To learn more about art in Yellowstone, please visit
YELLOWSTONE.ORG/ARTWWW.NPS.GOV/YELL/PLANYOURVISIT/RANGER-PROGRAMS.HTM
ELEMENTSPHOTOGRAPHY
OFPHOTOGRAPHING YELLOWSTONEWilliam Henry Jackson’s photographs of Yellowstone helped convince the United States Congress to establish Yellowstone National Park.
Try recreating Jackson’s iconic photographs from the same places and using the same compositions, while following modern safety regulations and staying on established trails.
Jackson was often forlorn that he could not capture color in his photographs like Thomas Moran was able to do in his paintings. Try taking your photographs in both black and white and in color, and reflect on whether each style/mode makes you see things differently. SYMMETRY
Symmetry means sameness. Try photographing symmetry in the park. Reflections in lakes are a great place to start! Use symmetry vertically and horizontally.
RULE OF THIRDSThe rule of thirds says that pleasing compositions divide the frame in three parts. Use the rule of thirds to help frame large objects, like geysers and trees. Where the lines intersect can be great places to put a focal point.
DEPTH OF FIELDDepth of field means that objects at different distances are either blurry or sharp. Create interest by framing a feature up close in focus and leaving the background out of focus.
PHOTO NPS/WILLIAM HENRY JACKSON, 1871, GROTTO GEYSER
PHOTO NPS/JIM PEACO, 2015, GROTTO GEYSER
SAFE SELFIESNo picture is worth hurting yourself, others, or the park. Be aware of your surroundings whether near wildlife, thermal areas, roads, or steep cliffs.
L IGHTINGYellowstone can look quite different depending on the time of day. Get up early to photograph your favorite features in morning light, and then return at midday and dusk to see how your perception changes.
GIVE WILDLIFE ROOM, USE A ZOOMThe safest way to view wildlife is through a telephoto lens, a spotting scope, or a pair of binoculars. Park animals are wild and dangerous. Bison, bears, and elk have injured and killed people. Do not approach, encircle, follow, or feed any animal. Stay 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Stay 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals.
Take the pledge. Tell a friend. Protect the park. Learn more at www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/yellowstonepledge.htm
G U I D E L I N E S & T I P S
SHUTTER SPEED
THEEXPOSURETRIANGLE
ISO
AP
ERTU
RE
1/4s
more
less
more
less
mor
e
less
Sharpness
Dep
th o
f fiel
d
Grain
ISO 25600
f/32
1/8000s
ISO 100
f/1.4
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