Yellowstone Photography Workshop

Yellowstone National Park in Winter: Wildlife and Landscapes

January 14 – 21, 2026

Winter transforms Yellowstone National Park into a quiet, snow-covered wilderness—one of the most rewarding seasons for photographers. Steam rises from geyser basins into cold blue skies, wildlife stands out in fields of white snow, and the usual crowds are replaced with stillness and space to work the scene. This workshop is your chance to experience and photograph Yellowstone in its most peaceful, dramatic form.

We’ll explore the park by private snow coach, giving our small group of six guests access to remote areas while staying warm and ready to shoot. Every guest has a window seat and room for gear, so you’re always prepared.

Wildlife photography is front and center on this workshop. You’ll photograph bison dusted with snow, moose along frozen rivers, and elk navigating open plains. Coyotes and red foxes are often seen curled up sleeping in the snow, while lucky sightings may include wolves or even bobcats. Along the rivers, otters, trumpeter swans, and waterfowl add variety to your portfolio.

Yellowstone’s geothermal features offer equally compelling subjects. Geysers erupt against frigid air, colorful hot springs steam in the morning light, and mineral patterns add rich textures to wide landscapes and close-up studies. These scenes invite creative approaches, motion blur, tight compositions, and careful use of light and contrast.

Throughout the week, you’ll receive expert instruction from your pro guide. In the field, we’ll help you dial in exposure, nail focus, and build strong compositions. Back at the lodge, we’ll hold image reviews and post-processing sessions to help you get the most out of what you’ve captured. We also spend time in the scenic Lamar Valley, where wildlife is abundant. We normally spend time photographing bison, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and occasionally wolves. Coyotes here are typically beautiful due to their thick winter coat. 

This all-inclusive workshop includes ground transportation from Bozeman, private snowcoach access, park permits, and thoughtful logistics. Whether you’re new to photographing in winter or returning for another go, you’ll leave with unforgettable experiences, sharper skills, and images that reflect the wild beauty of Yellowstone in winter.

Itinerary

About the wildlife: This workshop offers significant opportunities for photographing wildlife, and while we do our best to maximize our wildlife encounters—based on past experiences, local knowledge, and the current conditions—we need to impress upon you that the wildlife really is wild and that we don’t control it.

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

January 14, 2026: Arrival at Bozeman, Wildlife Photography in Gardiner, Introductory Meeting

You should arrive at Bozeman airport no later than 1:00 PM today. We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to our hotel in Gardiner. We’ll photograph some wildlife and landscapes around Gardiner in the late afternoon. After dinner, we have an introductory meeting to review conditions, wildlife reports, and shooting preparation. Overnight in Gardiner.


January 15–17, 2026: Snow Coach Journey, Yellowstone Park Exploration, Private Wildlife Photography

We head out on our private snow coach from Mammoth Hot Springs on our way to Old Faithful Snow Lodge where we’ll spend two nights. We’ll spend the day traveling through the park, looking for landscapes and wildlife. We’ve chartered our private snow coach for three full days of wildlife and landscape photography within the park.

We’ll have plenty of time to visit Old Faithful Basin, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, and many more. We’ll also be looking for bobcats, elk, bison, fox, coyote, and more.


January 18–20, 2026: Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching, Sunrise Shoots, Image Reviews in Gardiner

These days we will thoroughly explore Lamar Valley and its surroundings for wildlife, driving between Gardiner and Cooke City to our favorite spots. When possible and conditions are right, we’ll also plan sunrise shoots in Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs. Our days start early, we’ll be on our way by 6:00 AM and spend all day looking for wildlife. When time and conditions permit, we’ll work on image reviews and post processing, of course! Our overnights and dinners will be in Gardiner.


January 21, 2026: Departure from Gardiner, Drive to Bozeman Airport, Safe Travels Home

Breakfast and then we’ll drive you to Bozeman airport. Flights home can be scheduled for after 1:00 PM.


Staying Warm in Freezing Conditions

We have been leading people into the cold for over 20 years, and we have some great experience to share that will make your photography far more enjoyable. When you know you'll be photographing in temperatures that drop below freezing and reach -40°F, we suggest the following:

Base Layers: Multiple sets of moisture-wicking, mid-weight, and heavy-weight wool or synthetic long underwear (tops and bottoms).

Mid-Layers: One or more fleece sweaters/pullovers or down/synthetic vests to provide insulation.

Outer Layers: A waterproof and windproof insulated winter coat or parka with a hood. Insulated, waterproof snow pants or ski pants.

Footwear: Insulated, waterproof winter boots that are large enough to fit heavy socks without restricting circulation. "Pac boots" like Sorels are highly recommended. Heavyweight wool or synthetic socks (several pairs), potentially with a thin liner sock. Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots, or ski/snow pants that provide boot cuffs that wrap over the tops of your boots. Comfortable shoes or slippers for indoor use in the evenings.

Accessories: A warm hat (fleece or wool beanie) that covers your ears; a balaclava or face mask is an option for very cold days. A neck gaiter or scarf. Heavy insulated mittens or ski gloves, with a liner glove underneath to allow for dexterity while handling your camera and tripod. USB-powered hand warmers that remain in your jacket pocket. Battery-powered heated vest, jacket, socks, or gloves.

Testimonials

Jeff J.
Yellowstone Lamar Valley '22
I've been on over twenty workshops with various groups and leaders and this was the best by far. Muench is top notch. The whole experience was awesome. Starting with the ease of signing up and the prompt response to questions. As the trip approached the communication and tips for preparing were very helpful. The Muench organization's focus is in providing a great experience for the participant. I highly recommend them and the whole Muench organization. I'll be back for more.
Scott K.
Yellowstone '24
It's a miracle I came home without gaining weight. There was a nice variety of food and the accommodations were decent. Matt and Kathy took great care of us while "on the road" searching for photo opportunities. I felt we were given adequate time in each location and never felt rushed... nor did we linger when our photo ops were over. The pace was great!
George F.
Yellowstone '24
Kathy did everything possible to provide us with the best opportunities to capture both the wildlife and landscapes that make Yellowstone such a sought after destination. Kathy's knowledge of the park and its surrounds was a real asset during this workshop.
Chris E.
Yellowstone '25
I would tell anyone that Muench Workshops is a full-service company that takes care of all the details, allowing participants to focus entirely on photography. While the price may be higher than some other workshops, the level of service and attention to detail make it a worthwhile investment. Participants are treated very well, and the experience is both professionally run and highly enjoyable.
Chris E.
Yellowstone '25
Yes, I had a fantastic time on the Yellowstone trip. The workshop was thoughtfully structured with built-in flexibility, allowing us to adjust our plans based on weather and wildlife activity, which greatly enhanced the overall experience.
Gallery

Behind the Scenes

Fitness

Moderate: Walks in snow of up to one mile with modest elevation gains at 7,000′ to 8,000′ altitude. The temperatures can be very cold.

Flights

Arrive at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Bozeman, Montana before 1 PM today. Flights out can be made after 1:00 PM on January 21, 2026. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

What to Bring

Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.

What’s Included

  • Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $1,375 supplement.
  • All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
  • All permits and park fees.
  • All transportation during the workshop.
  • Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
  • Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
  • Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
  • Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Not Included

  • Travel to and from Bozeman, Montana.
  • Unscheduled airport transfers.
  • Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
  • Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
  • Anything else specifically not listed as included.
  • Single rooming available for $1,375 supplement.

Payment Terms

  • Your deposit of $3,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
  • Further payment of $3,000 is due by June 1, 2025.
  • The balance is due not later than October 1, 2025.
  • All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.

All participants are required by the National Park Service to sign and return this Acknowledgement of Risk. Nothing in this Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement shall be interpreted as the participant and parent releasing Muench Workshops from liability for injuries, damage, death, or other loss to the participant or others that may occur within the jurisdiction of the National Park Service and is caused by Muench Workshops negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct, including but not limited to any negligence with respect to Muench Workshops judgments and decisions, or Muench Workshops failure to take reasonable precautions to ensure it provides defect-free equipment.

New workshops for 2027!

Join our live webinar for all the details.

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

70+ new workshops, with 20 brand new destinations!

To join us, sign up for the webinar here.

Exclusive Savings Starts Now!

Save $750

Register for any workshop before midnight, December 3, 2024, and we’ll apply the $750 discount to your final balance payment.

Offer valid on new registrations only.

Call For entries!

Your image on our next magazine cover.

This opportunity to showcase your work is only open to folks who have been on a workshop with us. 

Summer Sale!

Save $500

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Register for any workshop before midnight, July 7, 2025 and we’ll apply the $500 discount to your final balance payment.

Offer valid on new registrations only.

Cyber Monday Sale!

$750 Off Any Workshop

SALE ENDS IN:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Save $750 off workshop. New registrations only.
Discount is applied to your final balance payment.
This offer expires at midnight on December 1, 2025, Eastern Daylight Time.