I am an authorized CUA permit holder of the National Park Service and conduct my workshops based on the permit’s guidelines.
At this time of year sunrise is at approx. 7:40am and sunset is at approx. 4:45pm, which gives us approx. 9hrs of daylight.
We will be at our locations photographing just before sunrise and ending our day just after sunset.
During mid day when the light isn’t great we will be taking a break for a few hours to recharge batteries, download images, and rest up for the evening sessions.
However we are ultimately at the mercy of Mother Nature and I will be diligently studying weather forecasts during our time together with the numerous weather resources I always use when planning for the best light.
So our day-to-day schedule is absolutely always subject to change immensely based on the light/photography potential on any given day, thus this itinerary is intentionally planned to be extremely loose and variable during our time together.
There have been numerous times on my workshops where we ended up not taking the scheduled mid-day break to instead chase the light. And our efforts were always rewarded with amazing photographs...
So in other words, be prepared for the unexpected!
Be sure to arrive in Jackson before 3pm on Sunday, December 3 to allow time for hotel check-in and to get ready for our evening group dinner. Ideally it is best to arrive on Saturday, December 2 should there be any weather delays with your flight.
We will meet for a group dinner (meals not included) at 4:30pm where we will discuss our week ahead of us and go over any last minute details. Following dinner we will take a leisurely stroll around Jackson Square photographing the Holiday scene.
Plan on meeting at approx. 7:00AM before sunrise (sunrise is at approx. 7:45AM). We will be out all day photographing landscapes & wildlife, with a possible lunch break in Jackson Hole or we will eat packed lunches out in the field.
We will end each day following our sunset shoot (sunset is at approx. 4:45pm.)
Plan on meeting for sunrise at approx. 7:00AM before sunrise. We will photograph as long as the light is great up till 10am when the workshop will end.
If flying out of Jackson that day, try to plan for flights after 2:00PM to allow time for hotel checkout and car rental return.
The best bet is to fly direct into Jackson, WY.
If that is not a possibility then consider flying into Salt Lake City, UT. You will have an approx. 5hr drive from Salt Lake to Jackson. However weather may be a factor in your travels from Salt Lake, so definitely consider the Jackson airport as your best option.
Be sure to arrive in Jackson before 3pm on Sunday, December 3 to allow time for hotel check-in and to get ready for our evening group dinner. Ideally it is best to arrive on Saturday, December 2 should there be any weather delays with your flight.
We are not based out of any particular hotel, however it is suggested to stay at either the Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa at Jackson or the Lexington at Jackson Hole Hotel & Suites both for comfort & convenience.
More information will be provided following registration.
A complete list of What to Bring will be provided. This list will mention required and suggested items regarding camera equipment and clothing.
Keep in mind that this workshop takes place in the winter and it will be cold, especially when we are out photographing sunrise and sunset. I'll have recommendations on some great cold weather clothing to get so you will barely notice the cold.
The average max temp this time of year is 26.5F with the average min temp at just 1.8F. The average snowfall this time of year is 39.5" with an average snow depth of 16".
For this workshop we will be carpooling. Let me know if you are willing to be a driver - I will need 2 drivers that can take two additional passengers.
It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to purchase quality travel insurance.
Some companies allow for the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind.
OM SYSTEM / Olympus Cameras & Lenses
I am an Official NiSi Reseller and you can order your NiSi Filters direct from me here.
I am an Official Fotopro Tripods Reseller and you can order your Fotopro tripods direct from me here.
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Photography has always been a huge part of my life starting at the age of 12 when I had my own black & white chemical darkroom. That early interest launched a full-time professional photography career that began in 1990 and continues today.
For the first 17 years of my career I was a photojournalist based in New England. I am a digital photography pioneer and began teaching digital photography to photojournalists in the late 90’s, helping bring digital cameras to two different newspapers. I was awarded the 2003 New England Press Associations Photographer of the Year award for my work at the Cape Cod Times. During my time as a photojournalist, I also photographed weddings & portraits, as well as corporate & commercial assignments.
In 2006 I decided to leave all of that behind and move West, where I am now a fine art landscape & nature photographer, educator, and publisher. In addition, I also accept select luxury resort & architectural photography assignments.
I teach numerous field & classroom workshops throughout the year as well as online courses and I provide occasional free online webinars. You may have already seen my videos for software companies such as Skylum and ON1. My passion for sharing and teaching what I have learned during my long career is evident in my down-to-earth and encouraging approach with my clients.
I am sponsored by Olympus / OM SYSTEM as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador. One does not need to shoot with Olympus / OM SYSTEM gear though to take my workshops.
I live in Bozeman, Montana with my fiancee and fine art painter Whitney Hall and our two blue heeler cattle dogs.
You can find me online on Instagram and YouTube at @mattsuessphoto
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