s nothing better than making people look tiny by throwing in a colossal rock in the background. Finally, play around with different times. You may be surprised at how beautiful night shots can come out.

What About Editing?

So you’ve got a bunch of different shots that you’re proud of, and it’s time for post-processing. Remember, there’s no “right way” to edit your photos because it’s all about your personal taste and style. With that in mind, there are small details to pay attention to during editing, such as:

• Remove The Lens Flare . Direct sunlight is tricky, especially for landscape shots. However, there is a way to use the intense sunlight to your advantage. Removing the lens flare will help reduce some noise in your photo while still withholding the right amount of light.
• Try Dehazing . The dehaze feature is a new creation from Adobe, and many photographers are unaware of its potential. A little bit of haze is standard when shooting nature photographers, but removing some will help enhance your images. However, be careful because it’s easy to misuse, and you might end up destroying your project.
• Mess With The Colors . By changing the hues and saturation, you can end up with a more spirited image. If you have a sunrise or sunset image, try playing with the yellows to make it stand out more. 
• Use The Glow Effect . This is a super simple effect you can add to make your mountain stand out. Play with the glow settings a bit until you’re satisfied with the overall colors and sharpness. 

Are you confident to try out some of our mountain photography tips? It’s, by far, one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of landscape photography. Remember, patience and creativity is all you need to take amazing photographs. Get out of your comfort zone and to make your images stand out.

If you’re still uncertain about the technical camera terminology, check out some of our tutorials . We hope our mountain photography tips are everything you need to take your landscape photography to the next level. 

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Rocky Mountain National Park Photography Tours

*UPDATE ON 2024 RMNP TOUR SERVICES*

I have paused taking clients out on photography tours in Rocky Mountain National Park for 2024. After 8 years providing tour services to a host of amzing people and clients in the park, I have decided to pause these services so that I can spend more time in Rocky continuing to expand my portfolio and coverage in the park. Trying to provide but photography tour services in RMNP, along with alloting enough time to get out and photograph Rocky and all its beauty has become to difficult for me to navigate. I am considering bringing back my services at a point in the future as multi-day workshops over the summer and fall. I'll keep the page updated if I decide to offer workshop services in the future in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Thomas Mangan Photography offers private photographic tours of beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. Tours are led by photographer, Thomas Mangan and are based out of Estes Park, Colorado.

Tom has both an extensive knowledge as well as a deep appreciation for Rocky Mountain National Park. Having first visited Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer of 1998, Tom immediately became inthralled with the beauty and wonder surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park and the area around Estes Park. From that first visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, Tom immersed himself in photographing Rocky’s beautiful and diverse landscapes. Tom has photographed much of Rocky Mountain National Park in all types of weather and every season. On and average year Tom spends over one hundred days in the field photographing Rocky and has an intimate knowledge of both the landscape and the light of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Before becoming a full time professional landscape photographer, Tom worked as a Senior Project Manager for ServiceMaster, a large Disaster Restoration Company based out of Boulder, Colorado. Helping clients overcome debilitating losses resulting from fire and water damage to their property has honed Tom’s customer service skills and allowed him to focus first and foremost on his clients needs. Tom uses these same skills during his photography tours to enhance the participants experience and provide a fun and fulfilling experience centered around the clients needs and skill level. Tom looks to impart his deep appreciation and love of Rocky Mountain National Park to both his clients an their photographs. It is Tom’s goal to provide a meaningful, productive and fun experience for his tour clients. Tom is focused solely on his clients needs and maximizing their photography and experience in the field when on tour.

Tours are typically lead in four hour increments and are customized based on the clients skill level, fitness level, and desired itinerary. Tours are typically given on a one to one basis but up to 2 additional participants from the same group may also accompany the outing for an additional fee. When booking a tour, Tom will contact you and discuss expectations, skill levels as well as the desired itinerary and goals for the outing. Typically speaking, Tom recommends tours be booked either for the first four hours of the morning, or the last four hours of the afternoon in order to help capture the best lighting conditions present in Rocky Mountain National Park and therefore help to enhance your photographic tour experience. That being said, Tom is happy to accommodate your schedule and needs and all tours are personalized for the participants. All tours hours begin at the time of pickup and end at the time of drop off.

If you are interested in booking a photo tour of Rocky Mountain National Park with Tom, Please feel free to contact Tom via email or phone and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. We would also suggest taking a look at our FAQ Frequently Asked Questions page for further information regarding photography tours in Rocky Mountain National Park. Please feel free to check out client reviews and testimonials on my photogrpahy tour and guiding services here as well. RMNP Photo Tours Client Testimonials

Please note that we are currently accepting afternoon tour dates on a very limited basis. Rocky Mountain National Park has seen a dramatic increase in the number of visitors to the park in the last 3 years. The vast majority of these visitors arrive in Rocky Mountain National Park between 9 AM and 5 PM. Because of this, many of Rocky Mountain National Park's most popular areas have access and parking restricted or closed by the National Park Service. This makes conducting photography tour services difficult in the afternoon as we are unable to reliably access some of the most beautiful locations in the park for photography such as the Bear Lake Trailheads, Old Fall River Road and Wild Basin. The National Park Service has requested that visitors and guides to the park attempt to schedule their visits during times that are not as busy and will reduce impact on Rocky's fragile natural resources. While we are accepting only a small amount of will considered afternoon dates until further notice, the good news is the vast majority of Rocky Mountain National Park's most iconic and beautiful locations are best in the early morning hours when there are only a few other visitors present in the park. Please feel free to contact me in regards to when the best time to visit and schedule a photography tour in Rocky Mountain National Park.

2022 Rocky Mountain National Park Photography Tour Rates

4.5 Hour Individual RMNP Photography Tour $350

Includes one additional guest. Each Additonal Guest over two (limit 3 people) $50

The most popular option with my clients. Spend ~ 4hrs photographing the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park. These are custom individual photo tours catered for you. Options include short to moderate hikes to beautiful alpine lakes or photography tours catered to remain closer to the vehicle and roads. Tour iteneararies are based on my photography clients needs and abilities.

2.5-3 Hour Offseason Rocky Mountain National Park Photography Tour $250

Includes one additional guest. Each Additional Guest over two (limit 3 people) $25

Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the off-season?. This is your chance to head out into the field with Tom and photograph Rocky Mountain National Park when the crowds are small and the park is quiet. Off-season tours are available from approximately the middle of October until the third week or May. Off-season rates are effective based on the status of Trail Ridge Road which is typically open from the end of May until middle October. Tours are 2.5 to 3 hrs based on current weather and road conditions, temperatures and access.

Custom Rocky Mountain National Park Photography Workshop and Tours (Please Inquire For Cost)

I'm happy to customize a personalized workshop and tour over the course of one's visit to Rocky. Contact me directly to discuss personalizing a multi-day photography tour or workshop in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cost will be based on customized itinerary. These tours and workshops can be customized for participants visiting RMNP over multiple days or looking to explore locations which require more time and effort to reach than locations visited in the 4 hour Individual RMNP Tours.

2024 Dolomites Photo Tour

The dolomite alps in the fall.

Join us for a Dolomites Photo Tour , where we will take you to the most breathtaking locations in the Dolomitic Alps. We will visit the most iconic spots, such as the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, as well as some hidden gems that we have discovered over the years. We’ll also have the opportunity to capture our Milky Way galaxy in locations that are ideal for astrophotography and have minimal light pollution.

We run our Dolomites photo tours in October , the time of year when the alpine trees turn orange and red, and you can shoot a vertical Milky Way setting behind the mountains.

On this Dolomites fall photo tour , we will focus on capturing the most spectacular landscapes in northern Italy during the times of day with the best light.

From huge, rugged mountains, jagged peaks, and alpine hills to impressive blue lakes, picturesque churches, and dark, starry skies, The Dolomites in northern Italy is one of those breathtaking destinations you must visit at least once, especially in late October when the golden autumn colors are in all their fall glory!

We will spend eight magical days visiting iconic mountain views like Cinque Torri, Tre Cime, Alpe di Siusi, and Passo Gardena; photogenic blue lakes like Lago di Braies, Lago d’Antorno, Carezza, and Limides; and beautiful alpine valleys like Val di Funes.

We will personally help you capture the best possible images during our Dolomites photography workshop and show you the best techniques to shoot any type of subject in different light conditions: sunrise, sunset, midday, twilight, night, etc. 

DOLOMITE ALPS PHOTO TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Photo tours in October 2024
• Group size: 12 participants + 2 instructors .
• Main topics: Landscape and Milky Way photography .
• Main areas: Italy’s Dolomitic Alps
• Accommodation included in top hotels close to the best locations
• Transportation included in a minibus with a professional accredited driver.
• Private 4WD sunrise tour  Lago Federa.

Download the official Dolomites Photo Tour Brochure

2024 Dolomites Autumn Photo Tour Itinerary

Our Dolomites photo tour itinerary will be flexible.  We know the area very well, so our goal will be to photograph the Dolomitic landscapes under the best possible conditions depending on the weather forecast.

DAY 1: Dolomites Photo Tour

This Dolomites autumn photo tour will begin at the Venicegreen Agriresort hotel, where we’ll meet at 9:00 AM . This hotel is very close to Venice Marco Polo Airport. After a meet and greet with the rest of the group, we will drive north towards the Dolomite mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , which takes roughly 2 hours to reach.

Once in the mountains, depending on the weather and time, we will visit the tour’s first location, which will either be Lake Carezza or a more secluded area with spectacular views of Mount Civetta, depending on time and weather conditions. 

After our first photography location, we will drive to our first hotel in Ortisei, where we will spend the next two days.

DAY 2:  Dolomites Photo Tour

On the second day of our Dolomites fall photo tour, we will start the day by photographing  Seceda. 

Seceda offers one of the most beautiful mountain experiences you can enjoy in the Dolomites. Everything in Seceda is a feast for the eyes, especially the impressive ridgeline that is surrounded by some of the most photogenic peaks in South Tyrol.

To enjoy the best conditions, we’ll take the first cable car of the morning to be on the top of Seceda ready for a morning photography session. Photographing the morning light at Seceda is a special experience.

After breakfast in one of the local huts in Seceda,  we will move to our next location:   Val di Funes. In  this famous alpine valley, we will photograph cozy little houses and picturesque churches, like St. Johann and St. Maddalena. We will spend the entire day there shooting from different perspectives and waiting for sunset. Hopefully, we’ll get to see the Odle Mountains turn red from the alpenglow.

If conditions are good for Astrophotography, we will  shoot the Milky Way  and do some astrophotography if conditions are clear.

DAY 3: Dolomites Photo Tour

On the third day of our Dolomites autumn photo adventure, we will photograph the sunrise at the beautiful Alpe di Siusi .

Alpe di Siusi is a vast plateau with many alpine hills, little huts, pines, and huge mountains in the background. It offers a lot of photography options for capturing different types of landscape images. If conditions are good, here you’ll photograph one of the most classic images of the Dolomites with the fog over the rolling hills and the mountain huts.

During the day, we’ll visit Passo delle Erbe , where after a short walk, we’ll find a beautiful viewpoint with our subject, the mountains, in the background, and roots in the foreground serving as leading lines.

Then, we will move to our sunset location : Passo Gardena . This valley in the Dolomites is surrounded by endless meadows and jagged peaks. Here, starting in September, you can enjoy a phenomenon that is also known as “Burning Dolomites,” a wonder of nature where the sun, just before setting, illuminates the most impressive peaks in the valley.

After sunset, we will drive to our hotel near Lago di Braies.

DAY 4: Dolomites Photo Tour

The next morning of our Dolomites photo workshop, we will wake up early to enjoy the sunrise at Lago di Braies . This is arguably one of Italy’s most photogenic locations and the most beautiful of the Dolomitic lakes, with its emerald waters and the striking natural landscapes that surround it.

Our next stop will be another location where we will photograph the  “ Piramidi di Terra ” (Earth Pyramids); a group of natural hoodoos that is one of the best hidden gems in the Dolomites. Here we will photograph the hodoos from different viewpoints before lunch. 

After lunch, we will arrive arrive in  Cortina D’Ampezzo , the biggest town in the Italian Dolomites, where we will spend the next three nights. 

We will check in our hotel and go for a sunset session at the majestic Passo Giau , where we’ll photograph the sunset in an open valley overlooking some of the most imposing peaks in the Dolomites, such as Marmolada, Tofane, Cristallo, and of course, the imposing Ra Gusela. If conditions allow, we will do a Milky Way session from Passo Giau . 

DAY 5: Dolomites Photo Tour

On the fifth day of this Dolomites photo adventure, we will wake up early to capture the sunrise over the breathtaking Cinque Torri , five massive rock formations located in the heart of the Dolomites. This is an ideal location to capture the sunstar and the nice pinky clouds of the sunrise with endless photo opportunities. 

After our morning shoot and a break in the hotel, we will continue on our Dolomites photo trip to the famous  Tre Cime di Lavaredo . Here, we will embark on a 1.5-hour scenic hike to this imposing spot, where we will photograph the most iconic peaks in the Dolomite Mountains. Our plan will be to  photograph the sunset as well as the Milky Way  if the skies cooperate. 

This is one of the best places for astrophotography in the trip, so we might change the date of this plan according to the weather conditions so we can maximize the chances of clear skies and a succesful Milky Way session. 

DAY 6: Dolomites Photo Tour

The next day, we will drive up to two of the most iconic lakes in the Dolomites, Lago di Misurina and Lago Antorno . We will enjoy the sunrise and capture some long exposures during the golden morning light. These lakes are especially photogenic during the fall, when the pine trees around the lakes turn gold.

During midday, we will do a photo editing session so we can work on the images taken during the trip. We will show you how to edit different type of images, from basic edits to more advanced techniques and also night photography shots.

In the evening, we will take a short hike up to Lago di Limides, a small, beautiful lake with outstanding views of the impressive Tofana di Rozes mountain range. We will explore the area and wait for the sunset light.

DAY 7: Dolomites Photo Tour

On the seventh day of our Dolomites photography trip, we will take a private 4WD taxi to Lago Federa . This lake is one of the most spectacular locations in the Dolomites during the fall, with endless larches and a lake surrounded by the distinctive mountains of Croda da Lago . Getting there requires a considerable hike, so we will take 4WD private transportation so we can be there in time for sunrise. 

After this, we’ll leave Cortina D’Ampezzo and drive through Selva di Cadore , where we will photograph some picturesque churches with the fall colors, and Allegue , a small population by the Allegue Lake considered one of the most beautiful villages in the Dolomites. 

Later, we will drive southwest on a spectacular road to Passo Rolle , where we will take the road to Refugio Baita Segantini, a quiet place that is ideal for capturing the sunset over a small lake with marvelous views.  After the sunset session, we’ll do a last group dinner close to Passo Rolle. 

DAY 8: Dolomites Photo Tour

On the final day of this Dolomitic Alps photo tour, we will capture the sunrise in Passo Rolle and the surrounding area.

After breakfast, we will pack up and drive you to Venice Airport so you can catch your flight back home. Expect to be at Venice Airport no earlier than 12:30 PM , so you can take flights that leave at 3:00 PM or later.

PRICE: $4,890 USD

Deposit: $1,500 USD

A $1,500 USD deposit is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the start of the tour . If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.

What does the price include?

• Transportation during the trip in a minibus with a professional accredited driver.
• Fuel and parking fees .
• Accommodation in hotels in shared rooms with private bathrooms.
• Breakfast in all accommodations.
• Photo guide services from professional landscape and astrophotographers.
• Cable car to Seceda .
• Private 4WD taxi to Lago Federa .
• Access to Dan Zafra’s full  Capture the Milky Way Course (valued at $299)
• Access to the recorded material during the expedition.
• Access to David Aguilar’s  Moody Landscapes course

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights to/from Venice Airport.
• Pick up & drop off at Venice Marco Polo Airport.
• Private room  – Extra $900 (*Subject to availability).
• Meals except breakfast.
• Health/travel insurance (We can help you purchase the best travel insurance according to your needs).
• Telephone, personal expenses, tips etc. and any other service not mentioned in the “INCLUDED” section

Upcoming Dolomites Photo Tours 

• 19 Oct. 2024
• 26 Oct. 2024
• Prince Berkoh
• Francesco Dall'Olmo

• 27 Oct. 2024
• 03 Nov. 2024

What will I learn during this Dolomites photo Tour?

This workshop is mainly focused on landscape   photography  and Milky Way/astrophotography .

What you learn during the workshop will vary according to your goals and skills. Your instructors are professional photographers with extensive experience who will help you take your photography to the next level.

During the tour you’ll have the opportunity to learn:

Photography basics

Some of the photography basics you can learn during the workshop are:

• Getting comfortable shooting different types of landscapes and nightscapes in manual mode .
• Adjusting to the best camera settings in each situation.
• Planning your sunset and landscape images.
• Shooting long exposures using ND filters .
• Enhancing your composition with the best techniques.
• Designing your own shooting workflow to be more efficient in the field.
• Basics of drone photography .

Advanced photography techniques

• Creating powerful compositions that tell a story and engage the viewer.
• Building a connection between your photography and your vision .
• Becoming a master of light : learn how to enhance it and keep it under control.
• Advanced landscape techniques like bracketing, focus stacking, or focal length blending.
• Advanced night photography techniques  like stacking and tracking.
• Advanced drone photography like aerial panoramas, vertoramas, and bracketing.

Post-processing techniques

Some of the post-processing techniques that you can learn with the included tutorials are:

• Basics of Lightroom and Photoshop .
• Preparing your images in Lightroom/Adobe Camera Raw.
• Stitching of panoramas using different software like Lightroom or PTGui Pro.
• Reducing the noise in your images with Denoise AI.
• Sharpening your photos with Sharpen AI.
• All types of Blendings (exposure, focal length, focus, etc.).
• Light shaping and Dodge & Burn in your landscape & night images.
• Advanced Milky Way post-processing techniques.

Your instructors on this autumn dolomites photo tour

Prince Berkoh will be the tour leader, and he’ll make sure that you capture the best possible images during this trip.

Prince is a landscape and night photographer based in the north of Spain. His passion for photography has taken him to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe, from Spain to the remote Faroe Islands, including the Dolomites.

He loves educating and teaching others about photography. He is an experienced tour leader, having led numerous tours in the Dolomites and other destinations and given presentations on night photography over the years. He also leads other photo tours in Europe and South America.

Prince will show you how to best capture the landscapes of the Italian Dolomites, from the basics to advanced techniques like bracketing, focus stacking, panoramas, and other landscape and night photography tips.

Francesco Dall’Olmo will be the co-leader on this Dolomites photo tour. He’s Italian, and the Dolomites are his photography backyard, so he’ll add endless local expertise to make this trip more unique.

Francesco is a landscape and night photographer. Additionally, he is a professional time-lapse photographer. He’s been honing his photography skills over the years in the Italian Dolomites, having photographed both the most iconic spots and hidden gems. 

He has traveled all over the world to hone his photography skills, capturing breathtaking images in Atacama, Patagonia, and all over Europe. He has also helped multiple photographers improve their skills in various photography workshops.

With Francesco, you’ll learn everything you need to take your landscape photography to the next level!

What to bring on a Dolomites Photo Tour?

We will send you a complete list of everything that we recommend for this tour upon sign-up. Below, you can find a summary of things you might need:

Photography Gear

• DSLR/mirrorless camera and a sturdy tripod.
• A wide-angle lens, such as a 14-24 mm lens.
• A medium zoom lens, such as a 24-70 mm lens.
• A telephoto lens, like a 100-400 mm lens.
• A camera bag to transport all your equipment.
• A headlamp for the night shoots.

Some optional items if you want to do some advanced astrophotography are:

• A star tracker.
• A laser for doing the polar alignment.
• A variety of prime fast lenses like 20 mm f/1.8 or 35 mm f/1.4.

You may be interested in this guide where you can dive deeper into  photography equipment for traveling .

The average temperature in the Dolomites in October is 46ºF (8º C), but in the mornings, it can drop below 32ºF (0ºC). You should be prepared for all kinds of weather and bring warm clothing. Rainstorms are also very common in the Dolomites. Some of the things that we recommend bringing on this Dolomites photography tour are:

• A system of layers to wear (base layer, fleece, windproof layer, shell).
• A good pair of breathable boots to keep your feet warm and protect your ankles while walking over rocks and uneven terrain.
• A wool hat and gloves for the night and sunrise sessions.

You will find more items and details on the official list of recommendations that we provide upon registration.

The currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). We recommend obtaining some euros in your home country, although, if that is not possible, you can purchase some at Venice Airport.

In almost 100% of places in the Dolomites, you can pay by credit or debit card, so you won’t need much cash for the trip.

Documentation

Please check if you need a visa to visit Italy. We can help you with this.

Accomodations

During this Dolomites photo tour , we will be staying in the best hotels close to the photo locations , in shared rooms with private bathrooms. There’s also a limited number of private rooms available.

These hotels are not only close to the photography locations but also have beautiful views.

Some of the hotels we’ll be staying at have indoor (and outdoor) swimming pools, spas, and saunas, so we encourage you to bring your swimsuits to be able to enjoy these amenities during our free time.

Transportation

During this Dolomites Photo Tour we’ll travel in a minibus with ample space for all participants to travel comfortably from one spot to another. It features inclined seats, air conditioning, heating systems, and more. 

We’ll have a professional and accredited driver who is experienced in navigating the winding and narrow roads in the Dolomites.

This is not a hiking photo tour, and most of the locations will be next to the parking lot, we will also use cable cars and 4WD cars to get closer to certain locations and minimize the amount of hiking we need to do.

However, we are in the mountains, and therefore there are some moderate hikes that we’ll take and that you should consider:

What expenses should you consider for this Dolomites Photo Tour?

You should book your flight to/from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).

The price of round-trip flights to Venice from Europe is around $100-300 USD and flights from the US cost approximately $400-700 USD.

We recommend this article to find the best flights to Venice Airport from your current location.

Meals are not included, except for breakfast.

Every day, we will have breakfast at our hotel and have a big meal at dinner in one of the local Italian restaurants. Northern Italian food is delicious, so this will also be one of the highlights of this Dolomites photo tour.

During the day, we will eat snacks/picnic to maximize our time for photography.

We recommend preparing to spend about $40-$70 USD on food per day.

Parking, Taxis, and Cable Car Fees

All the parking, taxis, and cable car fees for locations, such as Seceda, Lago di Braies, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo, are included in the price of the tour.

What makes this Dolomites Photo Tour unique?

Unforgettable, frequent questions about our dolomites photo tour, what level of photography knowledge should i have to attend this photo tour to the dolomites.

Whether you are experienced or just starting out in photography, you are welcome to join us, and I am convinced that you will progress very fast. Together, we will get you back home with a greater and deeper knowledge of many photography topics.

Once you sign up for the workshop, we will discuss your skills and goals for this tour, and I’ll organize a teaching plan so you can make the most of this experience. You’ll also receive access to Dan’s Capture the Milky Way course so you can start preparing your astrophotography before the trip.

WHAT PHYSICAL SHAPE DO I NEED TO BE IN?

Most locations are a relatively short walk from the parking lot. The longest hike we will take is Tre Cime, which is a 1.5-hour scenic, moderate hike from the parking lot and another 1.5-hour hike to get back. Some other locations, such as Lago di Limides, require hikes of just about 30 minutes. We consider most hikes to be moderate difficulty, and the terrain will be mostly flat, with some uphills.

We will be driving, walking, and shooting a lot during the tour, so we recommend being in good physical shape to be able to enjoy this experience.

AM I TOO YOUNG/OLD FOR THIS DOLOMITES PHOTO TOUR?

There is no age limit. This trip is perfect for anyone  over 18 years old who wants to photograph the Dolomites with us.

CAN MY NON-PHOTOGRAPHER COMPANION JOIN US ON THE TOUR?

Non-photographer companions are welcome to join the tour, and they need to book a spot under the same price and conditions as any other participant. (We don’t allow non-participant companions tagging along with the group). We have had plenty of non-photographer companions over the years and all of them enjoyed an amazing experience. As long as they enjoy nature, beautiful landscapes, and are a bit patient with the schedules of a photo tour, joining the trip can be a great experience regardless of the shooting.

CAN I USE MY DRONE?

Capture the Atlas is  drone-friendly . Both instructors are experienced drone pilots and can help you with your drone photography.

The Dolomites are a paradise for flying drones and we highly recommend bringing your drone if you like aerial photography.

However, flying a drone should always be done following local policies and at one’s own risk. To learn about local drone policies in Italy, you can visit DJI’s website or directly visit the Italian Civil Aviation Authority .

Our Happy Students!

I’ve had the opportunity to work with and help countless photographers over the last years:

Join the expedition

Terms and conditions.

This tour is governed by these Terms and Conditions.

Jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, rolling hills, endless valleys…the scenery in Italy’s Dolomitic Alps is a landscape photographer’s dream.

Add gorgeous light, photogenic clouds, dark, starry skies, and the larches in all their fall glory, and you have the recipe for a memorable trip.

Italy stole my heart when I lived there a decade ago, and beyond incredible landscapes, you’ll discover fascinating history, culture, and some of the yummiest food in the world.

Are you ready to take an unforgettable Dolomites photo tour with us?!

Dolomites Behind the Scenes and Gallery

Similar photo tours you might be interested in.

• Tours & Workshops
• Print Gallery

JAYDID PHOTO – Jay Evans is a Blue Mountains Photographer with a passion for Australian Landscape Photography, Astrophotography, and Nature Photography. A Sony Digital Imaging Advocate and Ambassador, Jay hosts Australian Photography Tours, including Landscape Photography Tours and Workshops, Uluru Photography Tours and workshops, Blue Mountains Photography Tours and Workshops, and Australian Astrophotography Workshops. Join Jay to learn Landscape Photography, Astrophotography, Long Exposure Photography, and Macro Photography, Jay is also an accredited and experienced Tour Guide, Uluru Tour Guide, Blue Mountains Tour Guide. Also providing commercial, real estate, product and portrait photography. You can Learn studio photography, photographic lighting techniques, off camera flash, product photography, food photography, drinks photography and lifestyle photography.

JAYDID PHOTO

TOURS & WORKSHOPS

PRINT GALLERY

Blue mountains photography.

Jay Evans is a Professional Blue Mountains based Photographer, Content Creator and Guide, specialising in Landscape, Nightscape, Nature and Commercial Photography.

Photography Tours and Workshops covering Blue Mountains Photography, Astrophotography and Beginner Photography Lessons.

A Generalist shooting Commercial, Food & Drink, Product, Lifestyle, Real Estate, Portraiture, Events and Studio based works.

Also offering a selection of high quality fine art prints of landscapes and nature from across the Blue Mountains and Australia, available to buy or rent for your wall at home, the office, commercial spaces, or show homes.

Proud to be a Sony Digital Imaging Advocate since 2018 partnering with Sony Australia on photography events, education and content creation.

PHOTO PARLOUR

TESTIMONIALS

Jay is an excellent host for the photo walk. He is very organized and has outstanding knowledge of a vast number of subjects. Highly recommended!

This was a great experience. Jay was an excellent teacher and his knowledge of the local area made every location we visited worthwhile. I learnt some valuable photographic skills and at the same time got some in-depth information about the area. Jay was a friendly and knowledgeable guide and very safety-conscious. The level of physical…

Very well organised workshop, started with well presented theoretical section, then moved to a few locations over night which were carefully selected.

All in all a great experience. Very well organized and conducted by Jay Evans. My first experience with Astrophotography. I got to learn a lot and walked away with a couple of nice shots.

Jay was extremely giving of his time and you could tell that he was focused on us getting the most benefit out of the astro workshop. For a novice I have certainly walked away with the knowledge to keep exploring astro photography. I would definitely recommend Jay and his workshops – you won’t regret learning…

Jay has been a very patient teacher when it comes to astrophotography. He has answered my questions on safety before embarking on the astrophotography session. His friendly and approachable manner has made it easier for me to better understand on the more complex concepts on astrophotography. I will definitely recommend Jay for further photography workshops…

Jay was a great tour host and the location was as magical as described. He has great photography knowledge, but more than anything was Jay’s obvious passion for the locations and habitats. Looking forward to visiting again.

Jay is a wonderful host, friendly and passionate about his love for the Blue Mountains, where our photowalk was located, and his love for photography.

I had a great tour with Jay during a difficult time because of Covid-19 pandemic. Everything was very safe according to the regulations that Jay had prepared for the trip. I had a great day when Jay show me the most beautiful waterfalls of Blue Mountain. I actually learned a lot of things that Jay…

I had an amazing time and learnt so much. Jay was knowledgeable, helpful, empathic and a fantastic professional teacher. For any females thinking of doing astrophotography Jay will put you at ease in a safe and fun professional environment.

Jay’s in-depth knowledge of the area allowed us to get to some amazing locations and photograph a variety of different waterfalls. Highly recommend!

What a wonderful introduction to learning how to photograph star trails. From the moment I arrived at the studio I felt comfortable and welcomed, this continued throughout the entire workshop. Everything was well organised and prepared from the setup of camp to the actual star trail shooting right through to breakfast. The tutorials on how…

Jay is a wonderful guide. Well organised, has vast local knowledge and is an excellent photographer. He was always mindful of our safety and welfare and willing to help make our trip a success.

What an amazing experience in such a beautiful location with a great bunch of people! I learnt so much in such a short time, not only about shooting and processing star trails, but also about respecting the environment that we were so privileged to be spending time in. Jay’s knowledge and technical expertise of photography…

Jay was a most knowledgeable and personable host. He made everyone in the group comfortable and was very happy to answer any questions or fix any problems a participant asked of him. Thoroughly enjoyable morning which went by too fast.

The Wonder of Waterfalls photo tour was lots of fun and very productive. Jay’s professional manner and expert knowledge made the experience a very positive one.

Jay is a first rate photographer, nice guy and a conscientious guide. With his expert knowledge of the photographic method and local conditions, plus his comfortable lodgings, you are sure to have a rewarding tour. Recommended.

We met Jay in Alice Springs in July and he took us on a journey to Glen Helen Gorge for a night to watch the stars. It was amazing to hear his passion for the area and the night skies in the NT. You need to do a one of Jay’s tours.

Jay Evans did a great job hosting this event. He openly shared his knowledge and experience.

The organiser is very knowledgeable about both astro photography, the environment and organised event. The organiser’s passion for photography and environment conservation is channelled throughout the workshop. I will highly recommend this work shop to anyone.

We enjoyed the great photography tour with you, Jay! You showed us magnificent landscapes of Central Australia and taught us many skills of how to take great pictures! You are an excellent photographer, instructor and tour guide! Thank you so much!

Amazing day walking around the waterfalls of Katoomba and taking photos. Jay was super friendly and helpful the whole day!! Loved it!!

Apart from learning more about photography I also know so much more about the terrain, history & magnitude of the Blue Mountains National Park.

Incredible knowledge and assurance provided to tweak my exposure and composition to get the perfect shot. Thanks Jay!

Great experience, Jay was very personable and happy to share his knowledge, of which he has alot on offer. Extremely impressed and highly recommended.

Jay truly stands out as an exceptional photographer, embodying a rare combination of approachability, humility, and profound knowledge in his craft.

It was a great three days. Lots of really interesting places to shoot from and Jay had great knowledge of the area.

Well-organised. The host Jay was very professional and I learned a lot, aswell as got some good shots

Spending two days on the Magical Mountains photography tour with Jay exceeded my expectations. Jay was a wonderful guide, patient, kind, funny and his extensive knowledge and passion for nature and the Blue Mountains made is such an enjoyable tour. As an amateur photographer, I have learnt a lot over the tour in shooting the…

Jay organized and conducted a professional and well-structured nightscape workshop to photograph the Milky Way and star trails in an iconic location. Provided individual assistance to attendees as needed. Highly recommended.

The Astro Workshop in Quirindi really did exceed all my expectations. It was professionally well run, with fantastic scenery for both daytime and night time shoots. Both Jay and Luke were very approachable, friendly and informative and the other attendees were one of the best bunch of people Ive met on a workshop. Id certainly…

This workshop ran by Jay Evans was very informative and I learnt a great deal there’s nothing like face to face learning.

Jay was a wonderful host. His patience, knowledge of the landscape, local history and technical aspects of waterfall photography was so impressive. I’d do another of Jay’s courses in a heartbeat.

It was a great experience. Jay is very knowledgeable in relations the the areas we went to and is enthusiastic on planning so that I got the best condition and scenery for shooting.

In October I was fortunate to attend the Star Trails 101 photograph workshop headed Jay Evens a master in Astro Photography. For those photographers that love the open air, adventure, and extending their photographic skills I highly recommend this workshop.

Jay’s phenomenal knowledge of the Blue Mountains meant we were able to adapt and go to the locations that would make the most of the conditions at the time. He ensured that we were safe at all times while encouraging us to move outside of our comfort zone to get to places I would never…

The entire three days was a fantastic experience. The service as a tour guide was excellent and photography knowledge was second to none.The flexibility to manage our needs and physical capabilities was much appreciated. The local knowledge shared was fascinating to hear.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Magical Mountains Photography Tour. Jay was so patient and informative and went to great lengths to ensure we learnt as much as possible. Jay was able to work around and with challenging weather to get the most out of the day and the spectacular locations.

The tour was amazing, I had unforgettable experience, learning about long exposure techniques, composition, understanding the surrounding environment and weather and their impacts on taking nice shots, and more.

GET IN TOUCH!

02 4786 0476, [email protected], po box 101, katoomba, nsw 2780 australia.

Want to know more about our photography services, drop us an email or fill out the form below and we will get back in touch.

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• TOURS: CO & UT
• TOUR: VIDEOS
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• CONTACT: US

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Photo tours.

Mountain Goats of Colorado Tour

San Juan Mountains Tour

Night Skies Tour

Custom Built Photo Tours

Sandhill Crane Migration Tour

Great Sand Dunes Tour

Arches & Canyonlands Tour

Rustic Colorado Tour

Colorado Wildflowers Tour

Fall Colors Tour

Engineer pass, colorado.

Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Engineer Pass offers a thrilling off-road adventure through some of Colorado’s most breathtaking landscapes. This 20-mile trail is part of the world-famous Alpine Loop , taking visitors on a scenic journey from Ouray to Lake City, Colorado.

A JOURNEY THROUGH NATURE

As you travel through Engineer Pass, you will find yourself immersed in a world of natural wonders. The trail winds its way through stunning meadows filled with wildflowers, past waterfalls, and remnants of old mining sites, before reaching the Alpine Tundra above treeline. With a high point reaching 12,800 feet, you are assured some truly unique and spectacular views from the top.

WHEN TO VISIT ENGINEER PASS

While the trail is open from late June until late September, the best time to visit Engineer Pass is in August when the wildflowers are in full bloom at high elevations. Due to the snowpack that lasts well into summer and begins again early in fall, this is the only time when the trail is accessible to visitors.

PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE

If you’re up for more adventure, combine Engineer Pass with other destinations in the area, including Imogene Pass or Yankee Boy Basin ,. It also works well with some of our Fall Color tour options.

Exploring Engineer Pass is a bucket-list adventure for anyone who loves the great outdoors. This trail offers breathtaking views, unique natural wonders, and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the beauty of Colorado’s Alpine Loop.

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Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Tours Estes Park Photography Tours Landscape & Wildlife Photo Tours & Private Photo Workshops

Yellow Wood Guiding offers private Estes Park Photo Tours of Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park.

On our Rocky Mountain National Park Photography Tours you can learn the skills of landscape, nature, macro, and wildlife photography on your own private Photo Tour. Yellow Wood Guiding tours are focused on giving our clients amazing experiences. Unlike most other Photo Tour services, I will only grab my camera if it is absolutely amazing and I know you will get your shot first. While on tour you have access to our professional Nikon photo equipment, professional lenses ranging from 14mm to 840mm, filters, and tripods if needed.

During your Estes Park Photo Tour our guide will get you to the right place at the right time, read the weather and the light, and make sure you learn how to set the best settings to get great shots here in Rocky Mountain National Park today and around the world in the future.

Improve your photography in Rocky Mountain National Park with a professional photographer and guide by your side.

Beginners, you get a private photography lesson in the beautiful Rocky Mountains from a professional photographer who has focused on teaching for 20 years.

Pros and Experienced Shooters, we can tailor a trip to help get the shots you want and you will likely learn advanced technique and skills along the way.

Check out the seasonal Photo Tours offers below to find the best experience for you and your interests.

Landscape Gallery     Wildlife Gallery

Check Availability     Book Now

Summer Estes Park Photo Tours

4 Hr Beginner Photo Tour

Private Photo Tours for Photography Beginners. Learn how to use your camera to the fullest; settings, focus, composition, and technique all to help you take great photos in Rocky and at home. Roadside and short walk locations to make sure you get as much time behind the camera to learn and take great shots. Get off of Auto and take better photos right away. Summer Rocky Mountain National Park Tours offer the best classroom. Rates and details below.

4 Hr Landscape Photo Tour

We'll guide you to the best photos Rocky Mountain National Park can offer during your visit. Sunrise / Sunset roadside and hiking destinations. Grow your photography skills like composition and refine setting. We can also shoot some small wildlife or macro photos along the way. You can select from lakes, rivers, or mountain views, or let our guide choose what location will produce the best shot after reviewing the day's weather forecast. Rates and details below.

4 Hr Wildlife Photo Tour

Aim for the best Wildlife Photography Rocky Mountain National Park can offer from bull Elk, Moose, Mule Deer, Yellow-bellied Marmots, American Pika, and on the best days Bighorn Sheep, Coyotes, and Birds of Prey. You often have to choose between landscapes and wildlife as they are best at the same time in different locations. This tour is more driving and stopping, animals in Rocky are rarely on the trails. You have access to our 400mm, 500mm, and 600mm lenses if you need that extra reach. Rates and details below.     

8 Hr Custom Photo Tour 

On an 8 hour Photo Tour we will split the day between 4 hour sunrise and sunset sessions to chase the best light. Select from the Summer Photo Options linked below and design a tour that will cover all of your Rocky Mountain photograpy goals. We can focus entirely on landscapes, wildlife, mix the day between subjects, do a hiking sunrise to Dream Lake, and a sunset on Trail Ridge Road or focus on a specific wildlife subject on both sessions to increase your chances that you go home with a few excellent "wall hangers".  Rates and details below.

Fall Rocky Mountain National Park Park Photo Tours

Fall is a fantastic time to learn,  visit, and photograph Rocky Mountain National Park. Private Photo Tours for Photography Beginners. Learn how to use your camera to the fullest; settings, focus, compition, and technique all to help you take great photos in Rocky and at home. One on one instruction in the field. Roadside and short walk locations to make sure you get as much time behind the camera to learn and take great shots. Rates and details below.

Sunrise/Sunset roadside and hiking destinations to help you take the best nature photos Rocky Mountain National Park can offer during your visit. Grow your photo skills like composition and refine settings. We can also shot some small wildlife or macro photos along the way. You can select from lakes, rivers, or mountain views, or let our guide choose what location will produce the best shot that day. Rates and details below.

Fall Estes Park Wildlife Photo tours offer some amazing moments to capture through the season. The Elk Rut is best from early Septmber through early October. Then the Bighorn Sheep Rut kicks off in October. Moose are rare sighting after mid September. We are never alone with the animals but we can guide to the best light, backgrounds, and provide you the long lenses to get amazing wildlife photos. Rates and details below.

6 or 8 Hr Custom Photo Tour

Fall offers so many amazing shots that we can easily go 6 hours in the morning in peak color season. Shoot a sunrise, head for a stream lined by leaves, then hike a ridge overlook. On an split day 8 hour trip we can focus on nearly all the best Fall shots Rocky Mountain National Park can offer. Fall color is hard to predict exact dates so we will be scouting all season long to guide you to the best shots. Rates and details below.

Winter & Spring Estes Park Photo Tours

3.5 Hr Beginner Winter Photo Tour

Winter is a great time to learn photography with lower rates and less crowds. Estes Park Winter Photo Tours for Photography Beginners. Learn how to set your camera settings, focus, compition, and technique to help you take great photos in Rocky and at home. Morning and evening tours all winter long. Electric hand warmers and seat heaters makes for a comfortable classroom. Rates and details below.

3.5 Hr Winter Landscape Photo Tour

Estes Park's unpredictable winter weather can produce some amazing winter scenes. Often heavy clouds block the peaks, but snow and evergreen forests make for amazing images. On clear days a sunrise or sunset can be some of the best of the year. Driving and Hiking options available (link below).  Bring your gloves, extra layers and a tripod. We'll warm up in the car between photo locations. Rates and details below.

3.5 Hr Winter Wildlife Photo Tour

Winter Wildlife Photography can be outstanding. Bull Elk are often in the meadows sparring, Mule Deer start their rut in November and are active and great targets all winter long, and Bighorn Sheep can be targeted all winter long. Turkeys start their mating season during Spring Break. Winter is the best time for American Dipper river shots. Some days bring Coyote sightings. We will travel throughout the Estes Park region as our wildlife migrates out of the deeper snows of the national park. Rates and details below.

On a 6 hour Custom Estes Park Photo Tour we will split the day to 3 hour sunrise and sunset sessions. We can focus on landscapes, wildlife or mix the day. On a 8 hour day we could do a Snowshoeing Dream Lake Sunrise in the morning and head out again for evening light. We can also focus a split day on Winter Wildlife Photos to increase your chances of getting an excellent shot. Electric Hand Warmers and heated seats make a cold day fun while we warm cold fingers. Rates and details below.

Beginner Photographers | Learn to use your camera

Beginners , learn how to use your camera to its fullest potential and I'll help get you off of automatic mode. Having taught 3,000+ beginners I'm very experienced in teaching you the basics in a simple understandable manner so you start seeing huge improvements within the first hour of the tour. Generally a 4 or 6 hour tour is best for beginners. Most folks burn out at 4 hours, while others can keep going well past 6. The best length for you depends on which one of of those descriptions is most like you.

I'm experienced teaching folks with all makes and models of DSLR and Mirrorless cameras including: Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, and a variety of point and shoot cameras and even phones. I've had clients tell me they learned more on a single tour than on week long photo workshops.

First we will start by making sure your camera is set up to capture the best pictures possible. Then learn aspects of photography such as composition, light metering, reading a histogram, and some secrets that will improve every shot you take. If you want to make the jump from "point and shoot"  to the world of " f stops " and "shutter speed ," this is the perfect opportunity for you. Generally Aperture Priority Mode with selectable auto-focus is the recommended method that 98% of professionals use and we will teach you how to use those exact settings.

Experienced Photographers | Custom Photo Tours

Experienced photographers , we can plan a special trip to try to catch amazing shots, refine and advance your technique, customize your camera settings, and talk about ways to improve your shots. You may want to consider an 8 hour Split day spending 4 hours in the morning and evening to focus on the best light of the day. We can discuss advanced skills like hyper-focal distance, prime apertures for sharpness, live view focusing, focus stacking set up, long lens techniques and more. We can also make a custom trip to hit some really amazing locations that can take years to find.

Estes Park Photo Tour Seasonal Highlight Options

Click the season you are planning your Estes Park Photo Tour to see options of what we can shoot during that time of year.

Spring     Summer     Fall     Winter

Pro Nikon Camera Gear Provided

You don't have a camera or a long lens, don't worry, you can use ours! By using our professional digital cameras with a selection of lenses from the 14mm-24mm f2.8 Ultra-wide angle, you can get shots of the majestic mountain vistas, to the 600mm f4 with a 1.4 teleconverter equaling 840mm (17x) zoom in on a Bull Elk's eye lashes. Keep in mind gear of this level requires a desire to learn how to use it, they have no automatic settings. I also have 5 tripods in the vehicle at all times incase you need to borrow one during the tour. Click below to see the gear available to use included with the price of tour.

Yellow Wood Guiding's Photo Gear

Before your Photo Safari be sure to visit Yellow Wood Guding's Photo Training Videos so you are prepared for a great day of photography in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Photo Training Videos

Even though this is a photographic tour you will still learn tons of interesting facts and gain a new respect for this amazing environment.

Summer Tour Fees    May - Early October

(Total Is Shown - NOT Per Person, Rate Is The Same For 1 Or 2 Guests)

Winter Tour Fees    Mid October - April

Check Availability     Book Now

Rocky Mountain Photo Tour Details

Tour Details : All tours are private so the only guests will be the people you invite. We pick you up from your Estes Park hotel, or if you are staying at a home we would meet up at the Estes Park Visitors Center in our Plug-In Hybrid Electric SUV with a panoramic moonroof and heated seats so you stay warm exploring in comfort.

Tours are limited to only 4 guests so you get personal attention. We only have 4 seats, and 4 sets of excellent gear. Yellow Wood Guiding strives to provide quality experiences for all of our guests.

Tours are designed for adults and have a strict age 12 and up policy. Kids 14 and over enjoy the experience most due to the science being presented at a high school and college level. If your kids are under 16 please read the Safari FAQ to make sure this tour is for your family.

Be sure to bring a coat and gloves temperatures change dramatically as we go up in elevation. Summer months we can expect temps between 30 - 70 degrees, and strong wind on Trail Ridge Road. Warm people are happy people.

Sunscreen, water and snacks are provided for all guests.

*Not included: Park entrance fees are $30 Day pass per car, $35 Week Pass per car or $80 for an annual pass. If you have a Senior, NPS Annual, or US Veterans and Active Duty Pass it is free as long as you have your pass and ID. I do not charge for a pass, as many folks already have one.

Yellow Wood Guiding is Authorized by the National Park Service , Department of Interior to conduct services in Rocky Mountain National Park . Fees for service are strictly for educational nature experiences and photography instruction, not transportation.

YWGuiding.com Est. 2007

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Virtual Tour Photographer

Want to know how a virtual tour will benefit your business .

Engage Consumers and Drive Business with an interactive virtual tour

Virtual Tours offer a variety of benefits for businesses. Most importantly they provide unparalleled access to your business 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

• Let people know exactly what they are getting.
• Encourage click through to your website generating more customer traffic

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High Quality 360 Virtual Tours

• Google Business Virtual Tours
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We know virtual tours, get the best!

We make it easy, give us a  call  or fill out the form below and be prepared to be amazed! 

Forge Mountain Photography is available to shoot anywhere in the US, Canada, or the Caribbean. We travel often so please reach out to us to discuss your photoshoot.

Why Get A virtual Tour?  

Professional Photographer working with clients in North America and the Caribbean. 

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Bored In Montana? Consider Going On A Mountain Lion Photography Tour

Montana's wilderness is one of the most unique in the country, and visitors will have a chance to see the majestic mountain lion up close.

Mountain Lions (or Cougars) are one of America's largest predators (grizzly bears and polar bears - in northern Alaska are larger). They are majestic great cats that used to inhabit all of the Lower 48 but now are confined to the western half of the country (except for an isolated population in Florida). For those wanting to go on an all-American wildlife safari consider visiting Bearizona in Arizona (home of orphaned and rehabilitated North American animals).

While it is easy to spot deer everywhere in the country, and easy enough to spot moose and bears in their ranges, mountain kitties are famously elusive and shy. It is difficult to spot them just trekking through the backcountry. For those really eager to spot them, there are mountain lion tours in Montana.

What To Know About Montana's Mountain Lions

They are secretive and solitary species and are considered both nocturnal and crepuscular. They are an ambush predator, an apex predator, and considered an adaptable and generalist species.

They are not always the apex predator, sometimes they will yield their catch to jaguars (the largest cat in the Americas), grizzly bears, packs of wolves, black bears, and even alligators in Florida.

• Distribution: The Most Widespread Large Land Mammal In The Americas
• Range: From Yukon In Canada To The Southern Andes In South America
• Names: Cougar, Mountain Lion, Panther, Catamount
• Conservation Status: Least Concern
• Montana Population: 5,330 (According To Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks); Between 2,112 and 3,258 (According To Mountain Lion Organization )

Mountain Lions have a complicated relationship with people. While they are mostly shy and keep to themselves, they can attack farmers' livestock and on occasion attack people. In the past, the state would pay people to shoot them, today most people want to live peacefully with them (although hunting is still permitted in some states).

Related: Without Even Leaving The U.S., Here's What To Expect On Oregon's Wildlife Safari

Mountain Lion Photography Tours

It is not a simple thing to spot these majestic kitties in the wild. In Montana, there are photography tours to see the mountain lions. In fact, America is one of the best places in the world to go on a wildlife safari !

It is important to be aware that these are not passive wildlife tours. It is not a wildlife tour where one refrains from disturbing the wildlife. With these tours, quite the opposite is true.

Mountain lion tour companies have trained mountain lion hounds. The mountain lions are chased and cornered - often up a tree. During sports hunts the mountain lion is shot by the hunter, on photography tours, it is shot with a camera.

One of the tour companies in Montana offering mountain lion safaris is Royal Tine Outfitters . Throughout most of the year, they offer some sort of outdoor activity. In late summer, August, and December through April they offer Montana wildlife photo safari tours. But the real season is in the winter. This is when they offer the best mountain lion photography tours.

• Season: Winter For Cougar Photo Tours
• Price: $250.00 Per Person Per Day For A Montana Wildlife Photo Safari

These mountain lion tours are lead by trained lion hounds. The professional guides will ensure that the visitors are safe from the mountain lions and that the mountain lions will not be harmed.

Royal Tine Outfitters offers much more than mountain lion hunts and photo safaris. They also offer elk hunts (with rifles and archery), horse riding tours, fishing tours, and multiday packing trips on horseback and camping in the Montana wilderness. See their website for more information.

The same company offers mountain lion hunting tours.

Related: Puget Sound Whale-Watching: When To Go, And Which Whales You'll See

Mountain Lion Hunting In Montana

Mountain Lion hunting is legal in Montana (with a special license). Montana is estimated to have one of the largest mountain lion populations in the United States. The National Geographic states :

" In most western U.S. states and Canadian provinces, populations are considered sustainable enough to allow managed sport hunting ."

For those who wish to check on Montana's mountain lion hunting regulations see the state government's website here and the quotas can be seen here . Since 1971 when the mountain lions have been reclassified as a game species and regulations introduced, their populations have rebounded.

• "Bountied Predator": From 1903 to 1963 There Was A Bounty On Mountain Lions In Montana
• Game Species: Reclassified As A Game Species In 1971
• License Fee: $19 (Resident), $320 (Nonresident)
• Hunting Season: In Montana, The Mountain Lion Season Is 8 Months In The Year (With Varying Restrictions)

According to the Mountain Lion Organization , the hunting season allows for 668 mountain lions to be hunted. See their website for a discussion on mountain lion hunting in Montana.

Next: Everything You Need To Know Before Going On A Serengeti Safari (With Expert Tips)

Mountain Gorilla Photo Tour

Lock eyes with a silverback.

• The ultimate wildlife experience
• Photograph mountain gorillas from just a few meters away
• Benefit from our extensive mountain gorilla experience
• All meals, accommodation, and transportation from Kigali
• 5 nights, 4 mountain gorilla treks

Have you ever dreamed of photographing mountain gorillas up close? It’s one of the best wildlife experiences you will ever have. As we trek through the bamboo forests in Uganda, you will marvel at how these majestic animals welcome us into their world — a world that you won’t want to leave.

Every encounter is different and we will give you the best photographic opportunities to capture spectacular mountain gorilla photos. Witness intimate family moments, framed by lush rainforests and mist-covered mountains, as you contribute to the conservation of these endangered species. With our extensive experience with mountain gorillas, we will ensure that your journey is not only filled with incredible photo opportunities but also with meaningful insights into their lives. This transformative experience will leave you with a profound connection to mountain gorillas, a commitment to their conservation, and a collection of unforgettable moments.

Tour Highlights: One of the best wildlife experiences on earth

2024 Dates:

* Nov 25-30

* Nov 30 – Dec 5

Tour Leader:   Zac Mills

Group Size: 4

Price:   $6,295 (US dollars)

Price includes:   All meals, guiding, accommodation, and transport from Kigali

Accommodation:   Single

Start/End:   Kigali, Rwanda

Fitness Level:  Moderate

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REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS TOUR

Extensive experience: W ith 29 mountain gorilla treks and counting, our team brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise to your mountain gorilla adventure. We know the best spots and the intricacies of mountain gorilla behavior to ensure a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Extra guides: We go the extra mile by bringing in extra guides to enhance the quality of your journey, providing in-depth insights, personalized attention, and expert navigation to make your tour even more enriching and enjoyable.

Learn about mountain gorillas: Our tour provides more than just a visual spectacle; it serves as an educational platform to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the importance of conserving these endangered species and their natural habitats.

Photo expertise: Whether you’re a novice or seasoned photographer, our tour provides a unique opportunity to skillfully capture the beauty of mountain gorillas and create lasting memories of your experience.

Conservation donation: As part of this tour, we make a donation to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund , who supports vital initiatives to protect and preserve mountain gorillas and their habitats.

The tour departs from Kigali, Rwanda. Please plan to arrive in Kigali at least one day before the start of tour. If you need any help making your flight arrangements, please let us know.

Day 0 • Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda

Our photo tour starts in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, where you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel to spend the night. You can arrive anytime.

Day 1 • Kigali to our Uganda Lodge

After breakfast, we will drive to our Uganda lodge just across the border, where we will prepare for our first mountain gorilla trek the following day. Expected travel time is approximately 3 hours.

Day 2-4 • Mountain Gorillas

For each of the next 3 days, we start the day with an early breakfast before we drive to the starting point of our mountain gorilla trek. After a welcome briefing from our Uganda Wildlife Authority guide, we will trek through the forest to our designated mountain gorilla family. The duration of the trek depends on the location of the mountain gorillas, which changes from day-to-day. Typically, the trek lasts between 30-90 minutes and requires a small elevation gain. Once we arrive at the mountain gorillas, we have 1 hour to be with them. After the 1 hour, we retrace our steps back to the starting point of the trek, return to our vehicle, and drive back to the lodge for lunch. After a relaxing afternoon, we will also have dinner. 

Day 5 • Back to Kigali

On our last day, we will have our 4th and final mountain gorilla trek. Afterwards, we will collect our belongings from the lodge, eat a quick lunch, and then begin our return journey to Kigali, where we will say good-bye. If you choose to fly out of Kigali this evening, your flight must leave after 6:30pm.

WHAT’s INCLUDED?

• Photography instruction • 4 Mountain Gorilla trekking permits • Accommodation • All transportation from Kigali • All meals and drinks during the tour • Laundry

WHAT’s NOT INCLUDED?

• Flight to Kigali, Rwanda • East Africa Tourist Visa • Tips for guides, driver, and porters • Travel medical insurance (required)

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY?

5:15am: wake up

5:30am: breakfast

6am: drive to mountain gorilla start point

7:30am: mountain gorilla briefing

8am: start mountain gorilla trek

9am: arrive at mountain mountain gorillas

10am: trek back from mountain gorillas

11am: drive back to hotel

2-6pm: relax or photo review

6:30pm: dinner

* Actual times may vary. The distance and duration of the hike depend on the movements of the mountain gorillas.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many mountain gorillas will i see.

Mountain gorilla families contain silverbacks, blackbacks, infants, and every age in between. We are likely to see around 10 different mountain gorillas eating, playing, and interacting with each other.

Do I need an East African Visa?

Yes! The East African tourist visa costs $100 USD and is valid for 90 days in Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. This visa will allow us to easily cross the Rwanda-Uganda border. It is also very east to acquire — you can purchase it for $100 US dollars upon arrival at the Kigali airport.

What focal range do you recommend?

Given our proximity to the mountain gorillas, there’s no need to carry large super telephoto lenses on this tour. I suggest using lenses with focal lengths ranging from 24-400mm, with the 70-200mm likely being your most frequently used option. For capturing environmental shots, a wider lens like the 24-70mm would be your best choice.

What will the weather be like?

The region where we are going has no real dry season, so  rain is always possible! However, there tends to be less rain in December.

Because mountain gorillas, as their name implies, are found in the mountain at elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet, the temperature is more temperate. Typically, the temperature ranges from approximately 13 degree Celcius at night to 23 degrees Celcius during the day.

Will there be cell service or WiFi at the lodge?

If you have international roaming, the cell coverage is reasonably good. In addition, there is WiFi available at the lodge.

More Questions?

Send us an email  and we’ll be happy to arrange a time to chat through everything with you and answer any questions you may have.

HOW STRENUOUS IS THE HIKING?

The hiking typically takes 30-90 minutes depending on the location of the mountain gorillas. As you make your way through the lush wilderness, be prepared for the variability of the trail conditions—muddy patches and slippery terrain may test your footing. To alleviate any concerns we arrange for experienced porters who graciously shoulder the weight of your backpack and extend their support at every step of the journey. Whether it’s a steep ascent or a tricky descent, rest assured that you won’t navigate it alone. For added stability and balance, walking sticks are provided to assist you as you forge ahead on this memorable expedition.

Our approach is designed for inclusivity, and we take pride in ensuring that the pace of the hike is comfortable for everyone. We understand the significance of the experience and encourage you to relish each moment. To further enhance your enjoyment, we incorporate frequent breaks, allowing you to catch your breath, absorb the breathtaking surroundings, and immerse yourself in this special ecosystem.

MOUNTAIN GORILLA FACTS

Genetic Similarity: Mountain gorillas share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans.

Social Structure: Led by a dominant silverback, mountain gorillas live in cohesive family groups ranging from a few members to communities of up to 30 individuals.

Communication: They communicate through vocalizations, gestures, and expressions, displaying a wide range of emotions including happiness, sadness, and playfulness.

Life Span: They have an average lifespan of around 35 to 40 years in the wild.

Birth Rate: Females typically give birth every four years, with an average gestation period of about 8.5 months.

Herbivorous Diet: Despite their formidable appearance, mountain gorillas are mostly herbivores, mainly consuming leaves, stems, fruits, bamboo shoots, and even ants.

Distinctive Nose Prints: Each mountain gorilla has a unique nose print, akin to human fingerprints, which aids researchers in identifying and tracking individuals.

MOUNTAIN GORILLA CONSERVATION

As recently as 15 years ago, mountain gorillas were on the brink of extinction. But thanks to a concerted international, national, and local effort, the population has doubled and now there are an estimated 1,063 mountain gorillas in the world. However, persistent challenges remain, such as habitat loss, disease, charcoal making, and poaching (they can be caught and harmed by snares set for other animals).

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is a non-profit organization established in 1978 to continue the conservation work of American primatologist Dian Fossey, renowned for her research and advocacy on mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Following Fossey’s tragic murder in 1985, the organization was formed to carry on her legacy. Dedicated to the protection of gorillas and their habitats, the Fund engages in activities such as anti-poaching efforts, habitat conservation, scientific research, veterinary care, and community development. By collaborating with local and international partners, governments, and communities, the organization aims to ensure the long-term survival of gorillas in the wild and promote the well-being of both gorillas and the people living near their habitats. Part of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to support these conservation efforts.

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

Read our guide on how to photograph mountain gorillas , which covers practical advice on packing, camera gear and settings, and composition tips that cater to photographers of all levels. Once we find the gorillas, the timer starts and we will have only one hour to be immersed in this magical world. During this time, we need to make the most of our photography opportunities.

We also provide optional 1-1 Zoom sessions before the tour, detailed prompts and guidance when we are in the field, and optional post-processing sessions after your tour. We will do everything we can to help you become a better photographer!

PHOTO GALLERY

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Things to do in kigali.

• Kigali Genocide Memorial: A powerful memorial commemorating the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
• Caplaki Craft Village: A vibrant market where you can find local crafts, art, and souvenirs.
• Inema Arts Center: Showcasing contemporary Rwandan art and offering workshops.
• Kimironko Market: A bustling market providing a glimpse into daily Rwandan life, with fresh produce, fabrics, and more.

Masai Mara Safari

• Big Five Safari: Explore the reserve to spot the iconic “Big Five” game animals – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros.
• Maasai Culture: Interact with the Maasai people, who are known for their distinctive customs, clothing, and traditional villages.
• Stay at our camp: Experience luxury in the heart of the Maasai Mara. Wake up to savannah views, dine under the stars, and embark on exclusive safari adventures. 

Meet Your Guide: Zac Mills

As a wildlife photographer, traveler, and former World Bank economist, Zac brings a different perspective to wildlife conservation. He founded the Wildlife Collective to help others become better wildlife photographers and to use their voice for conservation. With leadership roles in several conservation organizations, Zac knows first hand that working together with like-minded individuals can make a difference. Zac hopes to entertain you with stories from the wild, inspire you to get involved in conservation, and to become the best wildlife photographer you can be.

website: zacmillsphotography.com

instagram:   @thewildlifecollective_

JOIN US FOR A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

Why our photo tours are different.

The essence of life lies in its experiences, and it is our unwavering mission to gift you the very best of them. We strive to craft our tours with care and authenticity, making each adventure a vibrant chapter in the story of your life.

Conservation

All of our tours have a conservation focus. We will learn about the challenges facing our primary subject and ongoing conservation work. Plus, every tour makes a donation to a conservation partner.

We take you to the world’s most amazing wilderness destinations, carefully selected for their unparalleled beauty and chosen based on our commitment to providing guests with the very best wildlife experiences.

Photography Focus

We welcome all levels of photography and provide optional photography sessions before, during, and after the tour. With our hands on learning, you are going to leave our tour as a better photographer. Ask us anything at anytime!

Small Groups

We believe that small groups give the best wildlife expereinces. We do not exceed 6 clients per guide, and in most tours, the ratio will be even smaller. This ensures that you get the personalized attention that you deserve.

Best Guides

We work with the world’s best wildlife guides, who also happen to be our good friends. They are experienced, keep us safe, and put us in the best possible position to have the best wildlife experience.

TREKKING WITH MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

6 days – volcanos national park, rwanda, africa, tour details.

J oin us as we embark on one of the top wildlife experiences the planet has to offer, trekking through the bamboo forests of the Virunga mountains located in Central Africa in search of the majestic Mountain Gorillas. You won’t find these animals at the zoo, as they have never survived in captivity.  Currently, only several hundred mountain gorillas are remaining on Earth, and roughly half of that population lives in the forests of the Virunga mountains presenting us with extraordinary opportunities to witness these beautiful creatures up-close, and often.

We will find the Gorillas in their homes located high in the bamboo forest of Volcanos National Park, where successful conservation efforts have saved these animals from the brink of extinction. Not only will we get to experience these efforts first-hand, but we too will become a part of it through photographing these animals. Our presence here will truly help the preservation of these Gorillas so that their future generations, can be witnessed by ours.

We will reach the Gorillas on-foot by trekking to their mid-morning resting and feeding locations while being led by experienced guides, and accompanied by park staff/guards employed to protect the gorillas.

When we find the Gorillas, all of the hiking is worth it. You never know what unique behavior you will get to photograph until you reach them. They may be feeding on bamboo shoots, lounging on thick beds made of vegetation, or playing with one another in an open clearing, forest, or in a dense bamboo thicket.  Just like every group that has ever visited, we will have one hour a day with the animals. Although the duration seems short, I consider the time I spent last year bearing witness to the animals as one of the biggest highlights of my photographic career.  There is no way to describe sitting and photographing a family of 24 mountain gorillas that fill up your frame with a 70-200mm lens. Time truly stops.   Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Images from Mountain Gorilla Tours

All of the film in this video was shot by Aaron on our Trekking with Mountain Gorillas Photo Tour in 2022.  Although each trip is different this content gives you an idea of the kinds of encounters you can expect on this Photo Tour.

Testimonials

“I have participated in 9 of Aaron’s Photo Tours over the last few years and I have already booked several more!  Aaron is the best photography tour/workshop leader I have ever met.  His personal concern for, and dedication to, his clients is extraordinary.  The pre-trip planning and attention to detail make every trip enjoyable and productive.  He has trained himself on virtually every camera/system that he might encounter, so that he is able to help each client as they need it.  On his trips we always find the birds and wildlife we are looking for and usually in the best lighting scenarios possible.  I would be remiss not to mention Sarah in the office and her exceptional work answering all my questions pre trip and helping me prepare for them.” 

“Aaron Baggenstos is one of those rare individuals who is super-talented with photographic, instructional, as well as superb people skills. Combined with his cutting edge technological approach to photographing nature, his advocacy of the environment and his sheer methodological genius, he sets himself apart from his peers. This is a young man who is definitely leading the photographic revolution in nature and I count myself amongst the lucky ones who have learned more in one week than I have in one year with other photographic instructors and courses. The aurora still shines brightly from one of the most fantastic photo tours I have ever participated in. In large measure, it is directly related to the the sage-like wisdom of Aaron.”

2022 Itinerary Includes

Arrival & Departure airport transfers and assistance, 1 Night accommodation at Kigali Serena Hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis, 4 Nights’ accommodation at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, 3 Gorilla Permits, 1 Golden Monkey Permit
, Kigali City Tour on Day 2, entrance to the Genocide Museum, private transport in a 4×4 land cruiser, services of an English/French-speaking driver-guide, bottled drinking water during the safari (in the vehicle) and while trekking.

2022 Itinerary Does Not Include

International flights to and from Kigali, international, regional and local airport taxes
 gratuities for your drivers, naturalist, porters, trackers ($200), any excess baggage charges levied by airlines, laundry and other items of a personal nature such soda, alcohol, telephone calls, etc., reccomended traveler insurance, any increase in park fees and taxes from now until the trip.

Registration

If you would like to register for this workshop or have additional questions, please fill out the form using the sign up button below.  Please specify the date of the tour you prefer. Please also take a minute to review our  Terms & Conditions , containing important information about our cancellation and refund policies.  Refer to our  workshop information section  to learn more about the  registration process  and our  frequently asked questions .

Highlights:

• Experience one of the top wildlife experiences on earth, photographing endagered wild mountain gorillas in the jungles of Volcanos National Park
• A small private group of only 7 participants on trekks
• Allow Aaron’s experience here guide you to the photos you dream of and on the adventure of a lifetime

Dates: Nov. 2026 Dates & Details Coming Soon

Group Size:  7 Participants

2026 Cost: $TBD

Payment Terms: 25% Non-Refundable Deposit, Rest Due at 120 Days Before Departure

You can join the wait list for any sold out trip here .

Day 1 : Upon arrival into Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by a driver holding an Aaron’s Photo Tours sign for a private 20 min. transfer to our first night accomodations. We will meet at  7:00PM for introductions and a welcome presentation and dinner.

Day 2 : 7:30am breakfast, 9am departure with all belongings, 9:30am-11:30 visit the Genocide Museum, lunch at Hotel Rwanda followed by a 3 drive to Volcanos National Park.  5pm camera setups, 6:30pm diner.

Day 3-5 : 6am breakfast, 7am brief where we will be assigned to visit a specific gorilla family.  8:30am-1pm gorilla trekking.  We will spend exactly one hour with the gorillas upon arrival.  Lunch followed by rest, freshen up, download, and image processing and review with Aaron.  6:30 dinner. We will pick one of these days to visit the new Ellen Degeneres Dian Fossey Center for Conservation, Education, and Research facility.

Day 6 : 6am breakfast, 7am brief where we will be assigned to visit a specific golden monkey family.  8:30am-1pm golden monkey trekking.  We will spend exactly one hour with the golden monkeys upon arrival.  Lunch followed by a 2pm prompt departure for flights home or hotel drop off of you are staying an extra night in Kigali.  Book flights after 7pm.  There is a coffee shop at the airport with a few light snacks and drinks to tide your appetite before they feed you dinner on the plane.

Physical Requirement:

The hikes to the Gorillas can sometimes be as short as thirty minutes, but more typically requires a ‘trek’ of one or two hours one-way. Covering these distances can be difficult, the terrain is intermittently steep, and often slippery. When you combine that with the uphill elevation gain required to meet these animals, it can be quite tasking. 

We do not recommend this trip to anyone who isn’t both fit and prepared to train so that they show up in their best shape. Most treks involve a vertical gain of 800 to 1,000 feet over a one or two-hour period. Expect to be at 8,500 feet, or higher, while photographing the Gorillas.

In the last 10 years Aaron has led over 200 wildlife photography tours around the world. He has earned a reputation for his gracious teaching style to photographers of all skill levels and extensive knowledge of Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, and Sony digital cameras.

A Tour Through Solar Eclipses of the Past

• Alan Taylor
• April 2, 2024

As much of North America prepares for the upcoming total solar eclipse next week, I thought it would be fun to share some images from the recent (and not-so-recent) past of previous eclipses—annular, partial, and total—from around the world. Also pictured are some of the many observers sharing this fleeting experience, “ witnessing the planetary version of a lightning strike ,” together in stadiums, parks, and beaches.

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Young people watch the rare sight of a partial solar eclipse at sunset, as seen from Manila Bay, Philippines, on January 26, 2009. #

On April 8, 1921, people gaze upward to view a partial solar eclipse in Paris. #

A total solar eclipse, seen above Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Norway, on March 20, 2015 #

People watch the solar eclipse at Saluki Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University on August 21, 2017, in Carbondale, Illinois. #

This photograph taken on October 25, 2022, shows a view of a partial solar eclipse visible behind a bird on a tree in Istanbul. #

As the moon crossed between the Sun and Earth during the annular eclipse on October 14, 2023, its shadow darkened skies across North America, as seen from an orbiting NASA satellite. #

People take photos with their smartphones as they watch an annular solar eclipse on Jabal Arba in Al Hufuf, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, on December 26, 2019. #

On August 21, 2017, Shenandoah National Park hosted the Night Sky Festival to watch as a partial solar eclipse was visible overhead. #

The "ring of fire" effect caused during the annular eclipse of the sun over Albuquerque, New Mexico, on October 14, 2023 #

Students of the Jennings School District view a solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, in St. Louis. #

A partial solar eclipse is seen behind the centuries-old Raghunath Hindu temple in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, on October 25, 2022. #

The sun rises next to the Statue of Liberty during an annular eclipse on June 10, 2021, in New York City. #

Crescent-shaped shadows are pictured on a sidewalk as light passes through tree leaves during a partial solar eclipse in Oklahoma City on August 21, 2017. #

A woman observes an annular solar eclipse at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, in Mexico City, on October 14, 2023. #

The sun's corona becomes visible during a total solar eclipse. #

Friends watch an eclipse together on a Menan Butte in Menan, Idaho, on August 21, 2017. #

A partial solar eclipse is seen above Manama, Bahrain, on December 26, 2019. #

Visitors to Shenandoah National Park look at images of the eclipsed sun seen through the holes of a colander on August 21, 2017. The tiny holes behave like pinhole lenses, showing the outline of the eclipsed sun on the ground. #

Spectators line the beach to view a total solar eclipse on November 14, 2012, in Palm Cove, Australia. #

The International Space Station is seen in silhouette as it transits the sun at roughly five miles a second during a partial solar eclipse, viewed from Ross Lake, Northern Cascades National Park, Washington, on August 21, 2017. #

People watch a total solar eclipse at Yonsei University in Seoul, on July 22, 2009. #

A view of the total solar eclipse from a commercial flight, seen while overflying La Serena, Chile, on July 2, 2019. #

The moon passes in front of the sun during a partial solar eclipse, as seen over Manila Bay, Philippines, on January 26, 2009. #

The enthusiasts Tanner Person ( right ) and Josh Bliek, both from Vacaville, California, watch a total solar eclipse while standing atop Carroll Rim Trail at Painted Hills, a unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, near Mitchell, Oregon, on August 21, 2017. #

We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to [email protected].

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🏀 Men's Tournament

🏆 Unique paths to the title game for Purdue and UConn

👀 See the bracket

Check your bracket

📊 Championship history

Iowa escapes UConn, 71-69, advances to national title game

• Championship Info
• Game Program

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• 📆 2024 March Madness schedule
• ❓ How the field of 68 is picked
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Women's Final Four Most Outstanding Players from 1982 to present

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The 13 highest-scoring individual performances in March Madness women's history

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😮‍💨 IOWA ESCAPES: Hawkeyes win, will face South Carolina for national title

Even when Caitlin Clark's shot is off target, it's still somehow right where it needs to be. 

UConn had handled the Clark problem nearly perfectly, limiting her to just 7 of 18 shooting and forcing the typically suave superstar into a choppy offensive outing, and as Iowa led by two in the closing seconds, her typically automatic free throw clattered off the front rim. Sydney Affolter leapt right into the path of Clark's miss, however, securing Iowa's possession on a jump ball, and a savvy inbound maneuver ensured Iowa escaped with a 71-69 victory, advancing to Sunday's national championship game with South Carolina. 

While Clark headlines Iowa's top-ranked offense, it was UConn that looked flawless from the field early on, nailing 5 of 8 field goals to start, including both of its 3-point attempts, and leading 13-7 at the first media timeout.  With a rotation dwindled to only six by grueling injury luck, the Huskies leaned heavily on its stars to build a 32-26 halftime lead. Familiar suspects Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards hooked up on a sweet transition bucket out of the first intermission, ultimately finishing the second quarter with nine combined points, but KK Arnold proved to be a crucial piece for Geno Auriemma's squad. The freshman had finished with more than 10 points just once in her last six outings but had already crossed double-figures by halftime, also dishing out three assists and grabbing a rebound. 

A flurry of gritty Bueckers buckets, who joined with Edwards to lead the Huskies with 17 points, kept UConn ahead early in the second half, but Clark managed to swing the momentum with a stunning four-point play. From there, Hannah Stuelke, the game's leading scorer with 23, knocked down four straight free throws, and Iowa regained the lead for the first time since 2-0 at 47-45.

Iowa would grow its lead as large as nine midway through the fourth quarter thanks to an untimely Husky scoring drought, and while ravenous UConn defense forced consecutive Iowa turnovers and gave Connecticut a chance at the victory down just one, an offensive foul call on Edwards set up Clark's free throw magic and sent her squad to another national title game.

🥶 KATE. MARTIN. Gutsy bucket gives Iowa late lead

As Caitlin Clark struggled with erraticism throughout a difficult afternoon, Kate Martin has been the assurgent hero in the Hawkeye backcourt. The veteran guard has 11 points and a collection of timely buckets that have helped Iowa hold its late lead.

None have been bigger than her most recent attempt, a turnaround fader from just inside the left elbow that proved pure. Martin's second-straight bucket gives Iowa a 70-64 lead with less than two minutes remaining.

Big-Bucket Kate 💪 @kate_martin22 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/HQ8QQ5gggu — Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) April 6, 2024

💪 Hawkeyes in control: Huge run puts Hawkeyes on the precipice

➡️ into the 4th: iowa-uconn tied at 51.

One of the most anticipated games of the tournament has lived up to the hype in every way, tied at 51 entering the fourth quarter with Paige Bueckers leading the Huskies in scoring while Caitlin Clark eyes yet another triple-double. 

The NCAA.com crew has you covered live from Cleveland for the final 10 minutes, so stay tuned!

😳 FOUR-POINT PLAY: Caitlin Clark 3 through contact sparks Hawkeye run

Caitlin Clark provided her own inspiration on a rough 4 of 13 shooting night, nailing a 3-pointer before being driven to the floor and igniting a thunderous roar from the Iowa fans. The Hawkeye sensation nailed her attempt at the line, and Hannah Stuelke sandwiched a Geno Auriemma timeout with two perfect trips to the foul line, giving Iowa its first lead since the game's opening seconds at 47-45. 

Watch Clark's remarkable shot below:

4-point play 🔥 @caitlinclark22 x #Hawkeyes 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/RhGPYQEKHu — Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) April 6, 2024

💪 Paige takeover: Bueckers on fire to start second half

With Iowa clawing itself even after a stirring start to the second half, All-American Paige Bueckers rallied once more with a dominant stretch for the undermanned Huskies. The Minnesotan has scored seven points in the first five minutes out of the locker room and is torching Iowa at all levels, stepping into an audacious rhythm 3 before sealing her defender for an easy two. 

Bueckers' efforts have helped the Huskies reclaim a five-point edge at the third quarter media timeout.

👌 Big 3: Bueckers, Edwards and Arnold lead UConn to halftime lead

Devastated by five season-ending injuries, UConn's now six-woman rotation has leaned heavily on its stars to build a 32-26 halftime lead.

Familiar suspects Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards hooked up on a sweet transition bucket out of the first intermission, ultimately finishing the second quarter with nine combined points, but KK Arnold continued to be a crucial piece for Geno Auriemma's squad. The freshman had finished with more than 10 points just once in her last six outings but has already crossed double-figures by halftime, also dishing out three assists and grabbing a rebound. 

Paige Bueckers ➡️ Aaliyah Edwards pic.twitter.com/DhIPkR9UsG — UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) April 6, 2024

Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark's struggles continue, finishing the half just 3 of 11, and a short-armed missed produced a long rebound and allowed Bueckers to stem a late-half Hawkeye run and convert at the rim just before the horn. Here's a look at the complete box score from half 1. 

🕒 First quarter update: UConn leads after tough Clark quarter

With a packed crowd at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse primed to roar every time Caitlin Clark touches the ball, the Hawkeye megastar has instead struggled. The newly crowned AP Player of the Year has managed just two points in the first quarter on 1 of 5 shooting, along with a turnover. The opportunistic Huskies took full advantage, as pass-first point guard Nika Muhl drilled two of her own 3s, and the Huskies led by as much as eight. 

Hannah Stuelke offset Clark's struggles — at least in part — with a pair of tough finishes at the rim, and Iowa's Kylie Feuerbach drilled a 3 at the quarter's end, bringing the score to 19-14.

🔥 UConn scorches the net to take early lead

For all the fanfare Caitlin Clark and her transcendent shooting have generated in recent months, is the Huskies that can't miss in the early going. UConn has nailed 5 of 8 field goals to start, including both of its 3-point attempts, and leads 13-7 at the first media timeout. 

The Huskies' third-option KK Arnold is stepping into the spotlight in Cleveland, drilling a triple and converting a tough and-one, star guard Paige Bueckers hit a flawless mid-range pull-up and Nika Muhl knocked in a rare 3-ball of her own. 

🚨 Game two underway!

📺 how to watch iowa-uconn.

Today is the day. The 2024 Women's Final Four is here. In the second semifinal of the night, (1) Iowa and Caitlin Clark take on (3) UConn and Paige Beuckers for a chance to play in the national championship final.

Here's how to watch:

• Date : Today — Friday, April 5
• Time : 9:32 p.m. ET
• TV channel : ESPN
• Location : Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse | Cleveland, Ohio
• 📈   Live stats

📊 Iowa vs. UConn: How they stack up

Here are how the stat lines of (1) Iowa and (3) UConn compare from the 2023-24 season: 

🟡 How they got here: Iowa

Inside a sold-out MVP Arena, Iowa escaped from the jaws of the LSU Tigers in a 2023 national championship rematch in the 2024 Elite Eight. Behind a 41-point, 12-assist performance by Caitlin Clark, the Hawkeyes built an 11-point advantage at the end of the third to eventually top the third-ranked Tigers, 94-87.

The 2024 Final Four is the Iowa's third appearance in program history and second consecutive for the Hawkeyes, as the 2024 Big Ten champs ride their 10-game win streak to Cleveland.

🔵 How they got here: UConn

The Huskies rounded out their regular season with a dominant 36-point win over Georgetown for their fourth consecutive Big East championship. They've since battled Jackson State, Syracuse, Duke and Southern California to reach the Final Four. In their first three tournament games, the Huskies held their opponents to scoring just 57.6 points on average. UConn faced its tallest task yet in Southern California, putting up an 11-point run in the fourth period to knock out Juju Watkins and the top-seeded Trojans.

Their matchup against Iowa will be their 23rd national semifinal, the most of any school.

📖 UConn vs. Iowa: Series history

The series history of these two powerhouses only dates back to two matchups in just the last four seasons — UConn leads the all-time series 2-0. The teams first met in the Sweet 16 of the 2021 March Madness women's tournament , during which UConn routed the Hawkeyes by 20 points (92-72) and made a Final Four run. This was also the freshman season of stars Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark — in their first collegiate matchup against each other, the Bueckers and Clark put up 18 and 21 respective points. 

The only other meeting between these two teams occurred a year and a half later in the championship game of the first Phil Knight Legacy women's tournament. UConn beat Iowa by a 86-79 margin, with Aaliyah Edwards notching a 20-point, six-assist performance for the Huskies.

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'Big' House Cat Roaming Through San Francisco Yards Mistaken for Mountain Lion, Police Confirm

The feline was originally seen on a doorbell camera March 26

South San Francisco Police Department; Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket/Getty

A large feline spotted roaming around yards in San Francisco isn't a mountain lion as originally suspected, police said.

In an Instagram update posted on March 28, the South San Francisco Police Department (SSFPD) confirmed that the animal originally seen on a doorbell camera located at the 200 block of Mansfield Drive on March 26 was actually a large cat — as in a large house cat, and not a mountain lion as first suspected.

"We were able to confirm the Big Cat was not a mountain lion," the SSFPD said.

According to the SSFPD, police reported to the residential area and "were unable to locate this furry guy." They added that "there were no additional sightings" and said "there is no potential threat for the neighborhood."

In a Facebook post , police shared safety tips with patrons in the event that they encountered unknown wildlife in their neighborhood. "We’d like to remind our residents to avoid mountain lions, even at a distance a brief glimpse should be cause for alarm," the police said. "If confronted with a mountain lion, make your presence known; make noise, try to make yourself appear bigger & back away slowly."

The police also warned pet owners, "Do not leave your domestic pets [SIC] food outside, pets can attract mountain lions into developed areas such as this backyard."

"Report any mountain lion encounter or incident to your local Police Department, local Ranger District or Fish and Wildlife Office," the authorities added.

It's unclear whether the cat was feral or a domesticated pet.

The sighting was reported to the SSFPD a few days after a mountain lion killed a man in Georgetown, California in the first fatal mountain lion attack in the state in 20 years, per a statement shared by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office on March 24.

A 21-year-old man was killed and his 18-year old brother was injured when they were attacked by the mountain lion while in a remote area of Georgetown, the statement said.

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The injured man was separated from his brother during the attack, but the police located the deceased when they arrived in the area and "observed a crouched mountain lion next to a subject on the ground."

"Deputies discharged their firearms scaring the mountain lion off so they could render aid. Unfortunately, the male subject was deceased," the statement said.

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Smoky Mountain Private Tours

Full Day Tour - 8 Hours

$500 – Price includes bottled water and sodas, snacks, sub sandwiches.

Leave from Townsend in the morning. Exact departure times based on tour objectives.

Each tour is customized for you.  We depart from Townsend and drive to the chosen destinations.  Some of the more elusive subjects from the animal kingdom that are in the area are Bald Eagle, Barred Owls, Black Bear Cubs, Bobcat, Bobwhite, Coyote, Elk, Hummingbirds, Northern Harrier Hawks, Pileated Woodpeckers, Osprey, and River Otter.  In addition to wildlife, the Smoky Mountains offer wet and dry season waterfalls, mountain sunrises, hotspots for wildflowers, and bird nesting sites.  Local knowledge on best seasons, time of day, and good angles will yield great results.

Some animals and subjects are seasonal, so contact us or stop by the gallery for more information. We are located close to the National Park entrance and an easy drive from Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.

Half Day Tour - 4 Hours

$250 – Price includes bottled water and snacks.

Leave from Townsend in the morning or afternoon. Exact departure times based on tour objectives.

• Type Landscape & Wildlife
• Date Varies

What You'll See

• Bears and other wildlife in the Smoky Mountain region
• Beautiful mountain scenery with stunning sunlight photo opportunities
• Waterfalls, flowing water, and other geographic features depending on location

Other Workshops & Tours

Smoky Mountain Big Buck Rut

• December 2 - 6, 2024

Smoky Mountain Waterfalls

• July 15 - 19, 2024

Alaska Brown Bear Experience

• Landscape & Wildlife
• September 22 - 28, 2025

Smoky Mountain Birds

• April 22 - 26, 2024

Smoky Mountain Black Bear

• May 20 - 24, 2024

Jackson Hole & The Grand Tetons

• November 4 - 9, 2024

Lighthouse Land & Sea

• August 12 - 17, 2024

Smoky Mountain Wildflowers

• April 15 - 19, 2024

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• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case).