Glacier National Park Photography and Travel Guide
Photo by Kevin Vandivier
When I was a freshman in high school, my family made a trek to Glacier National Park in Montana that extended into a trip throughout Alberta, where we visited Waterton, Banff, Lake Louise, and a variety of other crazy beautiful locations.
But it was Glacier National Park that truly caught my attention.
I was no stranger to beautiful landscapes or soaring mountains, but it seemed as though Glacier National Park was on a completely other level. Everything was more beautiful, bigger, and more impressive than anything I'd seen before.
It was there that my love of photography began, and in the decades since, I look back on that trip with fond memories (and some pretty nice photos, if I don't say so myself!).
If you've never experienced the majesty of Glacier National Park, let this photography and travel guide serve as a leaping point for planning your trip.
Editor's Note: It has come to my attention that my buddy Kevin Vandivier has a spot open for his Glacier Photo Adventure coming up on August 15-19, 2019 and is willing to offer a pretty nice deal for the last-minute notice. Kevin is an expert photographer with decades of experience behind the lens, and started his career shooting wildlife for National Geographic Society, so a workshop with him is a fantastic opportunity to improve your photography skills. Contact Kevin today to join the ADVENTURE!
What to Photograph in Glacier National Park - Lake McDonald
Photo by Kevin Vandivier
Lake McDonald presents a unique opportunity for photographers.
In many cases, one must walk or hike to find the premium views that escape the masses that rarely venture away from the roadways and parking areas that dot the park.
Yet, Lake McDonald affords breathtaking views just a few steps from the road.
Photo by Kevin Vandivier
The perfectly still waters of the lake are the ideal foreground element for photographing the surrounding mountain peaks that extend toward the sky.
Sunrise and sunset are optimal times to visit the lake, when the soft glow of the morning or evening light sets the mountains on fire.
Don't miss out on an opportunity to highlight the rainbow-colored rocks beneath the surface of the lake's waters, either. There are secluded coves all over where you can set up your camera and capture a low-angle shot of the rocks, the lake, and the mountains without being disturbed by throngs of tourists.
As you can see in the previous two photos, visiting the park in the spring during the winter thaw presents you with unique opportunities to photograph the changing landscape of the park.
What to Photograph in Glacier National Park - Weather
Photo by Kevin Vandivier
No matter if you visit in the spring, summer, or fall, Glacier National Park will eventually give you a chance to capture weather events that range from thunderstorms to gently falling snow.
With rainbows, lightning bolts, and spectacular sunsets a possibility as well, you can capture some truly dramatic shots!
It helps that the landscape of Glacier is one of the most awe-inspiring in the world.
Photo by Kevin Vandivier
The combination of the jagged mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, and soaring evergreens with roiling clouds, rain bands, and the saturated colors of the sunset is certainly one that can be utterly breathtaking.
And since there are so many vistas in the park from which you can compose a shot of a stunning scene, there's no lack of opportunity for showcasing how weather impacts the land. You just have to be patient - as they say, wait five minutes, and the weather will change!
Quick Tip: Use a long lens (as was done in the image above) to create a more intimate landscape photo. Doing so allows you to zero in on a small detail and delight the viewer's eye with aspects of the larger landscape that might otherwise get lost in a wide-angle shot.
What to Photograph in Glacier National Park - Wildlife
Photo by Kevin Vandivier
The wildlife in Glacier National Park is as abundant as the epic views it provides.
From the ever-popular grizzly and black bears to lumbering moose, elusive lynx and mountain lions, and commonly-seen elk, and mule deer, the park is full of large mammals you can photograph from afar.
In the spring, grizzly bears can be found in the high valleys and meadows where they dine on berries while black bears, like the one shown above, can be found fishing for trout in summer streams.
Moose can be found throughout the summer months in watery areas with willows and shrubs, and elk and deer are often spotted in mountain meadows in the spring, summer, and fall.
Planning Your Glacier National Park Photography Trip
Photo by Kevin Vandivier
As I noted earlier, there is no doubting the sheer, unabashed beauty of Glacier National Park. There is a breathtaking view in every direction at virtually every spot you might visit along the parks miles and miles of roads and trails.
The difficulty with visiting the park as a photographer is simply deciding where to go and what to photograph - the opportunities are simply endless.
For my money, the best way to explore this incredible area is as part of a photography adventure.
I mentioned above that my buddy Kevin Vandivier leads photography adventures in Glacier, and has been doing so for many, many years. His next one is coming up fast, August 15-19, 2019.
If you think about it, it's the best way to see the park, find photography hot spots, and grow as a photographer.
Photo by Kevin Vandivier
Besides, taking part in a photography adventure means you don't have to pay for in-park transportation, park entry fees, permits, meals, or lodging. You don't have to plan your days, either! Instead, you can rely on Kevin's expertise to get you to breathtaking locations where you can hone your skills in the most beautiful outdoor classroom you'll ever find.
All you have to do is pack your gear and get yourself to Glacier!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you don't want to miss. Check out the workshop details and sign up here to reserve the last spot!