GLACIER PARK: A Fall Montana Photography Adventure (OM System Only)

Length of Tour

7-Days/6-Nights

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kalispell / Drive to Glacier Park
Day 2 – Introduction to Glacier National Park / Sun Road
Day 3 – Landscapes and Flora
Day 4 – Wildlife and Geology
Day 5 – Self Assignments and Critiques
Day 6 – Self Assignments and Critiques
Day 7 – Return Home

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kalispell / Drive to Glacier Park

Upon arrival, we will board our van and depart for Glacier National Park, arriving at our lodge in time for dinner. After dinner we will have an orientation to the park and our trip, plus a brief introductory workshop to prepare for the next morning

Day 2 – Introduction to Glacier Park / Sun Road

Today’s excursions will allow time to become acclimated to our surroundings, gaining a familiarity with the images the park will present to us over the next few days. The evening workshop will prepare us for the next day’s photographic opportunities.

Day 3 – Landscapes and Flora

Mountain meadows, streams and waterfalls will be today’s focus. Visiting several beautiful areas of the park throughout the day we will enjoy panoramic views as well as intimate close-ups.

Day 4 – Wildlife and Geology

Today’s excursion will concentrate on the most wildlife rich areas of the park as well as on the glaciers (and glacial valleys) for which the park was named.

Day 5 – Self Assignments and Critiques

Today we will enjoy some of the areas we previously visited so that we can use the additional knowledge gained to see and photograph these areas with a different eye.

Day 6 – Self Assignments and Critiques

Today we will enjoy some of the areas we previously visited so that we can use the additional knowledge gained to see and photograph these areas with a different eye.

Day 7 – Return Home

Flights home from Kalispell throughout the day.

*Accommodations and local transportation during workshop included. Transportation to/from workshop is not included.

*MEALS: Although we will eat as a group, meal costs are not included.

Cost

Cost is $4,650 per person, based upon double occupancy, from Kalispell, Montana (Airport code FCA.
This trip ends in Kalispell, Montana (Airport code FCA).

Single Supplement

If a single hotel room is preferred, or we are unable to find a suitable roommate for you, a single supplement fee of $500 will be assessed.

NOTE: For boat-based tours, see pricing options for single cabins. Single cabin cost includes the single hotel cost above.

Minimum Number

If fewer than the minimum number of required participants are registered, we may still be able to run the trip by adding a small-group supplement fee, per person, determined by the number of participants registered.

Deposit Requirements

A $500 deposit per person is required to hold each space on this tour. Deposit may be made online by clicking the "Book Your Trip Now" button and using any credit card. If you prefer, you may call us at 888-875-9453 to pay by phone. You may also mail us a check, however, remember that all space is held on a first come-first served basis as deposits are received.

How to Book

In order to hold your space, click the "Book Your Trip Now" button above and complete the deposit process, including payment of the deposit through our Paypal portal using ANY CREDIT CARD. Upon completion of deposit, please visit our secure, online CLIENT INFORMATION FORM to complete your registration.

Final Payment

For all land-based tours: full payment by check is due 120 days prior to the departure date.

For all boat-based adventure cruises of 7-days or longer: full payment by check is required 180 days prior to departure.

NOTE: If you prefer to use credit card for final payment, a 3% fee may be added to cover the credit card merchant fees we incur.

Red Eagle Motor Inn (or similar)

We use the inn’s private cabins that are basic but comfortable with two twin beds, full bath with hot showers. Our main cabin has laundry and a full kitchen and a living space where we can do our classroom opportunities.

Activity Level Rating: 3 (Note: 1 is easy and 5 is difficult)

Our days will be long (with some afternoon down time on most days). We will be at 6000 feet or more all week. Hikes will involve elevation changes and some distance as we explore and photograph the park.

Gear for Birding & Wildlife Viewing

• Good quality binoculars
• Spotting scopes are not typically needed as we will be photographing much of the time, unless you plan to do some digiscoping.

Photography Gear Recommendations

The best camera is the one you have with you! That said, we will help you get great photos no matter what camera you use.

This Photo Workshop is geared toward those using DSLR or Mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, here is what we recommend that you bring:

• Bring at least 2 camera bodies – to reduce changing lenses and just in case of accidental damage to one

Recommended Lenses for Birds & Wildside

• 100-400mm (or equivalent) for birds in flight
• 500mm lens or longer for birds and wildlife

Recommended Lenses for Landscape Opportunities

• 24-105mm (or equivalent) for landscape and general purpose
• In addition you may also want to have an ultra-wide lens equivalent to about 16-35mm which may be used for fun landscapes and night sky photography.

Recommended Lenses for Macro (Bugs, Frogs, etc.)

• 100mm Macro is fine for general purpose macro photography
• 150mm Macro is best for small, quick moving subjects like frogs

Filters (Mainly for Landscape Photography)

• Polarizing Filter for removing reflections (screw in for wide-angle lenses)
• Filter Holder for 4×6″ (or similar) filters
• 2-stop Neutral Density Filter
• 8-stop (or more) Neutral Density Filter
• 2-stop Hard and/or Soft Graduated Neutral Density Filter

Other Accessories

• Tripod for long exposures, big lenses and steady video
• Flash for low light, fill light and stop action
• Better Beamer or MagMod flash extender
• Rain cover for camera
• Weather resistant Camera Bag (Backpack style is best)
• Batteries and chargers
• Lots of memory cards!
• Laptop or other downloading device

Purchasing Flights

Do not purchase your flights until the trip has been confirmed to go.

Detailed Trip Information

Upon notification that final payment is due (120 days prior to departure for land based tours / 180 days for boat based tours), you will receive a trip package of detailed information for your tour.

Any additional information about the trip, including lodgings, contacts, participants, meeting locations, etc., will sent about 2 weeks prior to the trip departure, or after final payment is received for late registrants.

Travel Insurance

As with all tours, we recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to help cover your investment, for covered reasons. Please see our section on Travel Insurance.

Passport & Visa

US Citizens may require a visa to enter certain foreign countries. See above for any required visa information.

Participants arriving to the USA from a foreign country may need to get a travel visa to enter the United States. Be sure to check the requirements for your country of origin.

Itinerary Changes

The trip itinerary is developed many months ahead of time. Occasionally, despite our best planning, changes may occur during the trip, or we may be forced to alter our plans. Changes may occur because of weather, road conditions, safety concerns or other circumstances. In these situations, it is the leader(s) responsibility to carefully consider and implement appropriate alternatives. Any additional costs incurred because of changes will be the responsibility of each individual participant. Refunds will not be issued as a result of itinerary changes.