Step into the wild stillness of Yellowstone’s starlit valleys

This immersive experience is perfect for photographers eager to master the art of capturing the Milky Way and celestial wonders. Yellowstone’s remote northern range offers some of the darkest skies in the Lower 48, where steaming geothermal features, broad valleys, and rugged peaks provide striking foregrounds for night photography. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll learn advanced techniques to photograph the night sky—from single-exposure shots to image stacking for noise reduction.

We’ll explore renowned areas such as Lamar Valley, Mammoth Terraces, and Blacktail Plateau, using open landscapes, mineral terraces, and occasional wildlife silhouettes to compose dramatic and storytelling images under the stars. Whether you’re new to astrophotography or looking to refine your skills, this tour provides the hands-on guidance and creative environment to elevate your work.

Skills You'll Learn

  • How to plan your shoots using the PhotoPills app for perfect alignment with the Milky Way

  • Shutter speed calculations using the NPF rule to avoid star trails

  • Composing with foreground elements such as geothermal features and wildlife

  • Post-processing techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop for professional-grade results

Prerequisites

  • A basic understanding of manual mode on your camera

  • A DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of long exposures, with a wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster recommended)

  • A sturdy tripod is essential

This tour is ideal for photographers looking to build their nightscape portfolio in one of the most iconic wilderness areas in North America, while learning technical and creative astrophotography skills.

Tour Details

Dates: Only available around the new moon

  • May 20–June 1, 2025

  • June 19–30, 2025

  • July 20–30, 2025

  • August 20–30, 2025

  • September 16-25, 2025

Pricing is tiered per attendee

  • 1 person: $895.00

  • 2 people: $795.00 each

  • 3 people: $695.00 each

Group Size: No minimum; limited to 3 participants for a personalized experience
Duration: One night of immersive field sessions and hands-on instruction (multi-night options available)
Location: Yellowstone National Park (northern range), based near Gardiner, Montana

What We’ll Provide

  • All transportation during the tour

  • A full itinerary and daily schedule of locations and sessions

  • Step-by-step astrophotography demonstrations in the field

  • Access to prime Milky Way viewing and foreground locations

  • Weather, location, and moon phase planning support

  • Lodging, dining, and travel recommendations in the Gardiner area

  • A one-on-one post-processing follow-up session via Zoom

What You’ll Need to Cover

Photography Gear

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera

  • Wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/2.8 or faster

  • Sturdy tripod

  • External intervalometer (if not built into your camera)

  • Extra memory cards and at least two batteries

  • Headlamp or flashlight (with red-light mode) and spare batteries

  • Smartphone with the PhotoPills app installed

Essentials

  • Warm, layered clothing (even summer nights can dip below freezing)

  • Waterproof hiking boots or shoes

  • Ability to walk and shoot in low-light and uneven terrain

  • Hand warmers for comfort during night sessions

Travel Considerations

  • Transportation to and from Gardiner, Montana

  • Lodging and meals during your stay

  • A valid national park pass

Additional Recommendations

Arrival & Departure: Arrive one day early and depart the day after the tour to make the most of your time without rushing.
Equipment Extras: A laptop and external hard drives for backup are recommended. Consider bringing multiple lenses to diversify your compositions.

Why Choose This Tour?

This flexible astrophotography experience is perfect for photographers looking to expand their skills and create captivating nightscape images in Yellowstone’s wild northern range. With a small group size, expert guidance, and access to rarely photographed night locations, you’ll come away with portfolio-worthy images and the knowledge to keep shooting under the stars on your own.

Reserve your spot today—spaces are limited and offered only around the new moon to ensure the best conditions!