Tips and Advice – Larry Rogers Art & Motion

Best Places to See Moose in Grand Teton National Park

If you are wondering where to see moose in Grand Teton National Park, I wrote this article just for you! As I am writing this post, the date is Saturday, June 12, 2021. I recently completed a two-week photography trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Before you read further, you will see some pictures of moose in this article. These pictures are from my personal collection, taken over several years and a number of separate trips. I don’t approach close to moose, period. All of my moose pictures were taken with telephoto lenses from safe distances.

Map courtesy of National Park Service

Moose are commonly seen along Moose-Wilson and Gros Ventre Roads, both located north of the town of Jackson WY

I have always found moose to be a reclusive animal. My first sighting of moose was a mile or so north of Teton Village on Moose-Wilson road. I would never have seen this bull and cow moose on my own. A few cars had pulled to the side of the road and I could see a few long lenses on tripods, so I pulled over too.

Approaching the photographers, I noticed that no one was making a sound. I was relatively new to wildlife photography in those days, so I mostly ‘lurked’ at first by pointing my binoculars in the same general direction the lenses were pointed. I had no idea what these people were looking at! After a while, a guy standing next to me took pity on me.

At first I didn’t see what the others were looking at. Bull and cow moose resting in tall grass.

“You’ll have to look down in the grass,” he leaned close and whispered. And, so I did.

“Oh, geez,” I barely whispered, “it’s a pair, and the bull is huge!” And so went my first moose sighting. To this day, I have not seen another mating pair of moose. The bull was an absolute monster that might have stood seven-feet tall, or more. If only I had the patience in those days to wait for that magnificent moment when they stood up. I’m pretty sure those who were more patient than I was were treated to a ‘wall-hanger’ of a shot.

Over the years, I have had mixed experiences when it comes to spotting moose in the Tetons. I remember one particular year, when my photography buddy Eric Curby and I were leaving a favorite store just south of Grand Teton National Park. The store is called Dornan’s, and they always seem to be open and well-stocked. We had just left Dornan’s parking lot and turned left toward Moose Junction. Before we got to Highway 191, Eric spotted two bull moose who appeared to be about to get into a rutting battle.

Bull Moose spotted just south of Moose Junction

‘Standing guard’

We turned right (south) on Highway 191 to see if there was a turnout where we might get a better look. We found a ranch road within a short distance, but there was a “Private” sign posted a few hundred yards down, so we pulled over at that point. Now that we were closer to the jousting pair, we could see that one of them was fairly young and the older one, although much larger, seemed to lose interest in the contest…he seemed to be more interested in us than rutting.

“I think that big bull is going to walk right over here,” I said to Eric, as I started walking back to the car. Within a few minutes I was back inside the car, as was Eric, because the bull did exactly that. Luckily for us, we turned out to be not that interesting, and he walked on down the road.

Another great area to spot moose is anywhere along Gros Ventre Road. From Highway 191, locate the relatively new Gros Ventre roundabout just south of the Jackson Hole Airport Road on Highway 191. Take the Eastbound exit from the roundabout and follow that road, which runs parallel to the Gros Ventre River (a tributary that joins the Snake River). There are several convenient turnoffs along the road at points where is the river is quite close. We have had the best luck spotting moose along this road when we have a lot of time to stop and watch what is going on, even driving back and forth several times between the roundabout and the turnoff at Gross Ventre Campground (private).

Bull Moose, photographed near a Gros Ventre Rd pullout. Note early spring antler velvet.

I’ll close by sharing my best advice for moose-spotting along both Moose-Wilson Road, between Teton Village at the south end and Moose Junction at the north end, and Gros Ventre road between the roundabout and the campground road. I can say from experience over a number of trips that both areas can be exhilarating and disappointing, depending upon the time of day, the season, and frankly, luck.

Here are a couple more images I have been fortunate to get over the years at various points along Moose-Wilson Road. One key to success in moose-spotting is to spend a good bit of time slowly cruising the road. Early in the morning and last light near dusk are probably the best times, but I have seen moose along this route at all times of the day.

Bring along some snacks, water, a good pair of binoculars, and a camera with telephoto lens. Having patience and keeping a safe distance from the animals will win the day! Drop a comment below to let me know about your moose-spotting experience!

Best Places to See Grizzly Bears in Yellowstone National Park

If you are wondering where to see Grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park, I wrote this article just for you. As I am writing this post, the date is Thursday, June 10, 2021. I recently completed a two-week photography trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Before you read any further, you will see some pictures of Grizzly bears in this article. These pictures are from my personal collection. I don’t approach close to bears, period. All of my bear watching is done from long distances using binoculars, and my pictures are taken with telephoto lenses from distances well in excess of 200 yards.

It often happens that, upon returning home from a trip to Yellowstone, friends and family will ask two questions: First, “Did you see any bears,” and second, “Did you get any good pictures?” Well, it’s been happening again this year. So, I decided I would write a blog post on this topic.

Bear Management Areas in Yellowstone National Park (Map courtesy of NPS.gov)

I have spotted one or more bears on almost every trip to Yellowstone National Park (and Grand Teton National Park) , since 2004. Referring to the map above, one of the first bears I spotted was a Black bear sow with two cubs, in Area “E” of the map. This is quite near Mammoth Hot Springs, in an area called “Blacktail.” We were driving along the northern road between Mammoth Junction and Tower-Roosevelt Junction. I cannot call this area a hot spot, though, because that spotting happened over 15 years ago, and I haven’t seen a bear in that area since.

My next spotting (2005) was also a one-time event that happened near West Thumb, along Highway 191, just past West Thumb Junction as we were driving north toward Old Faithful Junction in the vicinity of Duck Lake (see Area”N” on the map). There was, and still is, a lot of ‘deadfall’ timber on a hillside. A large Grizzly bear was turning over fallen logs, looking for grubs to eat. This eventually became a particularly dangerous encounter, as a high number of visitors stopped soon after we spotted the bear. At one point the bear became irritated and tried to leave the area to cross Highway 191 and continue on down to Duck Lake on the other side of the road. There were so many people out of their cars that the bear didn’t know how to get through the parked cars and gawking visitors. Luckily, it ended without incident and the bear managed to get across the road.

A large Grizzly Bear encounters a large number of visitors and parked cars, just wants to cross road (telephoto lens from over 100 yards)

Another time, I was hiking with a couple of friends in a very remote back-country area known as the ‘Bechler’ region (see the lower left corner of the map). Walking into a thickly forested area, we came across an old Forest Service cabin that appeared to be occupied, because we could see smoke coming from a chimney. A short time later and maybe a half mile down the trail, we saw a dark shadowy figure in the distance, off to the left side of trail. We all immediately stopped until we could make out what was there. Suddenly, a very large Grizzly bear stepped into a clearing where we could get a good look. I pulled out a digital camera and got off a couple of shots. At that point, we decided to head back to the Forest Service cabin we had seen earlier. We knocked, and a ranger came to the door. “We just saw a large Grizzly, and we thought we should report it to you.”

“I doubt it was a grizzly,” the ranger told us, “we don’t get them down here.” At that point, I pulled out my camera and showed the picture to the ranger.

“Hmmm. I think you just saw a great big Grizzly! I will have to report this… the Chief will be surprised to know we have one of them here.”

Each of these events were one-time events. Please don’t go looking in these areas with high expectations of finding a bear… but, you could. Next, I’ll share the story of a very light colored Grizzly bear that we have seen on several trips over a period of 4-5 years.

Spirit Bear (left) and Mom, seen in the same place over multiple years (telephoto lens from 500 yards)

We came to call her ‘Spirit Bear,’ because of her coloring, which was nearly white. Staying very close to her Mom, a very large sow, she looked to be 1 ½ to 2 years old. The first time we saw her was in the Fall of 2016. Speaking with a few ‘locals’ over the years since then, some call her ‘Snow.’ Frankly, although most people refer to the bear as female, no one has been certain. We found her along the Southeast Entrance Road just before the turn-off to Lake Butte Overlook as you drive toward Cody, WY (see area J1 on the map).

Spirit Bear in 2018, in the same place, but this time without Mom (telephoto lens from 300+ yards)

We returned again in the Fall of 2018, and once again our Spirit Bear was in the same exact spot. And, then we returned again in 2021, but we were disappointed that our ‘Spirit Bear’ did not show up. There could be a couple of good reasons for her absence: For starters, our trip in 2021 was a very early Spring trip and some bears were still in hibernation. Second, she may have found a mate by now, and moved to maintain family ties.

I’ll close this out with some safety information about bear-spotting in Yellowstone National Park. You will read in various places that 100 yards is the minimum distance to keep between you and the nearest bear. That sounds really scary to me – these are huge and very fast predators! I stay far enough away that I need a telephoto lens to photograph them, and a pair of binoculars to see them well.

I also have a concern about bear spray. Please don’t think it works like mosquito repellant. When I read the instructions on the bear spray can, I notice a picture showing how to use it – the can only sprays a short distance! If you get yourself into a pickle so deep that you reach for your bear spray, you better get right with God right then! Bear spray might be great as a last resort, but my hope is to never get myself into a ‘last resort’ situation.

Just keep it simple… stay far enough away that the bear isn’t nervous, and neither are you. Use binoculars and/or telephoto lenses to get a great view and pictures. Live for another day.

Tips from the Field #2: Who Inspires You?

In this tip, I invite you to consider all those who have inspired you, then write down their names and how each one inspired you. Through that journey, I hope you will strive each day to become each of those things, becoming an even more terrific instance of yourself.

I am reminded of a quote from late 1800’s Irish poet Oscar Wilde, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” that might well be true. When it comes to bringing into my work certain elements that I have discovered in the work of others, I can’t help but do it.

Those who know me best will attest to the fact that I am often guided by quotes from the past. “The best camera is the one you have with you,” is one that I often quote, from Creativelive founder Chase Jarvis. “Never try to catch falling knife,” from CNBC anchor Jim Cramer. And this quote from Margaret Thatcher on the perils of socialism: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.”

It turns out that Wilde is correct, at least for me. I don’t recall even one quote that I find offensive or that I find lacking in inspiration. I don’t believe these flashes of inspiration actually changed or educated me to believe something new, but rather they help me crystallize concepts that represent how I am or how I desire to be.

The year 2020 has provided me with time to reflect on inspirations that have significantly impacted my work, my art, and me as a person. I would like to share just a few of them with you.

Harry Rogers, the Author, Norma Curby (October 2015)

Harry Rogers. My only sibling, Harry was born ten years and 7 months after me. I was able to watch him develop from infancy into his early teens, after which life intervened from time to time as first me, then both of us, followed the path of life through college, military service, marriage, divorce and career. As the ‘big brother,’ it appeared to me that Harry looked to me for inspiration, coaching and experience whenever he encountered a roadblock. It’s a role that can be challenging – keeping ahead of a growing, developing, sibling in a way that I could always deliver on the next ‘roadblock.’ Thank you, Harry, for helping me remain relevant.

Larry Williams. The absolute best photographer and artist known to me, Larry does his work without fanfare. He has taught me the fine points of wildlife art, willingly and from the heart. You haven’t seen his work (yet) because notoriety is not something on which Larry places a high value. It is Larry who instilled in me perhaps the most important aspect of wildlife art: The photo or wall hanger is not the primary reason we do what we do. No one will ever understand why we spend hour upon hour, day after day, waiting for a special bird to appear in perfect light. We do it for ourselves – it is the experience, not the picture, that keeps us going back.

Norma Curby. One of my best friends in life, Eric Curby, often travels with me to really remote, wild places where we can experience a place so wild that everywhere you look, the hand of man cannot be detected. Norma is now in her early 90’s. Being Eric’s mother, she has gained some insight into why Eric and I do what we do, seeking out the wild instead of the beach. Norma never ceases to amaze and inspire me, as she not only accompanies Eric and me on these trips to the edge of civilization, but she participates step-for-step. Often, these are places none of us have seen before. Traveling with two photographers would bore some, as we set up tripods, move from place to place for better compositions – not Norma! The sheer wonder in her eye as she gazes around, picking up a pine cone here, a rock there – reminds me just how blessed we are!

These are only a few examples from a treasure trove of influencers who have challenged me on the one hand, and kept me grounded on the other. I am the product of all those who have inspired me.

Who inspires you? I invite you to write it down. Do that for yourself – the experience of compiling your list of names and inspirations will exceed the value of the list itself.

Think about it. Who inspires you?

Resources

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Photo Trip Journals by Larry Rogers

Tips from the Field #1: How I Plan for Better Shots

Hint: It’s All About the Light

This article is for anyone who enjoys taking pictures or shooting videos outdoors. Your camera does not matter. Whether you typically take pictures with your phone, tablet, or a professional interchangeable-lens camera, this tip about situational awareness will help you take command of your environment to get the results you expect.

Get great pictures and videos like you see in magazines and on TV by planning for the best light

Being an outdoor photographer, I had to think of a way to ‘move the sun’ in a way to get the best possible light on my subject. What I do now is plan in advance, by creating a ‘shot list’ with GPS coordinates for each subject location, planned camera location, camera angle to the subject, and best time-of-day to have the sun properly illuminating the subject. Most times I can do all of this from my computer using free tools. Then, once I have visited the actual site, I use actual experience to update my shot list archive for future planning.

Recently, I wondered if other people might benefit from all of this research I have done, to get amazing light on their favorite subjects. So this inspired me to work on a series of tip sheets based on my personal favorite places. Each tip sheet will feature a specific subject, camera location, angle to the subject, and best time-of-day to get perfect light on an iconic outdoor scene, such as Mount Rushmore.

How Can I Find a Tip Sheet for My Favorite Places?

It will take some time for me to create custom tips sheets for every iconic place in the USA, let alone the world. So, for a limited time I’m giving away for free the process I use to create them. Along with each location-specific tip sheet, I will include a second sheet with detailed instructions about how I derive all the information I need from free resources like Google Maps. You can easily create your own tip sheets for better lighting on your favorite outdoor scenes. I get consistently better pictures and videos using this technique.

To receive a free download of the M0unt Rushmore tip sheet, plus the free instruction sheet entitled ‘Landscape Photography: It’s all about the Light,’ click this link.

What about Cloudy Skies?

On cloudy days, use my tips sheets for light planning as a general guide, just know that cloudy skies are sometimes a blessing and other times a curse. Whenever a scene will include the sky, I consider it a blessing to have up to 40 percent clouds against a blue sky. A total overcast sky usually falls into the ‘curse’ category… I might have to return another day.

On the other hand, many of my outdoor shots need not include the sky. I often shoot in canyons of the southwest United States. Overcast skies often soften shadows, and many cameras these days produce more true color reproduction on overcast days.

My experience over many years in the field has been that I almost always go to the planned location anyway, unless the forecast is for truly inclement weather that would endanger me or the equipment. Sometimes I get lucky, and the sky improves (it’s so much better to be lucky, than good).

Does this System Work for Wildlife?

While the light planning approach presented in this post always applies to still subjects, anyone who has spent time photographing wildlife knows that animals are completely unpredictable. With that said, I have found some wildlife to be creatures of habit. In Yellowstone, for example, year after year I have found a small herd of bighorn sheep in the same exact meadow along the northern boundary road, and the same blonde Grizzy in the vicinity of Fishing Bridge.

If you are planning a first-time trip to a new location, you won’t have prior experience with local wildlife, so the technique described here should only be used as a reference in the field – whenever you can, get the sun behind you for better light on your subject. But, always take the shot when it’s there! It may be gone by the time you move, and a great wildlife shot in so-so light is way better than no shot at all.

Where Can I Get the Tip Sheets, and How Much Do They Cost?

To receive a free download of the M0unt Rushmore tip sheet, plus the free instruction sheet entitled ‘Landscape Photography: It’s all about the Light,’ which will show you how to create your own light planning sheets, click here. Follow the instructions on the form to get the free printable pdf download.