The group of eight enthusiastic photographers were introduced to grand landscapes, intimate scenics and wildlife of the four legged kind, while accompanied by two veteran workshop leaders with personal knowledge of the area and photo tips to help bring home epic imagery.
Temperature swings from freezing to 80 degrees projected for the week made it imperative to get an early start. Wildlife is most active in the early morning and the late hours of the day so we were loaded and on the road by sunrise and out until we lost the light.
With cameras ready, our first moose sighting afforded everyone a closeup view of a beautiful bull (male) subject as he headed for the cover and shade of a nearby pine forest. The next day we witnessed an impressive bull elk rounding up his harem (the ladies) near Signal Mountain and yet another day, crossing the fog blanketed Snake River early in the morning.
A pronghorn buck (male) worked at keeping his harem of three females together at Elk Flats but ended up losing one when his attention diverted to the two who seemed to be wandering away. The photo opportunity in this instance was questionable. Even though we had lots of action, the heat distortion midday was too much to overcome and we predicted images were going to be soft at best and not recoverable in post.
Our finest and last sighting of the week (not without repeated tries) was the appearance of grizzly 1063, a female sow named Fritter, and her three cubs of the year (COY) hanging near Pilgrim Creek. It was an epic bear jam but all participants were able to get wonderful images. Fritter, comfortable enough with the large crowd, lead her cubs across the highway toward Coulter Bay and Jackson Lake beyond until they were out of sight.
Timing couldn’t have been better as leaves were turning and fall color was in its prime at most locations. Daybreak revealed the frost covered ground at Brooks Lake and the sun predictably crested the pinnacles to light up the volcanic Breccia Cliffs of the Teton Wilderness in the distance.
The workshop ended to quickly, like most do when you are intently documenting the grandeur that presents itself. There were to many photo opportunities to list here. I can’t wait to return next year and lead the sixth annual Wind River Photographer’s Retreat with new and returning participants.
Watch the website for the 2025 Wind River Photographer's Retreat dates. In the meantime, happy snapping! Sandy
]]>I have some experience understanding what it takes to prepare, lead and follow through with workshop events. I’ll share some of those tips with you and throw in a couple images from a recent scouting trip to ‘wet your whistle” (a relatively old idiom meaning 'to satisfy one's thirst').
"Mountain Goat Family" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
So, lets start with scouting a location. Your leader should have field experience at the location where the workshop is being held. It would behoove you to ask, “How much time do you spend at ‘said’ location?” A leader should have solid knowledge of wildlife behavior, their patterns and how the environment may affect their movement. No leader can guarantee wildlife, however, the more research done, the better your chances will be. Also, your leader should know where the restrooms and restaurants are and if they are open! Make sure the preparation will fit your needs.
"Beautiful Black Bear" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
Speaking of your needs … you deserve what you pay for! First off identify the essentials, your desires and your pace. Are you looking for a specific species or season? Do you prefer a fast-paced cougar expedition or do you want to leisurely stroll in search of an image? On a scale of 1-5, what is your physical ability? Upon answering those questions honestly, you’ll be ready to match a workshop to your requirements.
"American Pika at 11,000 feet" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
But where do you find workshops to compare? Unfortunately, I’m going to suggest filling your inbox with a few subscriptions. There are a lot of reputable companies vying for your business and offer informative newsletters. Depending on your needs, you might select companies who just travel to Africa or those who lead closer to home. Get as specific as you can for a good comparison. Consider the following two websites which propose multiple workshops, by many different companies, offering a large selection of topics:
• PhotoTours Directory, https://phototours.directory/
• Photography Workshops Directory, https://photography-workshops.directory/
"Yellow-bellied marmot" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
There are so many things to consider when choosing the right wildlife photography workshop but I’ll end with one more safeguard. For peace of mind, you’ll want to know if the company you are considering has the proper insurance. It may be uncomfortable, but you should ask. At a minimum, they should carry a general liability and commercial auto policy to cover clients in the field and in a vehicle. Accidents do happen so make sure you are covered. Consider purchasing travel insurance for unexpected events that might disrupt your plans.
"Mountain goat family retreating to safety for the evening" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
Well, that’s it for now. If you are looking for more advice or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. (Warning - selfless plug) I lead wildlife workshops and can be reached at [email protected] or you can subscribe to my monthly newsletter HERE. I welcome your questions and correspondence!
Happy (workshop) hunting! Sandy Zelasko
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When it comes to wildlife issues, odds are even less. The average person may not have the resources or ability. Enter, the wildlife biologist, a sagacious ecologist and an intern who dreams of a career in the field of wildlife conservation. (Oh yes, mix in the concerned photographer, who wishes she had majored in biology instead of psychology a long time ago.) Now you have a dedicated team ready for action.
"Captured: The prairie dog team at work" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
While at Badlands National Park this past June, I had the opportunity to insert myself into a black-tailed prairie dog study. I photographed one such team who were gathering information on the relationship of plagues and prairie dogs at a colony in the park.
"Prairie dogs are measured and given ear tags" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
As you may or may not know, these resourceful rodents are a keystone species in the recovery of specific habitats across the western United States. They are prey for the endangered black-footed ferret, various raptors, furtive coyotes and the occasional bobcat. Abandoned burrows supply homes for species like the burrowing owl and rattlesnake. Overall, they can alert experts to the health our grasslands.
"Using an anesthetizing chamber, researchers sedate a prairie dog before counting fleas" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
Prairie dogs have many postures and an extensive vocabulary which they use to alert the colony when a predator is near. Colonies, or towns, consist of a family group and are technically called coteries. An adult male and 3-4 adult females make up a group and protect their territory from predators including prairie dogs from other coteries. This has been the norm for centuries when bison roamed the plains.
"Weight and measurements are carefully recorded and ear tags are added to both ears" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
But there are different points of view on the subject of prairie dogs. Most ranchers despise them. Burrows pose a threat to their cattle who may randomly step into a hole and break a leg. In the past (and to some extent today), prairie dog habitats were destroyed to make room for more cattle. The conversion of rangeland to cropland is another devastating blow to prairie dog towns and the ecology of the Great Plains.
"The release (applause)" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
Today, dedicated parties are trying to bridge the gap by securing open spaces, educating farmers to restore prairies and giving wildlife a chance once again to call these places home. Even though I don’t know the outcome of the plague study, I rest knowing that a team of researchers are working hard to determine answers and suggest appropriate actions to keep prairie dogs safe in their habitats for future generations.
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"Horses & Wrangler, Ranch Shoot" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
Participants were inspired by the scenic Wind River Range which surrounded their log cabin lodging experience at the historic, and newly renovated, Wyoming Game & Fish Whiskey Mountain Wildlife Conservation Camp. Our chef, Connie, delivered absolutely delicious meals which kept us fueled for the activities offered at this all inclusive retreat.
"Whiskey Mountain Wildlife Conservation Camp, Wind River Mountains" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
From wildflower displays to granite pinnacles and an array of shooting opportunities in between, the participant's schedule was complete. In addition, educational speakers gave us wonderful presentations. We learned about Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, the history of Torrey Valley, how ancient civilizations would create arrowheads by flint knapping, about planning your next extreme adventure, visiting Yellowstone National Park and how to tie flys!
Your leaders, Bill Sincavage and myself, held image review sessions and a Q & A meetup for those interested in diving deep into discussing an array of photo topics. Participants had an amazing experience, learned new photography skills, had a week to create and made life-long friends. Camaraderie was evident and everlasting.
If interested in the 2022 Wind River Photographers Retreat please contact The National Bighorn Sheep Center HERE.
Or send me an email HERE. We'd love to see you in Wyoming!
Below are just a sampling of images I was able to catch during the retreat. Please enjoy.
"Instructor Bill Sincavage & participant Peggy Hoadley discussing how to photograph the scene" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
"Participant Karen Bard & model Joe Brandl" © Sandy Zelasko "Model Joe Brandl" © Sandy Zelasko
"Picket pens, lone coyote and red-shafted flicker pose for the camera" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
"Osprey Family" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
"Scene from Falls Campground and Petroglyphs at historic Ring Lake Ranch" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
"Organizer and model Sara Bridge modeling a roll cast for the participants". © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
"Dubois' Friday Night Rodeo, ladybug on thistle & Cowboy Cody with Steamboat" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
"Participants from the inaugural Wind River Photographers Retreat, 2021" © Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
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Please leave a comment and share. Don't be bashful and join us in 2022 for the next Wind River Photographers Retreat.
To read more about the Sunshine State click on this LINK for the article first published in the July 2021 issue of the PSA Journal.
Winter is the best time to plan a visit. The weather is pleasant, days are short and wildlife can be found high and low. Just don't delay! The Salton Sea still affords the savvy photographer outstanding images and conservation stories.
This article was published in the March 2021 issue of the PSA Journal. Enjoy by clicking on this LINK.
As planned, we landed in our RV spot May 1st ready to rush into the park, but instead treated ourselves to a quiet evening discussing our strategy for the next morning. As I recall, a 4:30 AM wake up was mentioned. UGH. The bane of this wildlife photographer.
Our May Home! ©Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
Oh my, where did all the people come from? I did not expect the crowds already. The famous Obsidian Sow and her three cubs of this year (coy) were seen north of Roaring Mountain. The family became a main attraction for the rest of the month. Stories spread that rangers had blocked off the area but that didn’t stop bear followers as they continued to make runs past the coned off zone hoping to get a glimpse. Then the tragic news came, the cubs became separated from their mom when a large boar (male bear) entered the scene. Momma bear finally reappeared days later but sadly with only two of her cubs.
Obsidian Sow with Cubs of the Year ©Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
It is tough being a sow and trying to protect your cubs from all the dangers out there. Male bears will try and kill cubs if it gives them a chance to mate with a female. Fast flowing rivers, swollen with spring run-off, speeding vehicles and natural causes all claim the lives of grizzly bears in the park. Please respect the speed limit, maximum 45 mph unless otherwise posted.
More bear news! I made the drive, through the construction at Fishing Bridge, to the Lake Butte area looking for another well-known bear Raspberry and her cub, Snow, who was “kicked out” to be on her own last year. Cubs are typically born in January or February and emerge in the spring. But after two more years, grizzly mothers will strongly embolden their offspring to seek out their own territory. She has taught them all they need to know and is ready to breed again.
Without much of a search, I found Raspberry meandering the shore of Yellowstone Lake. The “Bear Brigade” (volunteers who are trained to control wildlife watching crowds) had everyone under control and we were allowed to watch, from a respectful distance, as Raspberry followed the shoreline then cross the highway for an even better view. Magical!
Raspberry on the Prowl ©Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
While at the southeastern part of the park, I decided to try my hand at finding the elusive great grey owls I’d heard were near Bridge Bay Campground. No success. I gave it a couple more tries during the month only finding other photographers scouting for the same.
On multiple days, near the Canyon intersection, you could count on a crowd watching a couple coyote mousing in a still snow-covered meadow. Someone down the road exclaimed they were watching a wolf. That happens more often than not. Wolves, along with bears, have become the popular species to see in the park. But this time a coyote was stealing the show.
Coyote Searching for a Meal ©Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
Most trips to Yellowstone you can count on seeing Harlequin ducks at LeHardys Rapids. Harlequins, an arctic sea duck, use Yellowstone as their southernmost breeding ground and this year about 30 of them were seen just off the boardwalk. Well worth carrying gear, including a tripod, and finding a spot along the icy path to photograph them. Photographers try their hand at slow shutter speeds with a sleeping (or very still) duck. Makes for a pleasing effect with silky water flowing all around the bird. But on this day, I couldn’t resist the chance to show some of their breeding behavior in the turbulent white water on the Yellowstone River.
Harlequin Ducks in Pursuit ©Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
I’d been dreaming about spending the entire month in the park and found this May’s schedule open enough to do it. Among other things, I previsualized baby bison playing in Hayden Valley and all the images I was going to make. Oh, was I wrong! It was too early for bison to be in Hayden. Darn, I failed to do my homework on this one. Plan B, look elsewhere. So, I did and found families spread all over the park. Not necessarily in the usually places but rather safely tucked from view close to edges of forested areas. Every once in a while, I’d get lucky and an image presented itself.
Baby Bison at Play ©Sandy Zelasko, InvestInNature.org
Exploring Yellowstone in May was full of lessons. Would I do it again? Yes, of course! Despite the early crowds, there were considerably less people then you’ll find in July or even September. The weather was comfortable and storms snuck up on us most days providing dramatic light for photography.
This blog article is by no means a comprehensive collection of all the wildlife to be seen in Yellowstone in May. Yellow-bellied marmots, acorn woodpeckers, black bear cubs, baby geese, pronghorn, badgers and moose are just a few others to mention. I am considering leading a workshop in May 2020. If interested, drop an email or follow InvestInNature.org and watch the “Workshops” page for more information.
Happy snapping, Sandy
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