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The Top 5 Locations for Wildlife Photography in the United States
The Top 5 Locations for Wildlife Photography in the United States
by Keenan Hursh
Wildlife photography is a captivating blend of art and adventure, allowing us to capture the untamed beauty of the natural world. It offers a unique opportunity to freeze a moment in time, celebrating the breathtaking diversity and beauty of animals throughout the world. If you're yearning to embark on a thrilling journey and capture the magic of wildlife photography, you're in the right place.
In today’s article, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the top five locations in the United States for wildlife photography. This is, of course, a curated list of the locations we’re the most excited about here at Backcountry Journeys. That being said there are plenty of other exceptional wildlife photography destinations that won’t be mentioned in today’s article.
From the pristine wilderness of Alaska to the vibrant ecosystems of the Florida Everglades and plenty of stops in between, we'll explore these incredible biodiversity hotspots that beckon nature enthusiasts and wildlife photography aficionados alike.
Before we get started, if you’re more passionate about landscape photography then definitely check out this article exploring the top 5 landscape photography destinations in the U.S. We’ve put together a great list!
Alright, let’s get into it.
In today’s article, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the top five locations in the United States for wildlife photography. This is, of course, a curated list of the locations we’re the most excited about here at Backcountry Journeys. That being said there are plenty of other exceptional wildlife photography destinations that won’t be mentioned in today’s article.
From the pristine wilderness of Alaska to the vibrant ecosystems of the Florida Everglades and plenty of stops in between, we'll explore these incredible biodiversity hotspots that beckon nature enthusiasts and wildlife photography aficionados alike.
Before we get started, if you’re more passionate about landscape photography then definitely check out this article exploring the top 5 landscape photography destinations in the U.S. We’ve put together a great list!
Alright, let’s get into it.
The Magic of Wildlife Photography
Before we dive into our top 5 picks, I’d like to take a brief moment to appreciate the magic of this exciting and unique art form. At its core, wildlife photography is more than just a hobby; it's a profound form of expression that allows us to connect with nature's wonders. Whether capturing the majestic flight of an eagle, the contemplative gaze of a brown bear, or the playful antics of dolphins, this art form lets you encapsulate the splendor of the animal kingdom.
The anticipation, the thrill, and the sheer excitement of capturing these moments are unparalleled. These photographs become windows into the natural world, opening our eyes to the beauty of diverse ecosystems and the unique and fascinating animals that call them home as well as fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation.
Wildlife photography is a game, a journey that will take you to some of the highest highs and lowest lows when it comes to photography. But through it all this is an incredibly enjoyable process and adventure that can bring you immense joy and excitement.
Now, let's embark on our journey and discover five of the most remarkable locations for wildlife photography in the United States.
Before we dive into our top 5 picks, I’d like to take a brief moment to appreciate the magic of this exciting and unique art form. At its core, wildlife photography is more than just a hobby; it's a profound form of expression that allows us to connect with nature's wonders. Whether capturing the majestic flight of an eagle, the contemplative gaze of a brown bear, or the playful antics of dolphins, this art form lets you encapsulate the splendor of the animal kingdom.
The anticipation, the thrill, and the sheer excitement of capturing these moments are unparalleled. These photographs become windows into the natural world, opening our eyes to the beauty of diverse ecosystems and the unique and fascinating animals that call them home as well as fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation.
Wildlife photography is a game, a journey that will take you to some of the highest highs and lowest lows when it comes to photography. But through it all this is an incredibly enjoyable process and adventure that can bring you immense joy and excitement.
Now, let's embark on our journey and discover five of the most remarkable locations for wildlife photography in the United States.
Alaska
Alaska, the last frontier, offers some of the most breathtaking wildlife photography opportunities in the world. This isolated state in the far north is unlike anywhere else on earth and the lack of humans combined with the abundance of pristine wilderness makes it a wildlife hotspot.
The Kenai Peninsula and Katmai National Park are prime destinations for capturing the awe-inspiring images of brown bears. Imagine framing a shot of a majestic grizzly fishing for salmon in pristine rivers or witnessing playful bear cubs at play. Or perhaps you’d like to photograph one of the largest congregations of bald eagles on earth every year in Haines. Or perhaps you’d like to focus on marine wildlife in many of the stunning coastal regions accessible only by ship or plane. Images like these are more than achievable if you’re willing to make the epic journey up north!
At Backcountry Journeys we’re absolutely crazy about Alaska and all of the untouched wilderness and wildlife within. Check out our Photography Workshops in Alaska if you’ve been dreaming of epic wildlife photography on the final frontier!
Alaska, the last frontier, offers some of the most breathtaking wildlife photography opportunities in the world. This isolated state in the far north is unlike anywhere else on earth and the lack of humans combined with the abundance of pristine wilderness makes it a wildlife hotspot.
The Kenai Peninsula and Katmai National Park are prime destinations for capturing the awe-inspiring images of brown bears. Imagine framing a shot of a majestic grizzly fishing for salmon in pristine rivers or witnessing playful bear cubs at play. Or perhaps you’d like to photograph one of the largest congregations of bald eagles on earth every year in Haines. Or perhaps you’d like to focus on marine wildlife in many of the stunning coastal regions accessible only by ship or plane. Images like these are more than achievable if you’re willing to make the epic journey up north!
At Backcountry Journeys we’re absolutely crazy about Alaska and all of the untouched wilderness and wildlife within. Check out our Photography Workshops in Alaska if you’ve been dreaming of epic wildlife photography on the final frontier!
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming but reaching into parts of Montana and Idaho, is renowned as one of the most incredible biodiversity hotspots in the United States, especially in the lower 48. This sprawling national park is the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is teeming with a diverse array of wildlife.
Wolves, bison, elk, pronghorn, grizzly and black bears, raptors, coyotes, and so much more roam free in Yellowstone's picturesque landscapes, offering endless possibilities for stunning wildlife shots. This is one of the premier wildlife destinations in the world and it sits right in the heart of the American West.
We’ve been running photography trips in Yellowstone for years here at BCJ and this is one of our favorite wildlife destinations hands down. We visit the park throughout the year during peak periods of animal activity and have discovered some of the best locations in the park. Definitely check out our Yellowstone trips if this sounds like something you’d be interested in!
Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming but reaching into parts of Montana and Idaho, is renowned as one of the most incredible biodiversity hotspots in the United States, especially in the lower 48. This sprawling national park is the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is teeming with a diverse array of wildlife.
Wolves, bison, elk, pronghorn, grizzly and black bears, raptors, coyotes, and so much more roam free in Yellowstone's picturesque landscapes, offering endless possibilities for stunning wildlife shots. This is one of the premier wildlife destinations in the world and it sits right in the heart of the American West.
We’ve been running photography trips in Yellowstone for years here at BCJ and this is one of our favorite wildlife destinations hands down. We visit the park throughout the year during peak periods of animal activity and have discovered some of the best locations in the park. Definitely check out our Yellowstone trips if this sounds like something you’d be interested in!
Grand Teton National Park
And if we move just south of Yellowstone we’ll arrive at another wildlife photography mecca still within the bounds of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: Grand Teton National Park. The park's many diverse habitats, spread across a vast change in elevations and ecosystems, provide excellent opportunities for photographing wildlife of all sorts.
Bison, moose, grizzly bears, marmots, and pronghorn are just a few of the iconic animals you can find here. And, of course, the breathtaking backdrop of the Teton Range makes for a picture-perfect setting, ensuring that every photograph is a masterpiece of wilderness and beauty. The Tetons really have it all and the wildlife photography is some of the best in the country if not the world.
This is one of our favorite destinations at Backcountry Journeys, whether you’re interested in some of our classic photography tours in the Tetons or perhaps something a little more specialized such as our Bull Moose Workshop in the winter, we have a trip that’ll be perfect for you!
And if we move just south of Yellowstone we’ll arrive at another wildlife photography mecca still within the bounds of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: Grand Teton National Park. The park's many diverse habitats, spread across a vast change in elevations and ecosystems, provide excellent opportunities for photographing wildlife of all sorts.
Bison, moose, grizzly bears, marmots, and pronghorn are just a few of the iconic animals you can find here. And, of course, the breathtaking backdrop of the Teton Range makes for a picture-perfect setting, ensuring that every photograph is a masterpiece of wilderness and beauty. The Tetons really have it all and the wildlife photography is some of the best in the country if not the world.
This is one of our favorite destinations at Backcountry Journeys, whether you’re interested in some of our classic photography tours in the Tetons or perhaps something a little more specialized such as our Bull Moose Workshop in the winter, we have a trip that’ll be perfect for you!
The Florida Everglades
And if we come down from the mighty Rocky Mountains and across the great plains all the way to the far southeastern corner of the country we’ll arrive at yet another pristine and totally different wilderness: The Everglades of Florida. This protected wilderness in the heart of the Sunshine State is a remarkable destination for capturing stunning images of diverse animal life.
From American alligators and manatees to the elusive Florida panther to a vast array of birds, aquatic life, raccoons, and even dolphins, the Everglades is a sanctuary of biodiversity. It's an ideal spot for unique and captivating wildlife photography, all within an hour's drive of Miami.
At Backcountry Journeys we offer some exceptional photography workshops in the Everglades, and I’m always blown away by many of the images sent in from both our guides and guests. There is such a diversity of animals here that it is a truly exceptional place for wildlife photography.
And if we come down from the mighty Rocky Mountains and across the great plains all the way to the far southeastern corner of the country we’ll arrive at yet another pristine and totally different wilderness: The Everglades of Florida. This protected wilderness in the heart of the Sunshine State is a remarkable destination for capturing stunning images of diverse animal life.
From American alligators and manatees to the elusive Florida panther to a vast array of birds, aquatic life, raccoons, and even dolphins, the Everglades is a sanctuary of biodiversity. It's an ideal spot for unique and captivating wildlife photography, all within an hour's drive of Miami.
At Backcountry Journeys we offer some exceptional photography workshops in the Everglades, and I’m always blown away by many of the images sent in from both our guides and guests. There is such a diversity of animals here that it is a truly exceptional place for wildlife photography.
Yosemite National Park
And last but certainly not least, if we travel to the completely opposite side of the country, we’ll arrive at yet another iconic and truly wild place: Yosemite National Park. Of course, Yosemite is better known for the stunning landscapes that fill this unique corridor of valleys and towering granite cliffs, but there are great wildlife opportunities here as well.
In Yosemite, you can frame your wildlife shots against the backdrop of iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and lush meadows. Keep your camera ready for mule deer, black bears, bobcats, and various bird species that inhabit this stunning valley. Of course, I’d recommend bringing a wide-angle lens on a trip to the park but keep a keen eye as you search for wildlife in this picturesque place.
At Backcountry Journeys we run many exceptional trips in Yosemite and although they are all primarily focused on capturing landscapes I’ve seen some stellar wildlife images captured on these trips. Yosemite National Park is a true wildlife hotspot and the abundance of scenery will only make your images that much better. Check out our Yosemite photography trips if you’re looking for the best of both worlds!
And last but certainly not least, if we travel to the completely opposite side of the country, we’ll arrive at yet another iconic and truly wild place: Yosemite National Park. Of course, Yosemite is better known for the stunning landscapes that fill this unique corridor of valleys and towering granite cliffs, but there are great wildlife opportunities here as well.
In Yosemite, you can frame your wildlife shots against the backdrop of iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and lush meadows. Keep your camera ready for mule deer, black bears, bobcats, and various bird species that inhabit this stunning valley. Of course, I’d recommend bringing a wide-angle lens on a trip to the park but keep a keen eye as you search for wildlife in this picturesque place.
At Backcountry Journeys we run many exceptional trips in Yosemite and although they are all primarily focused on capturing landscapes I’ve seen some stellar wildlife images captured on these trips. Yosemite National Park is a true wildlife hotspot and the abundance of scenery will only make your images that much better. Check out our Yosemite photography trips if you’re looking for the best of both worlds!
Conclusion
And there you have it. This has been our curated list of the top 5 locations in the United States for wildlife photography. Capturing images of wildlife is an enchanting art form that invites you to experience the untamed beauty of the natural world. These five remarkable locations in the United States present the perfect opportunities to embark on a wildlife photography adventure. Each of these destinations is a reminder of what the world used to be like before human development and expansion and you’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning wildlife images.
If you're inspired to join a wildlife photography trip, consider booking with Backcountry Journeys. We’re experts in crafting unforgettable experiences that allow you to capture the wild essence of these extraordinary locations.
So, pack your camera gear, unleash your creativity, and embark on a journey to discover the magic of wildlife photography in the United States.
We hope to see you out there!
And there you have it. This has been our curated list of the top 5 locations in the United States for wildlife photography. Capturing images of wildlife is an enchanting art form that invites you to experience the untamed beauty of the natural world. These five remarkable locations in the United States present the perfect opportunities to embark on a wildlife photography adventure. Each of these destinations is a reminder of what the world used to be like before human development and expansion and you’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning wildlife images.
If you're inspired to join a wildlife photography trip, consider booking with Backcountry Journeys. We’re experts in crafting unforgettable experiences that allow you to capture the wild essence of these extraordinary locations.
So, pack your camera gear, unleash your creativity, and embark on a journey to discover the magic of wildlife photography in the United States.
We hope to see you out there!
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.