Bison are one of North America’s most iconic animals. Capturing their strength and beauty requires patience, technique, and the right equipment. Whether you’re shooting in Yellowstone or the Great Plains, this guide will help you get stunning bison photos while staying safe and respecting the wildlife.
Best Locations for Bison Photography
Bison are commonly found in:
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
One of the best places to photograph bison, especially in winter when snow creates a dramatic backdrop.
Custer State Park (South Dakota)
Offers great close-up opportunities during the annual bison roundup.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (Oklahoma)
A fantastic place to capture bison in native prairie settings.
National Bison Range (Montana)
Ideal for photographing herds in rolling hills.
Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota)
A lesser-known but excellent location for capturing bison in a natural environment.
Best Time to Photograph Bison
Golden Hours (Early Morning & Late Afternoon)
Soft light enhances textures and colors.
Winter
Snow provides contrast, and steam from their breath adds atmosphere.
Spring
Calves are born, adding interest and unique interactions.
Fall
The rut (mating season) offers dramatic behaviors and fights between bulls.
After Rainstorms
Creates a moody, dramatic look with wet fur and mist in the background.
Camera Gear and Settings
Camera and Lenses
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Provides better image quality and control.
Telephoto Lens (300mm-600mm)
Keeps a safe distance while capturing details.
Wide-Angle Lens (14mm-35mm)
Useful for environmental shots showing bison in their landscape.
Tripod or Monopod
Helps stabilize long lenses for sharper images.
Weather Protection Gear
Essential when shooting in rain, snow, or dusty environments.
Camera Settings
Shutter Speed
At least 1/1000s to freeze motion.
Aperture
Use f/5.6 to f/8 for sharpness and depth.
ISO
Start around 400-800, adjust based on lighting.
Focus Mode
Use Continuous Autofocus (AI Servo or AF-C) to track moving bison.
Metering Mode
Evaluative or Matrix Metering works best for balanced exposure.
Burst Mode
Helps capture quick action shots, such as running or dust-bathing bison.
Safety Tips for Photographing Bison
Bison can weigh over 2,000 pounds and run at 35 mph. Always follow these safety guidelines:
- Stay at least 100 yards away.
- Never approach a bison as they can charge unexpectedly.
- Use a telephoto lens instead of getting too close.
- If a bison raises its tail, back away as it may charge.
- Shoot from a vehicle or designated trails when possible.
- Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that might startle them.
- Respect Park Regulations. Many national parks have strict guidelines on wildlife interaction.
Composition and Techniques
Framing the Shot
Rule of Thirds
Place the bison off-center for a balanced composition.
Leading Lines
Use roads, rivers, or trails to guide the viewer’s eye.
Negative Space
Show the vast landscapes around the bison for a sense of scale.
Silhouettes
Shoot against a sunrise or sunset for dramatic effects.
Low Angles
Make the bison appear even more majestic and powerful.
Behavior to Capture
Grazing
Shows the natural calmness of bison.
Dust Baths
Creates dynamic, textured shots.
Fighting Bulls
Adds energy and action to your portfolio.
Herd Movement
Demonstrates their social dynamics and power.
Interacting with Calves
Adds emotional depth to the images.
Advantages of Small Group Photography Tours
For beginners and pros alike, small group photography tours offer several benefits:
Expert Guides
They know the best locations and times to find bison.
Safety
Guided tours ensure safe distances from wildlife.
Exclusive Access
Some tours offer private land access for unique shots.
Learning Experience
Group tours allow you to improve skills by learning from others.
Less Disturbance to Wildlife
Smaller groups mean reduced human impact on animal behavior.
Post-Processing Tips
Adjust Exposure
Bison’s dark fur can fool camera meters; brighten shadows if needed.
Enhance Details
Use clarity and texture sliders to bring out fur details.
Increase Contrast
Helps separate the bison from the background.
Fine-Tune Colors
Adjust white balance to match lighting conditions.
Crop Thoughtfully
Keep the composition strong by eliminating distractions.
Final Thoughts
Photographing bison requires preparation, patience, and respect for the animal. By choosing the right gear, settings, and locations, you can capture breathtaking images. If you’re new to wildlife photography or want to improve your skills, consider joining small group photography tours for a safe and rewarding experience.
With these tips, you’ll be ready to capture stunning bison images while ensuring both your safety and the animal’s well-being. Happy shooting!
