Jasper in Fall Photography Tour

People come from all over the world in September to photograph the bull elk in rut in Jasper, Alberta. From award winning photographers to European tourists all want to see the large bulls fighting for the mating rights of a female. As an award winning wildlife photographer I will share my expertise and help you on your photography journey whatever your level of skill. I return to Jasper every fall for the elk rut season and know the best places to get great photos. On this day tour we will look for opportunities to showcase elk in a variety of settings to compose stunning images of these majestic mammals as well as take short hikes or drives looking for other wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep and grizzly bears. All my day tours are designed to improve your photography skills and provide lots of instruction in the field. 

Jasper is full of photographers this time of year. It is highly unlikely we will be anywhere where there are not other photographers. The elk are also highly aggressive during the rut so it will be important to be alert and I will continually be  observing their behaviour for any warning signs. There will be no issue in finding elk but we will be looking for specific spots that will allow for great habitat shots. Other species we may or we may not encounter, there is no guarantee. 

2024 Tour Dates
September 26-28

Costs
Costs $1950

What is covered in the cost?

• Pick up and drop off at your accommodations for tour
• In-field photography tips and teaching
• Light snacks and a limited selection of refreshments
• A light brown bag breakfast and lunch each day

What is not covered in the cost?

• Transportation to and from Jasper, Alberta, Canada
• Accommodations
• Dinners

What level of physical activity is required?

• You may need to be able to carry your own camera gear for up to 2 or 3 kilometers.

What will the weather be like?

• Usually at this time of the year it can be cool in the morning and be warmer later in the day. Weather however is unpredictable in Alberta and it can range from snowing to sunny, Temperatures tend to be around 0C in the morning and around 10 to 15C later in the day. 
• In the fall there is always the possibility of snow in the mountains
• An updated forecast will be provided closer to the actual date of the tour 

What should you bring?

• Dress in layers, and have good hiking books
• Plenty of batteries 
• A lens that has reach to at least 400mm ideally 600mm
• Tripod is optional, but is not required. I will may or may not be using a tripod. 

 

Itinerary (subject to change)

6:45 am - pick up at accommodations
7:00 - 7:15 am - arrive at location
7:15 - 10:00 am - photograph elk (we may move between numerous locations during this time and look for other wildlife if there are no good elk opportunities)
10:00 am - 1:30 pm hike some locations to look for other wildlife  
1:30 pm - return to accommodations for a short break, charge batteries and rest
3:00 pm - pick up at accommodations
3:15 - 6:15 pm - photograph elk (we may move between numerous locations during this time and look for other wildlife if there are no good elk opportunities)
6:15 - 6:30 pm - return to accommodations

Why take a tour with me? 

With an undergraduate degree in sciences and a doctorate in Adult Education, I know biology and I know how to teach! An award winning instructor and an award winning photographer I have been a finalist in Nature Photography of the Year, Travel Photographer of the Year, NANPA, Share the View, WildArt POTY, Nature Canada, Remembering Bears and Nature TTL, included receiving special mentions, commended, Top 100 and Top 250 awards and winning the Grand Prize of Nature Canada's Photo contest in 2023 with a great gray owl photo taken right the region of this tour!

My works have been featured in print in both national and international publications, including the most recent Best Wildlife Photographers of 2023 by Canadian Geographic. Named one of the top 16 wildlife photographers in Canada this past year by influencer digest + I live in Northern Alberta, Canada and specialize in photographing the wildlife of the Boreal Forest. I am a member of the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective and am committed to protecting wildlife in Canada and their habitat. I recently worked on the collective's Crossing Paths campaign highlighting the issues when various modes of transportation intersect with wildlife. I routinely mentor aspiring wildlife photographers and hope to inspire them to tell the story of the wildlife they experience from their own unique perspective and helps her students uncover their unique personal style.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

For more information email me at donna@donnafeledichukphotography.com