Lighting & Time of Day at Yellowstone?

[Go4EVA!]

I'm planning my first-ever trip to Yellowstone from 24 Aug - 1 Sep 09.

I've read several POTN threads sharing general Yellowstone advice, and information about the popular spots, but I'm wondering if anyone has advice on the best "time of day" to photograph various features at Yellowstone? For example, morning sun on the Upper Falls, or afternoon sun at Old Faithful, etc.?

I'm trying to plot out a "route of travel" that will optimize lighting and photographic opportunities. I realize this is a "tall order," but I'd appreciate advice from others who have been there. Thanks!

[Go4EVA!]

My apologies -- I thought I was posting in Nature & Landscapes.... Mods, please move as you see fit. Thanks.

[Pete]

Moved! :D

[LarryD]

The same rules apply no matter where you go... early morning or late afternoon sun is best, midday sun is usually flat or harsh..

Knowing that the sun moves east to west, look at your trails and points of interest...in the morning get the subjects on the west side of the the trails, and in the afternoon, look at the spots that are on the east side of the trails and vista points........:D

[Tony-S]

In summer, morning and evenings. In winter the sun can be far enough south that it's like morning or evening almost all day.

[Moose408]

Check out this thread for a cool program to show you exactly where the sun will rise/set during that time http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=716967

[Ranana_type]

great advice I am also considering a trip camping in the Tetons and Yellowstone for photography, and your advice is exactly what Ive been looking for. I wont hijack this thread, but I might pick your brain a little more as I refine my plans.

[Mike55]

I'm planning my first-ever trip to Yellowstone from 24 Aug - 1 Sep 09.

I've read several POTN threads sharing general Yellowstone advice, and information about the popular spots, but I'm wondering if anyone has advice on the best "time of day" to photograph various features at Yellowstone? For example, morning sun on the Upper Falls, or afternoon sun at Old Faithful, etc.?

I'm trying to plot out a "route of travel" that will optimize lighting and photographic opportunities. I realize this is a "tall order," but I'd appreciate advice from others who have been there. Thanks!


Shots of the Grand Tetons in the AM is an obvious one, although bluebird sky days and storm cover works well. The best hours are your standard hours for light - early morning and late afternoon into sunset. Make sure you have a circular polarizer. Also, be aware that fire season can cause lots of haze in your photos. It's a risk you take going at the end of summer rather than late fall or spring/early summer. I think it's worth it though for the late summer/fall wildlife.

[Go4EVA!]

Thanks all for the excellent advice -- I'm guessing this will be the first of many trips for me. Definitely planning to get up early for morning sun, and my new CPL just arrived last week. :D

For others who may be interested, I also purchased a book called "Photographing Yellowstone National Park," by Gustav Verderber. I haven't read the entire book yet, but it contains maps, suggested itineraries, and lots of very specific information about photographing various landscape features at certain times of day. (Quote: The Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone between 9:45 and 10:00AM is indeed one of the most glorious scenes on Earth; and Morning Glory Pool is best visited in the middle of the day when the sun reaches deep into the pool, etc.)

Of course, I realize there is no "magic bullet" solution, but as this is my first scouting trip, it gives me a place to start. Regards!