Snowstorms, Sun, and Once in a Lifetime Wildlife Moments
If there’s one thing you learn quickly in Yellowstone, it’s that you have to be ready for everything.
One day, I was knee deep in two feet of fresh snow, the next I was shedding layers in the 70 degree sun. It was wild, unpredictable, and everything you could hope for as a wildlife photographer.
The Bears of Spring
This trip gave me the chance to photograph a legend: Grizzly 399 and her cub, Spirit. Seeing them walk the fields at was something I’ll never forget. ( RIP Grizzly 399 ) Later in the trip, I spotted a black bear and her cub, wandering through the thawing meadows. Quiet moments like those remind me why I do this.
Mountain Climbs & Rams
If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for a good ram. This time, I had to scale the side of a shale mountain to photograph them. Probably one of the sketchiest climbs I’ve done with camera gear in my hand. But standing eye level with a mature ram? Worth every step.
The Wildlife Lineup
Yellowstone didn’t hold back. I was able to photograph:
- Grizzlies & Black Bear
- A curious pika in the rocks
- Big Horn Sheep
- A herd of bison shouldering through the snow
- Elf Grazing
- Pronghorn posing in golden hour light
- Ravens calling out
- And even a few owls tucked quietly in the trees
The Aurora That Stopped Time
In the middle of my trip, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better… the aurora borealis lit up the sky. I’ve never seen anything like it. Bright ribbons and pulsating curtains of green and violet, dancing silently above the trees. The air felt different. Still. Electric.
Yellowstone, you gave me everything.
From the cold that bit through my gloves to the heart stopping moments behind the lens, this trip reminded me why I I get up early and stay up late. It’s not just about wildlife; it’s about the stories, the chase, and the privilege of being a quiet observer.
Thanks for reading, and if you want to see some of the images from this trip, you can check them out on my Instagram.
Until next time,
– Ryan
