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YELLOWSTONE PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
Private Guided Wildlife Tour & Photography Instruction with Professional Photographer Julia Cook
Step into a photographer’s paradise with Skyline Safari’s Private Yellowstone Photography Tour led by professional photographer Julia Cook. Based out of Cooke City, Montana, this exclusive, private guided tour takes you deep into the heart of Yellowstone’s most photogenic landscapes. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned professional, you’ll have the chance to hone your skills, capture iconic wildlife, and experience the park’s raw beauty in ways few ever do. From the wolf-filled valleys of the Northern Range to the snow-draped peaks of the Absaroka Beartooth Mountains, every turn presents a new opportunity to frame the wild. With expert, one-on-one instruction on composition, lighting, and wildlife behavior, you’ll not only take home incredible images—you’ll also gain the skills to elevate your craft. This fully private tour ensures a personalized experience, allowing your guide to tailor the trip to your specific interests, skill level, and creative vision. Whether you're looking to perfect landscape shots in golden-hour light or focus on wildlife action photography, every moment is curated for you. Join us for a private guided photography adventure through Yellowstone’s untamed beauty, where every shot tells a story and every moment is yours to capture.
DURATION
8-10 Hours
PICK-UP
Cooke City, MT or Tower Junction
GROUP SIZE
Private Safari
(up to 5 guests)
SEASON
June-October
A GUIDED PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR LIKE NO OTHER
Yellowstone’s Northern Range and Lamar Valley are home to some of the most dynamic wildlife and breathtaking scenery in the world, making them the ultimate setting for a photography tour. Known as the "Serengeti of North America," Lamar Valley provides an unparalleled opportunity to photograph bison herds, pronghorn antelope, and—if you’re lucky—wolves on the hunt. Your early morning departure ensures you catch the best lighting and peak wildlife activity, with stops tailored to maximize composition, depth, and storytelling. While Lamar Valley serves as the focal point of this tour, your guide will adapt the itinerary based on seasonal wildlife movement, lighting conditions, and guest interests—allowing for flexibility to explore beyond Yellowstone’s borders into the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness.
Led by professional photographer Julia Cook, this instructional tour offers more than just access to stunning landscapes—it’s a hands-on workshop in the field. Julia’s expertise in composition, lighting, and wildlife behavior ensures that you leave with not only breathtaking images but also the technical and creative skills to elevate your photography.
This tour is fully private, accommodating 1–5 guests, making it perfect for solo photographers, couples, or small groups looking for a more personalized and immersive experience. Whether you want to refine your landscape photography techniques in golden-hour light or focus on capturing wildlife action shots, this journey is customized to your creative vision.
Includes:
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Private Safari (up to 5 guests in a private party)
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Personalized Photography Instruction by Julia Cook
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Use of UHD Binoculars and Spotting Scopes
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Light Breakfast, Catered Picnic Lunch & Assorted Snack Basket
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Non-alcoholic beverages
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ALL Skill Levels are Welcome
MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Julia Cook
Skyline Safari Co. is proud to partner with professional wildlife photographer Julia Cook, who leads our Yellowstone Photography Tours and Winter Photo Expeditions. Born and raised in Cody, Wyoming, just outside of Yellowstone, Julia developed a deep appreciation for the natural world at an early age, which ultimately led her to wildlife photography.
Julia spends much of her time in Yellowstone, capturing the park’s diverse wildlife, with a special passion for grizzly bears, wolves, and other iconic species. She holds a B.S. in Environment and Natural Resources and a B.A. in History from the University of Wyoming, and now pursues photography full-time, using her lens to tell the story of Yellowstone’s wild inhabitants.
Beyond photography, Julia enjoys hiking, fishing, writing, and exploring the rugged landscapes of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Accompanied by her Labrador, Sylvan, she is dedicated to ethical wildlife photography, ensuring that every image she captures respects the natural behavior and habitat of the animals. Her goal is to create impactful images that highlight the beauty and wildness of the American West, inspiring others to develop a deeper connection with nature.
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MEETING TIMES & LOCATIONSGuests will meet their guide at Skyline Guest Ranch (31 Kersey Lake Road, Cooke City, Montana) or at a predetermined location in Cooke City or Silver Gate, Montana. If you’re staying in another region of Yellowstone and are interested in booking this excursion, please fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of the page. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request. For tours running July through September, the standard departure time is 5:30 AM, unless otherwise requested or arranged with the guide in advance.
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WHAT KIND OF WILDLIFE CAN YOU SEE IN YELLOWSTONE?Yellowstone National Park is home to one of the most diverse and intact ecosystems in North America. Thanks to its long history of protection, the park offers a rare chance to see wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. From bison roaming the valleys to grizzly bears foraging along the hillsides, Yellowstone’s landscapes are teeming with life. You may also spot wolves moving through the sagebrush, elk grazing near rivers, or bighorn sheep navigating steep cliffs. Beyond the large mammals, the park is also home to foxes, otters, bald eagles, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. While wildlife is abundant, knowing where and when to look is key. However, it's important to remember that wildlife is unpredictable, and factors like weather, temperature, and time of day all play a role in animal activity. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but a guided tour significantly improves your chances by taking you to prime locations at the best times. With expert insight into animal behavior and the park’s delicate ecosystem, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Yellowstone’s wild inhabitants—whether they choose to make an appearance or not.
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WHAT FOOD AND DRINKS ARE INCLUDED ON THE TOUR?Full-Day Tours & Experiences: All full-day tours include a hearty sack lunch packed with everything you need to stay energized. Lunches feature a meat and cheese sandwich, chips, fresh fruit, homemade cookies, nuts/trail mix, and more—we promise you won’t go hungry! Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Hot and cold beverages are provided throughout the experience. Sunrise Tours: For early morning adventures, guests will enjoy an assortment of fresh fruit and breakfast snacks, along with a homemade pastry to start the day right. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water will also be available. If you have specific dietary needs, let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!
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ARE SAFARIS & TOURS PRIVATE?Yes! All safaris and tours are completely private and limited to a maximum of 5 guests to ensure a personalized and intimate experience. If you have a group larger than 5, please submit an inquiry, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
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DO I NEED RIDING EXPERIENCE TO PARTICIPATE?No prior riding experience is necessary! All riding levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced riders. Our knowledgeable guides tailor each ride to match your comfort level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for adventure or a first-timer eager to explore the West on horseback, we’ll make sure you feel confident in the saddle. Please note: All participants must be able to mount and dismount their horses without the use of a mounting block.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?All experiences operate rain or shine, but safety is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, we will communicate any necessary adjustments or cancellations. Refunds will not be issued for client cancellations due to weather unless the conditions are officially deemed unsafe by our team.
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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR THE TOUR?Dress in layers, as mornings can be chilly, even in summer. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain. A rain jacket is highly recommended, as mountain weather can change quickly. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended. For those sensitive to cold, lightweight gloves may be appreciated, especially while holding binoculars. A small pack can be useful for carrying personal items like a camera, extra layers, and your sack lunch if participating in any hiking. If participating in the Safari to Saddle Excursion, closed-toe shoes and long pants are required for safety and comfort.
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HOW LONG DOES THE EXPERIENCE LAST?All full-day safaris and tours last approximately 8–10 hours. Half-day experiences, such as the Sunrise Safari in Lamar Valley and the Beartooth Pass Guided Scenic Drive, last approximately 4–5 hours.