The Winter That Wasn’t — And What It Gave Us: Kyle Moon January 2026 Photo Workshop

Trip Report & Photos by YW Photo Naturalist Kyle Moon

This winter sparked plenty of conversation — many wondering if it would ever fully arrive. Conditions were certainly different than what we typically expect, and as always, weather remains the one variable we can’t control. But we head out regardless. And while the season looked a little different this year, it created its own set of opportunities. By staying flexible and attentive, we were able to make the most of the encounters that unfolded in front of us. Each day — whether along the Northern Range or deep in Yellowstone’s Interior — offered something unique for the group, reminding us that great wildlife experiences aren’t defined by conditions alone, but by what the landscape and its animals choose to reveal.

Northern Range — Field Craft in Action

One of our first mornings we scanned from Lamar Valley to Pebble Creek at sunrise with little to show. Eventually we located several moose in Soda Butte Valley feeding on willows — including a bull still carrying his antlers unusually late in the season. Knowing he could shed them at any moment, we prioritized him. Rather than settle for a distant roadside frame, we used field craft to move ahead of the moose and anticipate their direction. As they worked toward us, we captured strong frames before they eventually bedded down. More important than the images was the discussion that followed — reading behavior, choosing routes, and learning how anticipation and respect guide wildlife photography.

Bighorn Rams & Earning the Moon

On our second day along the Northern Range, three bighorn rams appeared along the ridgeline between Soda Butte and Lamar Valleys — one of them an absolute unit. We started from the road, but strong composition begins with your feet. By adjusting angles and elevation, we worked the scene from multiple perspectives.

Later that afternoon, the large ram appeared again — this time with the rising moon behind him. We quickly moved through the snow, adjusting our position until everything aligned. Sitting in the snow, cameras ready, the moon finally settled just above the ram’s back. A moment earned, not stumbled upon.

The Interior — Anticipation Over Reaction

Traveling into Yellowstone’s Interior by snow coach always feels like entering another world. This year’s mild temperatures meant fewer frost-covered scenes, but the wildlife still delivered. Near Hayden Valley we encountered a rare sight — a river otter along an open stretch of the frozen Yellowstone River. While others chased it downstream, we waited. With no additional open water ahead, it made little sense for the otter to continue that direction. Instead, we positioned ourselves and committed to compositions in anticipation. Soon enough, the otter resurfaced directly in front of us — comfortable and undisturbed — allowing everyone to capture the moment from their own perspective.

Later in Hayden Valley, we photographed a small herd of bison moving through a landscape near the famed “Murphy Tree.” Rather than replicate the classic photograph of the lone tree, we waited for the bison to move through the scene and created “small in the frame” compositions that emphasized scale and survival in winter. Patience allowed the scene to develop naturally — a reminder that originality often comes from restraint.

Bringing It All Together

On our final day we worked Madison Valley, photographing bald eagles, trumpeter swans, coyotes, and even the lone mountain goat known to winter there. We ended along a quiet stretch of rapids on the Gibbon River — a place I discovered years ago while following an eagle downstream. A reminder that exploration often rewards curiosity.

Why Workshops Matter

Workshops bring together photographers of all experience levels who want to elevate their craft while sharing meaningful experiences in wild places. They can be mentally demanding — but deeply rewarding. If you’re ready to take your wildlife photography to the next level, I invite you to join one of my upcoming workshops. My goal is simple: to help you grow not only as a photographer, but in your appreciation for the wild moments that make this pursuit so meaningful.

To learn more about Kyle, and the rest of the Yellowstone Wild team, visit our “About Us” page.