Claudia and I had such a great time in the Tetons, before and during the Out of Grand Teton photo conference. The conference went smoothly, as we’ve come to expect from the Out of Chicago folks. We had a great group of participants and fellow instructors, and it was fun hanging out with everyone – teaching, learning, and photographing this beautiful area. Special thanks to my wonderful teaching partner for the conference, Charlotte Gibb, and to Chris Smith, Jennifer Renwick, and all of the Out of Chicago team for making this such a great event!
I actually climbed in the Tetons in the late ’70s, and had been back a few times for photography. But that was awhile ago; in fact it had been more than 20 years since I’d photographed this area. Why did it take me so long to return? I’m not sure, but it was great to be back, and I am sure it won’t take me so long to return again.
The weather changed dramatically during our time in the Tetons. It went from warm and sunny to cloudy and cold in less than 24 hours. We even had some June snow flurries, and a coating of new snow on the mountains.
But weather makes interesting photographs, so I wasn’t complaining. I’ve included some of my favorite grand-landscape views from the trip here (along with one intimate scene), and they all feature some of the dramatic clouds and light that weather created.
But while the mountain scenery in the Tetons is amazing, we had just as much fun watching and photographing the abundant wildlife in the park. We saw six grizzlies, a black bear, elk, bison, deer, seven moose, coyotes, a red fox, an otter, muskrats, beavers, white pelicans, trumpeter swans, ospreys, a bald eagle, herons, and on and on. I’ll show some of my wildlife photos in a later post.
I can’t wait to go back! That might happen this fall; we’ll see. But if not, then sometime soon.
— Michael Frye
Related Posts: Out of Big Sur; Photographing the Olympic Peninsula
Michael Frye is a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and nature. He lives near Yosemite National Park in California, but travels extensively to photograph natural landscapes in the American West and throughout the world.
Michael uses light, weather, and design to make photographs that capture the mood of the landscape, and convey the beauty, power, and mystery of nature. His work has received numerous awards, and appeared in publications around the world. He’s the author and/or principal photographer of several books, including Digital Landscape Photography: In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters, and The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite.
Michael loves to share his knowledge of photography through articles, books, workshops, online courses, and his blog. He’s taught over 200 workshops focused on landscape photography, night photography, digital image processing, and printing.
A wonderful group of images, Michael! The pink, orange, and purple tones are amazing. I hope you get back soon!
Thanks very much Rob! I hope to go back soon as well, and encourage you to go too.
Very nice Michael. I’m glad to see you visit GTNP. I’ve been going the last few years. Between the wildlife and landscapes it is truly a wonderful place. I was there this past spring and will be there in the fall. I’ll keep an eye out for you. 🙂
Thanks John. It is a wonderful place, and I’ll keep an eye out for you!
Looks like you had great weather! Beautiful images, Michael
We did indeed – thanks Martha!
Great to see these photos and to read about your experience! It’s been years for me too, and we are planning a trip there, just not sure when but sooner than later!
Thanks Brenda, and I hope you and Jed do get there sooner than later!
What an interesting experience in Teton with outstanding photos from the wonderful landscape! I looking forward to see your pictures from the wildlife.
Lovely shots as usual, but this is hoping you and your family are safe. The fire looks awfully close to you. Be safe.
We’re fine Aram – thanks for your concern. We were a little worried two nights ago, but they have a handle on it now. It was never all that close to us.
Beautiful images, Michael. It was a pleasure to meet you and shoot with you and Charlotte Gibb.
Thanks Sheila – it was a pleasure to meet you too!
Tetons.
Last 2 weeks of September, first week of October.
Bring a jacket.
Breakfast at the Bunnerry, lunch at Nora’s.