Grand Teton National Park Photography Workshop

This Grand Teton National Park photography workshop is based at the cabins in Coulter Bay during late spring. We photograph snow-capped peaks, reflections, historic barns, and wide river valleys in a small group, working carefully in the field as light and mountain conditions evolve.

Workshop overview

Snow-capped Mount Moran reflecting in Oxbow Bend on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park.
Dates
–
Availability
Sold out (waitlist)
Price
$1690 USD
Instructor
Andy Cook

Workshop video

This video shows behind-the-scenes field sessions at locations such as Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, and along Jackson Lake, along with finished images made as light and conditions evolved during past June workshops.

About the Grand Teton National Park photography workshop

Grand Teton National Park is a place where landscape photography appears straightforward at first glance, but the decisions are rarely simple. The mountains are massive, the light shifts quickly, and the difference between a postcard image and a photograph you are proud of often comes down to small choices: where you stand, how you place the horizon, how you handle a bright snowfield, and whether focus is truly where you intended. This workshop gives those decisions the attention they deserve.

In June, first light often reaches the peaks before it touches the valley floor. We approach the Tetons with early starts, deliberate setups, and time to watch conditions unfold, whether along the Snake River at Schwabacher Landing or looking toward Mount Moran from Jackson Lake. Snow, water, and reflective surfaces require careful exposure control and compositional balance. We work through managing dynamic range in high-contrast scenes, deciding when bracketing makes sense, when a panorama better matches the scale of what you're seeing, and how small shifts in position affect the relationship between foreground and peak. Newer photographers build a solid foundation through focus technique and exposure management, while more experienced photographers concentrate on the details that separate a pleasant image from a strong one, including clean edges, visual flow, and knowing when simplification is more powerful than added drama.

Andy works alongside participants in the field, not to make his own photographs but to help with decisions as conditions unfold. Experience levels vary, and participants come for different reasons. Some want to strengthen technical control in a high-contrast mountain environment. Others come for access, timing, and the opportunity to work carefully in one of the most recognizable landscapes in the country. The goal is the same for everyone: to leave with a body of work that reflects what they intended to capture.

Workshop highlights

Spring landscapes

Landscapes in the Tetons often contain multiple visual elements within a single frame, including bright peaks, dark forests, reflective water, and textured foregrounds. These scenes require deliberate decisions about exposure, framing, and visual priority. We spend time evaluating how elements relate to one another, what detail matters most, and how to keep the composition cohesive.

Historic structures

The barns on Mormon Row are more than subjects. They anchor the range and provide scale within the landscape. These scenes require careful choices about focal length, viewpoint, fence lines, and eliminating small distractions before pressing the shutter.

Mountain reflections

Reflections in the Tetons, especially at places like Oxbow Bend, can be extraordinary. We talk through when symmetry strengthens a frame and when it weakens it, and how to position yourself so reflections support the scene rather than dominate it. If conditions are not cooperating, we adjust the composition so the photograph is not dependent on a perfect mirror.

Wildlife opportunities

This is a landscape workshop first, but wildlife encounters are always possible. When respectful opportunities arise, Andy will help you respond quickly and calmly: stabilizing, choosing shutter speed, and keeping settings simple under pressure. No chasing. No crowd behavior. Just readiness when the park offers a moment.

Why June is ideal in the Tetons

Snow-capped peaks and lush valleys

June often delivers the Tetons in a best-of-both-worlds season: winter texture up high and spring color down low. Snow gives the range definition and graphic shape, while valley greens keep the scene from going monochrome. Early light and calm mornings frequently align in June, producing clean detail in the peaks and stable reflections along rivers and lakes.

Jackson Lake at dawn with the Teton Range in the background.
Jackson Lake at dawn, calm water and reflections beneath the Teton Range.

Workshop itinerary and schedule

Lodging

Colter Bay Village
Grand Teton National Park, Moran, WY 83013
Lodging website · 307-543-3100
Check-in
Check-out

Daily outline

  1. Day 1 (Saturday, June 13)
    • — Arrive and check in.
    • — Welcome meeting and introductions.
  2. Days 2–5 (Sunday–Wednesday, June 14–17)

    Field sessions focused on Grand Teton landscapes, locations, light, and composition—plus post-processing instruction.

  3. Day 6 (Thursday, June 18)

    Final morning session: workshop concludes after a sunrise shoot (typically wraps between 6:00–7:00 AM). Please avoid scheduling early flights.

The Grand Teton range reflected in a cabin window.
A historic cabin window reflecting the Grand Teton Range emphasizes foreground framing and compositional balance.

What to expect

A typical day

Days in the Tetons revolve around light, not the clock. We shape the schedule around sunrise conditions and weather.

  • Morning: We're on location before civil twilight, with time to settle in, evaluate the scene, and make thoughtful decisions as the light builds. On mornings when conditions support it, we may work a second nearby location before breakfast.
  • Midday: This is time for rest, image review, and discussion, along with Photoshop sessions for those who bring a laptop. It's where field experiences start to connect, and small adjustments begin to make a noticeable difference.
  • Evening: Evenings remain flexible. We review forecasts, decide whether sunset conditions are worth pursuing, and balance shooting with rest. Some evenings we head back out; others we conserve energy for the next morning.

Skills and Workflow

Many photographers can create a strong image occasionally but struggle to repeat it consistently. This workshop focuses on improving that consistency through clearer decision-making in the field.

We work through focus strategy, depth-of-field control, managing dynamic range, shooting panoramas, and understanding when bracketing or a change in position actually improves the result.

Midday sessions connect field decisions to post-processing. Image review and Photoshop discussions help ensure that choices made on location translate cleanly into finished photographs.

Note: Dramatic sunsets can happen, but they're never guaranteed. The schedule stays flexible so we can respond to real conditions instead of forcing a plan that doesn't fit the light.

The Moulton Barn with the Grand Teton Range behind it.
Mormon Row locations such as the Moulton Barn offer opportunities to work foreground structure, mountain scale, and changing light.

Registration

This workshop is currently sold out. Contact us with questions or for waitlist.

→ Join the waitlist

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Terms & Conditions Cancellation Policy

A rustic fence gate at Mormon Row with the Teton mountains behind it.
Mormon Row offers strong leading lines and weathered textures that work well for black-and-white studies or changing skies.

Workshop details

Experience level
Suitable for developing to advanced photographers.
Group size
Target of 8 participants. Small groups, shared meals, early mornings, and honest conversations create a relaxed, supportive environment where learning happens naturally.
Effort
Easy — most locations are a short walk from parking; uneven terrain in places.
Conditions and elevation
Mornings can be very cold. Shooting locations range from about 6,000 to 8,000 ft — hydrate and pace yourself.
Schwabacher Landing with water reflections of the Teton Range at sunrise.
Schwabacher Landing provides clean reflections and layered light when river conditions align.

Getting to the workshop

Air travel

Most people flying to this workshop use Jackson, WY or Salt Lake City, UT.

Drive time from Salt Lake City: ~4 hr 45 min

Driving and carpooling

Roads are mainly paved. During the workshop we encourage participants to carpool to reduce impact and build community. A standard rental car is sufficient. Photo locations are spread across the park, so expect a moderate amount of driving.

The historic Bar BC Ranch buildings at sunset.
Historic structures like Bar BC Ranch add story and texture to your Grand Teton portfolio.

Recommended gear

Lenses

For landscape photography, a range equivalent to roughly 16mm to 200mm is recommended. For wildlife opportunities, 300mm+ is ideal.

Polarizing filter

A polarizer reduces glare on water and wet surfaces, improves color saturation, and can reduce haze—especially helpful for spring greens and skies.

More workshop information

Sunrise light on the Teton Range from Snake River Overlook.
Snake River Overlook presents a classic wide view suited to morning light and layered compositions.
Group photo of workshop participants on the shore of Jackson Lake with Mount Moran in the background.
A past Grand Teton workshop group at Jackson Lake with Mount Moran reflected in calm water during an early morning session.

Workshop Participants Gallery

FAQ

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?

Yes. The workshop supports a wide range of experience levels. If you're newer to landscape photography, we focus on building a strong foundation in focus technique, exposure control, and composition that holds together in real conditions. More experienced photographers concentrate on refining decision-making and simplifying complex scenes. Instruction adapts to where you are.

How much image review and post-processing instruction is included?

Image review and post-processing are built into the schedule, not added on at the end. Midday sessions are used to review participant images and discuss editing approaches. The emphasis is on understanding how field decisions carry through into the finished photograph.

Do I need to know Photoshop before attending?

No. Prior experience is not required. If you're new to post-processing, you can follow along and ask questions at your own pace. If you're more experienced, discussions can go deeper. Editing sessions are supportive and optional.

How much one-on-one instruction will I receive?

This is a small-group workshop, which allows for regular individual feedback. Guidance happens in real time while working on location and during review sessions. You'll have opportunities to ask questions, adjust compositions, and troubleshoot technical challenges throughout the week.

What does a typical day look like?

Days are structured around light. We're usually on location before sunrise and work through changing conditions as the light builds. Midday is used for rest, review, and optional post-processing sessions. Evenings remain flexible, some nights we pursue sunset, others we conserve energy for the next morning.

Is this workshop more about shooting or learning?

Both. You'll spend substantial time photographing iconic locations while also receiving practical guidance. Some participants come primarily for access and timing, others for deeper feedback. The pace allows room for both independent work and conversation when needed.