Join resident photographer and wildlife biologist Henry Holdsworth to photograph moose in winter. Henry will lead a small group of photographers to area moose habitats. This workshop is limited to 8 photographers. Henry will bring us in close proximity to cows, calves, and bulls meandering through the snow.
This lovable, yet awkward-looking member of the deer family is in its prime at the start of the winter months so this is the best time of year to photograph the bull moose, in all their antlered glory, in the snow. With a backdrop of the Teton Range we will spend each day photographing the resident moose along the rivers and open sage flats of this magnificent park. Moose are generally solitary animals but at this time of the year, they can often be found in small herds of cows and calves or bachelor groups of bulls.
Along with the many moose in the area, we will also look for photo opportunities with elk, bison, eagles, fox and wolves as they roam the wintery Jackson Valley floor.
Workshop Includes:
- Photographic instruction
- 4 Nights lodging based on single occupancy*
- Transportation during the workshop
- Water, snacks and a farewell dinner
- All applicable entrance, park, permit and tour fees
- Post-workshop critique
*If you are traveling with a photography companion and would like to share lodging, please notify our office and a discount will be provided.
Please be aware that the shooting locations stated in this itinerary may change. Each day we will determine which locations are best based on lighting and weather conditions. We want to give you the best possible photo opportunities.
Day 1 – Wednesday, December 13, 2023
- Meet and greet with Henry Holdsworth and fellow participants at 6:30 pm in the Teewinot Conference Room at Springhill Suites. Henry will conduct a presentation on the moose in the Tetons.
Day 2 – Thursday, December 14, 2023
- Sunrise will find us in search of moose along the Gros Ventre River, which currently holds the largest concentration of moose in the park. We will spend the morning looking for the largest bulls in the area, trying to find a bachelor group that is actively sparring. Cows and calves also inhabit this area and the crisp morning air adds to the chance of a frosty or snowy encounter.
- We will take a break in the middle of the day to warm ourselves, have lunch at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and enjoy their exhibits and views of the National Elk Refuge.
- Late in the day, we will continue our photographic pursuit of moose near the town of Kelly.
- Dinner
Day 3 – Friday, December 15, 2023
- We will again head out at dawn to catch the sunrise at Oxbow Bend on the Snake River. This is a wonderfully scenic location as well as prime moose habitat. While looking for moose and landscape photographs we will keep our eyes open for photo opportunities with elk, bison, wolves, coyotes, bald eagles and river otters.
- We will bring a sack lunch with us so we can spend the entire day in the field along the shores of the Snake River and Jackson Lake.
- Dinner
Day 4 – Saturday, December 16, 2023
- We will again leave the hotel at dawn in search of moose in the Aspen Groves and meadows near Granite Creek at the southwest corner of the park.
- Return to town for lunch and a visit to Henry’s gallery.
- Mid-afternoon will we take a ride out into the National Elk Refuge where we may encounter elk, trumpeter swans, and bighorn sheep.
- Dinner followed by an image critique.
Day 5 – Sunday, December 17, 2023
- Our final morning with the moose, we will be looking to add that one perfect shot to our growing collection of moose images.
- Return to the hotel for checkout and farewells.
- The workshop concludes by 12:00 pm.
Strenuous Rating: Moderately Difficult.
The weather during this workshop is what accounts for the higher difficulty rating. Dress for cold temps at or below freezing. Walking will be on packed ice and snow as well as through snow-covered sagebrush.
Clothing: Layers for cold weather, especially for our early mornings. Warm parka, insulated boots, warm hat, gloves plus chemical hand and foot warmers.
Gear: We recommend two camera bodies (one as a backup), wide fast lens (e.g., 14-24mm, f/1.4-2.8) for landscape shots, medium (e.g., 24-120mm) to long (200mm-400mm) telephoto for other wildlife shooting. A sturdy tripod is recommended as well as a camera “jacket” – such as a rain jacket – to protect your camera from the elements, and two wired cable releases (one as a backup).
Arizona Highways PhotoScapes is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service.
Lodging During the Workshop
Springhill Suites by Marriott Jackson Hole
150 W Simpson Ave.
Jackson, WY 83001
Phone: 307-201-5320
The workshop will be based out of Springhill Suites Jackson Hole. Four nights of single occupancy lodging is included in your workshop fee. A courtesy room block is available on the night of December 12th, just prior to the workshop. This pre-night must be secured by October 12th in order to guarantee availability. Participants are required to make this reservation by calling Springhill Suites directly.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS RECOMMENDED
CANCELATION POLICY: All cancelations must be in writing to info@ahps.org
- 91 days or more prior to the start of the workshop your deposit will be refunded less $100
- 61-90 days your workshop fees will be refunded in the form of an AHPS Store Credit Voucher less the $100 administrative fee. The remainder of the fees paid can be used toward a future workshop within 18 months of cancelation. The voucher is good for 18 months.
- 60 days or less until departure – No refund.
If we are able to fill your seat and the workshop runs at full enrollment we will refund your workshop fees less the $100 processing fee.
NOTE: Workshop bookings including, but are not limited to, outfitters, permit agencies, lodging, and more require firm financial commitments at 90 days. Therefore, in order to continue to bring you to great destinations, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined above. We recognize cancellations can sometimes be unavoidable which is why securing a Travel Protection Plan is highly encouraged.
Arizona Highways PhotoScapes reserves the right to cancel or change any workshop if our minimum enrollment is not met or if situations beyond our control arise that may create unsafe or undesirable travel conditions. Any cancelation or postponement as a result of situations beyond our control, AHPS does not promise any refunds or credits. If and when feasible, we will attempt to reschedule the workshop at a later date. Alternatively, we may decide to issue you credit for a future workshop, or issue a refund, less any non-refundable deposits we have paid to workshop providers on your behalf.
Please note that AHPS is not liable for any additional participant expenses incurred such as airfare, hotel accommodations, or any other components booked outside of the workshop.
PAYMENT TERMS: A minimum deposit is due at registration to reserve your space. Please refer to the specific workshop for the required deposit. Final payments are due 90 days prior to departure. Approximately 15 days prior to the due date you will receive a reminder email that your balance is coming due.