Grand Teton Fall Wildlife Photography Tour Regional Event (October 2 – 6, 2023)

Leader | Travel and lodging | What to expect | General Information

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Event Overview

Monday October 2 at 5 p.m. to Friday October 6, 2023 at 12:30 p.m.

Registration and Meet & Greet
Monday October 2, 2023 at 5 pm
Antler Inn hotel conference room

Grand Teton National Park is one of the premiere wildlife and fall color photography destinations in the world. Join photographers Jeff Vanuga (a BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year), and Mark Gocke as they team up to show you the autumn highlights of this photogenic national park. Experience and photograph the fall breeding behavior (rut) for elk, moose, and pronghorn all in the setting of amazing fall colors and the backdrop of one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the world, the Teton Range. This fall photo trip should be on every nature photographer’s bucket list.

NANPA is an authorized permittee of the National Parks Service.

$875 NANPA Members/$1075 Non-members

Maximum Number of Participants: 14

PARK PASS: Anyone entering the National Park will be required to have a park pass.  If you have an Annual, Senior, Military or Access Pass. bring it with you. If you don’t have one, please buy one in advance. Note, only one national park pass is needed per vehicle, another benefit of carpooling. 

RESOURCES:  Grand Teton National Park Link https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm

Leaders

Jeff Vanuga and Mark Gocke will be your leaders for this event. Jeff and Mark have led previous NANPA regional events together in Yellowstone National Park.

Jeff Vanuga

Jeff Vanuga is an avid outdoor and adventure photographer. Over the last 30 years he has earned published credits in National Geographic Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, Outside, BBC Wildlife, National Wildlife, Audubon, Sierra Club, Smithsonian, Wyoming Wildlife, The New York Times and thousands of other publications and advertising clients around the globe. His work has received awards and recognition from the BBC, the National Wildlife Photographic Competition, the North American Nature Photography Competition, and Nature’s Best Photography Competition.  Recently his book entitled “Fodor’s Compass Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks” received a silver medal in the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He has also hosted TV shows on nature photography for the Outdoor Life Channel and Nature’s Best Magazine. 

Jeff leads tours for some of the largest photographic tour company in the world, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris with over 100 international tours to his credit. Jeff has taught workshops for National Geographic Expeditions, Nature’s Best Magazine Photographic Tours, First Light Workshops, Moab Photography Symposium and other educational venues.  He sells his own stock and his work is represented by Nature Picture Library stock agencies. Jeff’s Phone:  307-851-0893 and Email: jvanuga@mac.com

Mark Gocke

Mark Gocke has lived and photographed wildlife in Jackson Hole for over 25 years. He spends much of his time photographing most anything outdoors for his day job with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Capturing special moments with wildlife in their natural habitat is his passion. Mark’s photographs have been featured in many wildlife research and conservation efforts over the years. His work has also received a number of awards and appeared in a variety of publications and exhibits. You can view more of Mark’s unique images at www.markgockephotography.com. Mark’s Phone: 307-713-4200 and email: magocke@gmail.com

 

Travel and lodging

The base for this event will be:

Antler Inn
43 W Pearl Ave
Jackson, WY 83001
Phone: (307) 733-2535

NANPA is holding a block of rooms for the event participants.  Room rates are $261 + tax (13%) per night. This rate is valid for the 4 nights of the regional event: check in October 2, check out October 6.

Participants will need to make their own reservation secured by their own credit card. For hotel reservations, call the hotel directly at (307) 733-2535 and ask for a room in the NANPA room block or reservation res#36K8J3. To secure a room at the NANPA rate, reservations must be made before the September 8th cutoff.

AIRPORTS AND GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to and from the hotel to the event locations is not included and is the attendees’ responsibility. It is approximately a 15-minute drive from the airport to the hotel.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

By car:

• from Salt Lake City, Utah is approximately 300 miles and about 5-6 drive
• from Denver, Colorado is approximately 550 miles and about 8-10 hour drive

Transportation to/from the Hotel and Airport
Transportation to and from the hotel and during the event is not included and is the attendees’ responsibility.

Car Rental:  Car rental is available at the airport. A normal passenger car will be appropriate, all roads and parking will be on paved or slightly graveled areas. No 4×4 or other special vehicle needs are required.

Executive Services/Private Shuttles: (call for rates)

Private shuttle services are available, but if you choose this option, please let Regional Events Coordinator, Mary Louise Ravese know so ride sharing with other participants with vehicles can be arranged.

• JH Shuttle (307) 200-1400 / www.jhshuttle.com
• The Driver Provider (307) 733-4629
• Mountain Resort Services (307)733-1112
• Snake River Transportation (307) 413-9009
• Teton Village Transport (307) 413-1200

RIDE SHARING:

We will be starting each day from the Antler Inn in Jackson, Wyoming. Ridesharing is encouraged to reduce the size of our vehicle presence and improve the traveling / following experience. Parking at roadside wildlife sightings can be very limited. You are welcome to either drive or ride with someone. This is also a great way to meet people and make new friends during the event!

Note that NANPA does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.

MEALS:

All meals except Friday brunch are on your own. The group brunch location will be
The Bunnery
130 North Cache
Jackson Hole, WY 

What to expect

Monday October 2 at 5 p.m. to Friday October 6, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. 

Registration and Meet & Greet
Monday, October 2, at 5 p.m. at the conference room in the

Antler Inn
43 W Pearl Ave
Jackson, WY 83001
Phone: (307) 733-2535

PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS

Leaders are familiar with the areas that you’ll be visiting, and locations will be based on what’s most photogenic at the time, wildlife activity, weather conditions, etc.

Some of the locations that we will most likely photograph include:

• Grand Teton National Park
• Jackson Lake
• Snake River
• Oxbow Bend
• Mormon Row
• Teton Overlooks
• Moose-Wilson Road
• Antelope Flats loop Road

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE:

Please note schedules are fluid due to weather conditions, recent wildlife sightings and other variables.

Monday October 2, 2023

•  “Meet and Greet” at 6 pm in the conference room at the Antler Inn
• Dinner on your own

Tuesday October 3, 2023 – Thursday October 5, 2023

• Breakfast on your own
• Depart daily around 6:00 am for sunrise and spend until late morning in the field photographing landscapes and wildlife in Grand Teton National Park.
• Return back for mid-day beak, downloading, etc.
• Depart midafternoon for Grand Teton National Park
• Return after sunset 
• Dinner on your own (your choice of many restaurants within walking distance of the hotel)  

Friday October 6, 2023

• Depart around 6:00 am for final sunrise shoot
• 11 am group brunch at The Bunnery, 130 North Cache, Jackson Hole, WY  (included in event fee)
• The event wraps up after brunch at approximately 12:30 pm

General Information

We will be based in Jackson, Wyoming, during this regional event.

This event is designed for nature photographers at all levels of experience. For the best experience, please know your camera before you arrive, and bring your manual in case we need to look up something.

Assistance will be available in the field for those who wish to improve their photographic skills. If you already have plenty of photography experience, Jeff and Mark will ensure you get to the best locations at the best times to capture those perfect shots.

Please keep in mind this NANPA Regional Event is designed to be a photo tour, not a photo workshop. In other words, there are no formal instruction sessions planned, there are no assignments, you will not be receiving any handouts or the like. That being said, your leaders Jeff and Mark have experience as photography workshop leaders and are available to answer questions and give you guidance. If you need help, please advocate for yourself and speak up and ask for help – Jeff and Mark are happy to help. Be aware that many of your fellow participants may also be accomplished photographers and may be able to help you too.  Part of the regional event experience is the camaraderie that comes from sharing experiences and lessons learned among participants. If you notice someone with the same or similar camera, perhaps they can help you with an issue you’ve been wondering about, and maybe you can return the favor

HEALTH AND FITNESS

There will be no mountain hiking unless requested. Most shooting locations will be close to where we park, but a couple will require a walk on either flat or varied terrain.  The length of the walk will be up to the participant and how much they wish or are able to explore.  Since our time spent at higher elevations 6,500ft+ it is recommended to bring a personal water bottle and stay hydrated.  Bring snacks. These items can be picked up in town.

WEATHER & CLOTHING

Weather – Grand Teton National Park sits at an elevation of 6,500 ft (1,982 m). Mountain weather can be unpredictable and morning temperatures can be cool to cold.  Snow can happen any time of the year and it is not uncommon during fall.   For reference, October average temperatures are listed below:

• Average High 58 F 
• Average Low 25 F 
• Average Precipitation       1.28in         
• Record High 87 F 
• Record Low   2F
• Sunrise: ~7:20 a.m.  Sunset: ~7:00 p.m

Clothing – It is preferable to dress in layers starting in the early morning and shed through the day as needed for rising temperatures.  Be prepared for rain/snow this time of year so a water proof shell and water proof boots/shoes are highly recommended.  Since it will be cool to cold weather, bring shooting gloves.

SUGGESTED CAMERA GEAR:

• Camera – DSLR or mirrorless, full frame or cropped sensor. Also, bring the camera manual should you need to consult it.
• Lenses – There will likely be photo opportunities for your full range of lenses, from extreme wide angle to telephoto and macro. We will use lenses from 10-400mm.
• Non-abrasive Lens Cleaning Cloth and Wipes.
• Tripod – Sunrise, sunset, twilight and nighttime light levels are too low to photograph properly without a sturdy tripod. A lightweight carbon fiber tripod with a ball head is recommended.
• Memory Cards for 1/2 day to full day of shooting in the field .
• Camera Battery Charger and Extra Batteries.
• Sensor Cleaning Tools
• Polarizing filter(s) to fit each of your lenses.
• Neutral Density Filters, Graduated Neutral Density Filters
• Shutter Release – You can use a locking cable release, a wireless remote, or the camera’s self-timer (except in BULB).
• Rain Cover – For camera and lens protection.
• Laptop Computer – for downloading, processing and viewing your images.
• Image Processing Software – Good choices include Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Elements.
• Back-up device – Such as an external hard drive.
• Flash Drive – For sharing images.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

• Flashlight &/or Headlamp
• Battery-powered Alarm Clock/Watch – In case cell phone service isn’t available. It’s better to bring your own alarm than miss a morning shoot!
• Cell Phone
• Water bottle.
• Energy bars or other snacks
  

  Photo credit: Mark Gocke

Regional Event Cancellation and No Refund Policy:  

NANPA will not offer any refunds for registrations for this event regardless of when the cancellation is made or the reason for the cancellation. NANPA reserves the right to cancel any event or activity due to insufficient registration or any unforeseen circumstances. NANPA will offer refunds if NANPA has to cancel the event. It also has the right to substitute presenters if those originally scheduled cannot attend. Registrants may purchase event insurance as part of the registration process through NANPA’s partner, Allianz. More information on this option will be shown during the checkout process for the event registration.

NOTE:  If you do not purchase event insurance at the time that you pay for your registration, you will NOT be able to go back and purchase it with Allianz later.

If you choose to purchase travel insurance separately, you can do so with your own insurance carrier, or NANPA members can receive a special travel insurance rate through USI Affinity/Travel Insurance Services.

COVID-19 Policy

NANPA is committed to the health and safety of all participants and leaders at any of our events. We have taken steps to reduce the inherent risks surrounding any public location where people are present. We ask that you familiarize yourself with our COVID-19 health and safety precautions and requirements prior to your trip. Masks are discretionary unless required by a particular venue, location, or governmental authority. 

You should evaluate your own risks when determining whether to participate. By attending this event and signing the NANPA Regional Events Liability Release you acknowledge and agree that you assume the inherent risks associated with your attendance.

Most importantly:
If you have been feeling sick or have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days, PLEASE STAY HOME. If you have been exposed to someone, especially someone in your household, who has tested positive within the last 5 days, PLEASE STAY HOME.

NANPA follows the CDC rules and the rules of the state in which an event is held.  Those rules currently are:

• Wyoming Public Health COVID-19 Updates
  https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/novel-coronavirus/
• Centers for Disease Control COVID guidelines links:
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
  • For up-to-date information on when to be tested please use the CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker tool. The Coronavirus Self-Checker interactive clinical assessment tool that will assist individuals on deciding when to seek testing or medical care if they suspect they or someone they know has contracted COVID-19 or has come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
  • The CDC Quarantine & Isolation Calculator is a tool to help determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
  • Recommendations for People with COVID
  • Recommendations for COVID-19 Close Contacts (You were less than 6 feet away from someone with COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period)

NANPA will let you know if anything changes prior to the event.

We thank you in advance for your adherence and support as we work together to keep everyone safe. 

Thank You to NANPA’s 2022 Regional Events Sponsor