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Private Wildlife Photography Tour
Rocky Mountain National Park
Join us for 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening on a private, full day wildlife photography tour in Rocky Mountain National Park. These private wildlife photography tours are perfect to make sure you will be comfortable and able to take photographs. For private tours we can accommodate from 1 to 5 guests of your choosing. We will be focused on finding and photographing and/or filming all wildlife in RMNP from the diminutive pika to the dominant elk. Get ready to take some amazing photographs of some beautiful wildlife!
Basic Tour Itinerary
Pickup Time: We'll determine the pickup time based on the best time to take photographs of wildlife. Typically 30 minutes before sunrise for the morning and 4 hours before sunset for the evening.
How We'll Spend The Time:
- Based on the photographers on the tour and their gear we'll make a plan to look for available wildlife.
- We'll shoot for 4 hours during each session - preferably hitting multiple species based on request.
- The morning ends 4 hours after pickup but could go as long as 5 hours if we're getting good content.
- The evening will end when its too dark to get good content but we can be up to 45 minutes away from the drop-off location when that happens so plan accordingly.
Drop-off and Post Drop-off: We'll drop you off at the pickup location after the morning and evening sessions. Feel free to grab a bottle of water or snack when you leave. If you have any questions post-tour shoot your guide a text message and we'll be happy to help if we have service or will reply when we can.
All About The Tours..
Ethics:
All animals photographed will be wild and free range. We do not use baiting, feeding, or otherwise lure wildlife. We follow, and require our guests to follow, minimum distance regulations maintaining a safe distance from wildlife as well as leave no trace principles. We also adhere to any area closures. Failure to use ethical photography practices is grounds for ending guest participation in the tour.
Environment:
During this tour most wildlife will have migrated to high elevations in the Rocky Mountains or will be migrating down for the mating season. This includes tundra above 12,000 feet elevation as well as the all the way down to 7,000 feet. We can expect to change elevation frequently, hike occasionally for short distances, and experience a wide variety of weather conditions. It is rare but not unheard of to experience several inches of snow in July but more likely are afternoon thunderstorms, small hail, and high winds as well as ample sunshine that causes sunburns in as little at 7 minutes. Additionally, this is often a wet environment so waterproof boots, rain jacket, and camera covers are advised.
Guide Photography:
Your guide is a full-time, professional wildlife photographer. As such they WILL be shooting during the tour alongside participants. That said, our focus is to get YOU the best photos and videos so if the guide sees a good angle or anticipates an upcoming shot look for direction from your guide to help you get in position to capture the best angle and moment.
Meals:
Morning tours during summer will start before you've had a chance to get breakfast at a local restaurant so we suggest bringing your preferred morning drink (coffee/tea/etc.) as well as your preferred breakfast to-go food. We will have snacks (like nutrigrain bars) and water in the car in case you forget because we don't want you hungry or shaky for those great shots. For evening tours, most restaurants close early in the Estes valley so please eat dinner before your tour starts otherwise you'll be looking at fast food as your only dinner option.
Regulatory Issues:
Good Bull Guided Tours is authorized to hold tours in Rocky Mountain National Park under their Commercial Use Authorization program through the Department of the Interior. A signed waiver is required by the park service for all participants. We also prohibit alcohol, smoking, and vaping during the tours. Timed Entry Reservations are included for the workshop but your RMNP park pass IS NOT.
Experience, Age and Fitness:
This tour is for all levels of experience and equipment however we will prioritize shooting distances for those whose profession rely on getting content. We generally ask that participants be at least 14 years old but since this is a private tour we can go down to 8 years old. As for fitness level, we may be doing some moderate walks at high elevation. If you are unable to walk in this environment you are welcome to stay at the vehicle and photograph from there. To avoid altitude sickness it is recommended that you hydrate before and during the tour. Good Bull Guided Tours and the National Park Service are not responsible for your health during your visit. If you have a health condition consult with your medical provider prior to booking and prior to your departure.
Monetary Considerations:
We require payment up front to book your tour. Refunds are not issued for weather. Our cancellation policy is linked in the footer of every page on our website - please review it before booking. If you purchase tour insurance through our booking system (Peek) you must cancel your tour through your tour insurance. Finally, tips for your guide are suggested (but never required). If you receive good service please tip accordingly.
What to Bring...
Camera Gear
Camera Bodies: Ideally bring a mirrorless or DSLR. If you only have a small camera we'll do our best to get you good photos. If you only have a cell phone we'll likewise try to get you good photographs but we'll prioritize shots from professionals or those building a portfolio.
Lenses: If you have large telephoto lenses like a 400mm f2.8 those will take wonderful photographs. A 70-200 f2.8 is also a great choice for wider angles. If you want to shoot scenery as well as wildlife on your tour its up to you if you want to bring an ultra wide angle like a 15-35 or a more normal 24-105 or something similar. If you don't have a prime lens, consider a Canon 100-500mm, Sony 200-600mm or something similar so that you have enough telephoto capability to zoom into your subject. We can expect to be anywhere from 50 to 150 yards from most large ungulates.
Tripods: To ensure steady shots - especially for video - please bring a tripod.
Microphone: Only necessary if shooting video.
Rain Cover: Definitely recommended if you don't want your camera getting wet in a rain storm.
Memory: A good encounter can really burn through the memory and we DO NOT have a camera store here to go grab another SD or CF card.
Batteries: Our vehicle has several USB-A ports to plug in battery chargers but I recommend at least two fully charged batteries for each half day session. More if shooting video.
Microfiber Cloths: Bring several to dry and/or clean lenses and camera gear.
Personal Gear
Clothes: Consider the risk of sunburns, rainstorms, and freak cold snaps when considering what clothes to bring. Layers are essential for dealing with changing temperatures. A wide brimmed hat, SPF pants and long sleeved shirt are recommended as is a jacket and gloves.
Footwear: This is personal choice but I recommend waterproof boots with a good tread for hikes up to 1 mile roundtrip. Wicking synthetic or merino wool socks are recommended as well.
Other: Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellant, lip balm, antihistamine, NSAIDs and any other medication you need.
Drones
Drones are illegal in the park but they may be flown in many places around Estes Park. Do not bring a drone with you during the tour; however, if you want to fly one you can do so on your own and I'm happy to provide some locations. Please remember - altering wildlife's behavior - whether flying in a legal location or not, is considered wildlife harassment. Please fly responsibly.
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