Connecting Light Tours
Close-up profile of a bull moose with wide velvet antlers, the setting for the Moose & Mountains Grand Teton wildlife photography tour

Moose & Mountains

A Grand Teton Wildlife Photography Tour

DatesOctober 30 – November 2
BaseJackson, Wyoming
Group SizeLimited to 6 Guests
Reserve Your SpotView the Gallery

The Experience

Four Days With Grand Teton's Bull Moose

Grand Teton is home to the most impressive bull moose in the continental United States. During the rut, bulls can be more aggressive and less tolerant as they are searching for cow moose. In late October through November, as the rut is starting to settle, the bulls come together in larger groups and move onto the open sage flats, allowing better viewing and the potential for that dreamy Teton mountain background. Don't worry, there is still plenty of action between the bulls as they are grouped up and still have friendly sparring matches with each other!

Join us October 30 - November 2 to be there for it. Everyone is welcome, photographer or not. This photography focused trip simply means spending long stretches watching one animal rather than racing around the park or spending all day at the lodge. Photography is all about taking it slow, and savoring the experience and that's what we aim to do.

Your guides are all working photographers with years behind the lens. New to photography? We'll give you as much hands-on instruction as you need. Already know your gear? We'll just point you in the right direction.

Your Guides

Who You'll Be In the Field With

Two photography instructors and a permitted commercial use guide, working together so you can focus entirely on the shot in front of you in a space that's truly accepting of all people, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or background. We welcome every guest, exactly as they are.

Kyle Rohlfing lying among his wildlife photography camera gear and telephoto lenses

Kyle Rohlfing (he/him)

Photography Instructor & Co-Founder

Kyle Rohlfing is an award-winning wildlife photographer with 8 years of experience photographing across North America and Africa, from grizzlies and wolves in the American West to the great megafauna of the African wilderness. A software engineer by trade, he brings technical precision and field-earned patience to his work, knowing the best wildlife images come from understanding animal behavior and letting the animals decide when to approach. In his workshops, Kyle shares not just technical skills, but the mindset of observation and respect that makes wildlife photography so rewarding.

@RohlfingWildlife
Sarah Moore and her wife forming a heart shape with their hands while hiking in the mountains

Sarah Moore (she/her)

Photography Instructor & Co-Founder

Sarah Moore first picked up a camera in 2020 and quickly fell in love with wildlife photography, then moved out West to the rockies with her wife to enjoy more wildlife viewing. Working full-time in animal rescue, she has a deep understanding of animal behavior, allowing her to anticipate moments and capture authentic, natural images. Sarah hopes to share the beauty and character of the wildlife that inspires her every day.

@smooreventures
Kyle Dropik standing in the snow at sunset beneath the Grand Teton mountain range

Kyle Dropik (he/him)

Lead Guide, CUA Permit Holder

Kyle Dropik is a wildlife photographer and naturalist based in the Rockies, who left a decade running his family business after a personal loss redirected him toward the mountains. Years of travel and guiding across Yellowstone and abroad led him to found Yellowstone Exposures, where he aims to connect others with wild places.

@kyledropik

Our Mission

Our Conservation Mission

When you book a tour with Connecting Light, you can rest assured that you're only supporting guides and organizations genuinely committed to protecting wildlife and the wild places they call home. We're in a unique position to show what responsible wildlife tourism looks like and giving back to the habitats we photograph, not just taking from them so we only take on partnerships and trips that align with our values: real conservation and sustainability, not just marketing.

Our Commitment

A Welcoming Space for Every Guest

Connecting Light Tours is committed to creating a space where every guest feels welcome. Regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or background, every guest belongs exactly as they are; in the field, at the table, and behind the lens.

The Itinerary

Four Days in Moose Country

A day-by-day outline of the tour. Exact field locations and times shift daily based on animal activity and weather. While moose are the focus, the same habitat is also home to elk, pronghorn, bald eagles, coyotes, foxes, bears, wolves, and more. We'll be on the lookout for all wildlife and will make the most of any opportunity, but impressive bull moose in epic scenery is the main target.

Day 1Oct 30

Arrival in Jackson, WY & Sunset Photography

Fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), where we'll pick you up personally. Settle in, meet the group, gear check, and a welcome meal to go over the days ahead. Evening photo session taking advantage of sunset lighting.

Days 2 & 3Oct 31 - Nov 1

Full Day Photo Tour With Midday Break

Early morning departure to prime moose habitat for sunrise and best light. Midday break followed by a full afternoon/evening looking for other wildlife and moose with the tetons. End each day with a group dinner in Jackson, WY and photo review.

Day 4Nov 2

Farewell & Departure

Early morning final moose photo session followed by a relaxed farewell breakfast, then we'll drop you back at Jackson Hole Airport in time for your departure flight. We will remain shooting right up until your flight is scheduled.

The Details

What to Expect

This is a true wilderness photography tour. Here's what's covered, what to pack, and what it takes physically to join us.

What's Included

  • Round-trip pickup & drop-off at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
  • Lodging for all 3 nights
  • All meals throughout the tour
  • Transportation to and from shooting locations each day
  • Hands-on photography instruction from Kyle & Sarah
  • Permitted (CUA) guiding throughout Grand Teton National Park with Kyle Dropik

What's Not Included

  • Airfare or other travel to and from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
  • Lodging before or after the tour dates
  • Camera gear, lenses, and personal equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities for guides

What to Bring

  • Camera body, lenses, and extra batteries/cards
  • Camera cleaning supplies
  • Tripod or monopod
  • Binoculars
  • Layered clothing for cold mornings and variable fall weather
  • Tall waterproof boots or waders, in case we get in the water with the moose

Physical Requirements

  • Able to hike up to 5 miles daily over uneven terrain, in adverse weather conditions
  • Able to sit or stand for extended periods of time in the field
  • Able to wade slow moving rivers/streams unassisted

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything else you might want to know before reserving your spot.

Can you guarantee moose or other wildlife sightings?

We're guiding in prime habitat during a time moose are known to gather, so moose sightings are very likely, but wildlife is never guaranteed. This is a wild, unscripted experience, however with that being said 99% of the time we have had luck in these areas, and will do our best to increase the odds of success.

What other wildlife might we see?

Many species call the Grand Teton area home, including but not limited to elk, pronghorn, bald eagles, coyotes, foxes, bears, wolves, mountain lions and more. While no animal sighting is ever guaranteed, the most common sightings tend to be moose, elk, deer, coyotes, foxes, and bears.

Do I have to be a photographer to join the tour?

Nope! While this is a photography-focused tour, anyone with an interest in wildlife and the outdoors is welcome. We will be providing photography instruction, but you do not need to be a photographer to enjoy the experience. A photography-focused tour simply means that we will be spending a lot more time with particular animals just waiting and observing them in their natural habitat, which is a very different experience than a typical wildlife tour. This is a great opportunity to truly spend time with wildlife and learn about wildlife behavior.

Do I need my own camera gear, or can I rent equipment?

You'll need your own camera body and lenses. We highly recommend a telephoto lens of at least 400mm, and a wider-angle lens such as a 24-70mm or a 135mm for landscape and environmental shots.

What's your cancellation and refund policy?

Deposits and payments are refundable only if we're unable to run the tour, or if you find a replacement guest to take your place.

How many people are on the tour?

We cap each tour at 6 guests so everyone gets real one-on-one instruction time in the field and to keep our presence smaller in the habitat giving us the best viewing opportunities.

Is airfare to Jackson Hole included?

No, airfare to and from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is not included. Round-trip pickup and drop-off from the airport is covered once you land.

What's the weather like in late October?

Expect cold mornings, variable fall conditions, and the possibility of snow. Layered clothing and tall waterproof boots are highly recommended, see the What to Bring list for details.

Reserve Your Spot

Join Us in the Field

Only 6 spots are available for this tour, so guests get real one-on-one instruction time and better photographic/viewing opportunities

$2,500per person
Deposit$1,250
Group sizeLimited to 6 guests
DatesOctober 30 - November 2
Reserve My Spot

Refund policy: deposits and payments are refundable only if we're unable to run the tour, or if you find a replacement guest to take your place.

Minimum of 2 guests required to run the tour. If we don't meet that minimum, we'll refund your deposit and payments in full.