WILD MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
The Details about your tour or workshop
SCHEDULE:
• Workshop is based out of Gardiner, MT
• Evening before, we will do a meet and greet over dinner, included, but with alcohol on your own.
• Each day of the workshop will run from 30 minutes before sunrise until we run out of wildlife to see – early to late evening.
PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTION: (for workshops only)
I ask that you know the basic settings of your camera before the workshop, in order to maximize shooting time with the wildlife. You may have as much or as little instruction as you desire. Some folks are looking for good photo ops while others are looking to improve their skills, or both. We will pay attention to composition, lighting, location and the ethics of wildlife photography. Be aware that we must follow the rules of the national park at all times. We will also discuss animal behaviors and how this knowledge can help you become a better wildlife photographer.
While most photography will be roadside for these group workshops, we may hike up to 1/2 mile in order to explore and see what we find. We will not physically chase or disturb any animals.
In order to maximize shooting time, we generally do lunch on the go, unless we all need time out to relax and catch our breaths.
***For Nikon users, or those thinking about purchasing their first camera, I will provide early beginner workshops, upon request. Don’t hesitate to ask.
ABOUT DEBY
I live just outside of the north gate to Yellowstone, and have visited the park almost daily since the Fall of 2012. Winter is my favorite time to photograph wildlife and hike. Spring is the best time to see a variety of wildlife in almost every weather, from snow to sunshine.
My knowledge of the wildlife has come from watching the animals and their behaviors for endless hours, hiking and paying attention to travel patterns. This experience has taught me where to get the best shots. I have been providing workshops and tours in Yellowstone for many years and have limited my clientele and dates in order to have free time for more exploration and learning. Yellowstone is a big place and I learn something new everyday. I am not a pushy instructor but tend to let everyone go at their own pace. My photography has been widely published, as has my writing. I’ve also contributed video to documentaries about the wolves. I do not enter contests or do much that takes time away from being out in the wild with my cameras. I am passionate about the conservation of the parks and wildlife.
CAMERAS AND LENSES
I shoot Nikon mirrorless cameras, Z9 and Z6ii, with a Z180-600, a 600 6.3 (lightweight for hiking) and an 800 6.3 PF, along with an array of shorter lenses. I have used the Canon R5, so have some familiarity with that camera.
Any professional DSLR or mirrorless camera is fine but I can’t recommend mirrorless enough for the outstanding focus tracking on wildlife. Please become familiar with your camera before the workshop, in order to maximize your time in Yellowstone. As far as lenses, I recommend at least a 400mm but you will be happier with a 500 or 600mm, and a 1.4 teleconverter for longer shots. A 400 2.8 with a 1.4 and 2x teleconverter would be ideal. If you do not have one, I recommend renting a longer lens for this trip. I often shoot with a tripod and always recommend one, but for some of the newer, lighter weight equipment, a monopod could work well. Tripods come in handy for stable shooting situations, like a carcass, where we might be ready and waiting for a long period of time.
BRING:
- Camera
- At least 2 batteries and charger
- Memory cards – I recommend 325 G, always have a backup
- lenses
- lense cleaner
- rain cover
- tripod or monopod, beanbag if you have one
- snacks and drinks
- clothing layers
- heavy jacket
- fleece or layers
- boots with heavy soles and good traction
- cleats or crampon to prevent falls
- hiking pole
- gloves, lightweight and heavy ones
- hand and foot warmers – chemical or rechargeable (check Amazon for warmer options)
- good socks
- long underwear
- ski pants
- hat
- have extra shoes and sock available in case you get wet
- sunscreen
- chapstick
Temperatures in Yellowstone can vary 50 degrees so be prepared to be cold or warm.
DO NOT BRING OR WEAR:
- Sandals or shorts
- Tennis shoes are not good for winter and can be slippery on loose rocks.
- No smoking during tour
- Due to allergies, no wearing of scents
- Marijuana is illegal in Yellowstone
- Weapons are not allowed
Transportation to Gardiner and Lodging:
Not included in workshop. If you need assistance in getting from the airport to Gardiner, and back to the airport, please contact me for options. I can give you some lodging ideas. I will be happy to assist you with any of these details. Any questions at all, please email me at debydixon@mac.com
BOOKING YOUR WORKSHOP
Payment is due in full at the time of booking. See refund policy below Trip insurance is recommended due to unforeseen difficulties. Please arrange to arrive the day before the workshop and leave the day after we are done. Or, of course, stay longer and enjoy the park.
LUNCHES
Lunch is on your own. I can order bag lunches upon request, these are $16. each, plus tip. I will have snacks and water. We generally eat on the go so we don’t miss any photo ops. Let me know about special requests.
REFUND POLICY
Payment is due at the time of booking to reserve your date. You will have 7 days to cancel your tour, from date of payment, ONLY if the tour is booked 30+ days in advance, for a 90% refund. If you need to cancel and are past the 7 day cancellation period, I will happily rebook your tour for another date.
Tours booked less than 30 days in advance are not eligible for the 7 day refund. However, you may rebook within 18 months of your date of cancellation, for a 10% fee. You may only rebook your tour one time and the date(s) must be agreed upon by both parties.
Consider getting trip insurance, in the event of unforeseen complications.
***Smoking marijuana is not allowed in national parks
Tips are always appreciated.