Teton Gold & Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

September 23 - 27, 2027

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Teton Gold & Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

  • 2027

  • 2028

Reviews!

Teton Gold & Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

September 23 - 27, 2027

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

$3,297 

$1,250 Due Today to Register! 
(Only if registering before May 23, 2027. Otherwise if registering after May 23, 2027, payment is due in full).

Registration is Open!
Only 9 spots left
SOLD OUT
Restock soon! PREORDER NOW
Hurry! LET BUY NOW

Only 9 spots left

Choose Your Workshop Year & Date Here:

Kindly Note:
Like many small businesses we have had to start adding a 3.5% surcharge to credit card payments. The total amounts in the shopping cart have the 3.5% surcharge added.
Workshop registration is first-come first-serve.

All attendees will be required to sign my workshop registration form here.

Dates for 2028 are not confirmed as of this time.

Quantity:

Matt Suess is an Authorized Permittee of Grand Teton National Park

GROUP DETAILS:

Open to any skill level from beginner to professional.
 

Exclusively limited to just 9 photographers.

LOCATION:

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
 

View Map ->
 

The closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Each workshop client needs to be in decent physical condition. Most locations are just a few steps away from where we park but there could be some snow and ice with walks up to 1/2 mile.

YOUR INSTRUCTORS & GUIDES

Matt Suess and Jim Nix
Title
Title

Questions about this photo workshop?

Simply fill out the form below. Be sure to let me know which photo workshop you are asking questions about!

Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Title

Teton Gold & Wildlife in
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

With Matt Suess and Jim Nix

Workshop Overview:

Picture yourself standing in Grand Teton National Park as the days grow shorter and the valley prepares for winter — aspens turning gold, the carpets of summer grass and wildflowers fading to pale yellow and dusty pink. 

 

Elk and moose have moved down from the hills for the fall breeding season, bugling and staking their ground in the sagebrush all around you. 

 

Mornings are crisp, with a faint mist rising off the water and frosty dew sparkling along every edge of vegetation. 

 

Afternoon thunderstorms roll through, throwing incredible light across the valley — everything sharper, more colorful, more alive than any other season here.

 

Join Matt Suess and Jim Nix for five days immersed in it — chasing wildlife and sweeping landscape compositions across some of the most dramatic terrain in the country.

What Makes This Workshop Different:

Equal Parts Wildlife & Landscape

 

Most fall workshops focus heavily on one or the other. 

 

This workshop gives you equal time mastering both - so you'll leave with a complete winter portfolio and the skills to photograph any snowy landscape or cold-weather wildlife scenario.

 

You'll learn to photograph a bull moose in morning mist, then shift to capturing the Tetons bathed in alpenglow with the color of fall foliage - all in the same day.

 

One of The Tetons' Most Experienced Workshop Leaders

 

Since 2015, I've led over 35+ workshops in Grand Teton National Park across all seasons. 

 

I know this landscape intimately - where moose feed at dawn, which locations offer the best wildlife with mountains compositions, and exactly how to time our shoots for optimal light and animal activity. 

 

Only 9 Photographers and 2 Professional Photographers & Guides = Personal Attention

 

This isn't a bus tour with 30 people jockeying for position. 

 

With just 9 participants, Jim and I can work with you one-on-one on your specific challenges - whether that's nailing exposure at sunrise, photographing environmental wildlife portraits, finding your unique creative voice, and more.

 

You'll get individualized attention every single day.

Title

What's Included:

  • 5 days of hands-on field instruction and guiding with two experienced professional photographers
  • Small-group attention — with only 9 spots and two instructors, you'll get real one-on-one time in the field
  • A dedicated editing session covering both Lightroom & the NIK Collection (with Matt) and Luminar (with Jim) — learn both workflows and choose what fits your style
  • Open to photographers using any camera brand
Title

What's Not Included:

  • Lodging, meals & snacks (outside of any group meals noted in the itinerary), transportation, park entrance fees

ITINERARY

More details on our itinerary will be posted in our private workshop portal (that also includes an image share community so you can post your favorite photos and see other people's work. 

Our itinerary is designed to be extremely flexible so that we can cater to both the weather/photographic potential and the group needs, so plan on being flexible with the schedule.

 

Here is a highlighted itinerary to get you started.

Day 1:

Be sure to arrive in Jackson before 3pm to allow time for hotel check-in and to get ready for our evening group dinner. You might want to consider arriving a day earlier should there be any weather delays with your flight.

The workshop will start at 4:00pm and we will photograph through sunset.

Day 2 - 4:

Plan on meeting well before sunrise (sunrise is at approx. 7:00AM) to get in position for our sunrise shoots. We will return to our hotel before noon each day, allowing everyone time to grab lunch, download images, and rest up for the evening session.


Evening sessions will start around 4pm and continue through sunset.

 

We will spend equal time on both wildlife and landscape photography. Some days may be more wildlife-focused, others more landscape-focused, depending on weather and conditions. But by the end of the workshop, you'll have mastered both.

Day 5:

Plan on meeting well before sunrise (sunrise is at approx. 7:00AM) to get in position for our last sunrise shoot. The field session will end at 9am allowing time to return to your hotel to check out.

Post Processing Sessions:

Jim and I will conduct a couple post processing sessions showing how we edit our photos using Lightroom, Luminar, and DxO software. These optional sessions will like happen an hour before we meet at 4pm.

LOGISTICS

Who Is This Workshop For

This workshop is designed for any skill level, yet a DSLR/Mirrorless or equivalent camera with interchangeable lenses AND a sturdy tripod are required, as well as a basic working knowledge of your camera. Mobile phone photographers - especially iPhone - are also welcome! 

Most clients who take my workshops are beginners to advanced amateurs and even pros. My workshops are filled with hands-on instruction & demonstrations. I encourage & help find and develop each clients' unique personal style of photography.

 

About 60% of my workshop clients are repeat clients who've taken previous workshops with me - that's how transformative these experiences are.

Physical Difficulty: EASY to MODERATE

Each workshop client needs to be in decent physical condition with the ability to walk on trails up to 1/2 mile or so. 

What Airport and when to Arrive

The best bet is to fly direct into Jackson, WY (JAC).

If that is not a possibility then consider flying into Salt Lake City, UT. You will have an approx. 5hr drive from Salt Lake to Jackson. However weather may be a factor in your travels from Salt Lake, so definitely consider the Jackson airport as your best option.

Be sure to arrive in Jackson before 1pm on Day 1 to allow time for hotel check-in and to get ready for our evening session. Ideally it is best to arrive a day earlier should there be any delays with your flight.

Where to Stay

We're working on a group discount rate at a hotel in Jackson, WY, which we'll share once confirmed. You're welcome to stay there or book anywhere else in the area that suits you — there's no requirement to stay with the group.

This info will be in our private website portal.

Group Dinners

Most evenings, we'll try to gather together for dinner as a group — a great chance to unwind, share the day's photos, and swap stories. 

 

These are on your own tab, but they're a real, scheduled part of the workshop experience, not just free time.

What Is Included

  • Photo Instruction & Guiding from both Matt Suess and Jim Nix

  • Wildlife & Landscape photography instruction

  • Informal Post Processing Sessions using Lightroom, Luminar, and DxO

  • An unforgettable experience in one of America's most iconic landscapes

What Is Not Included

  • Any flights

  • Lodging (we are working on a group rate discount)

  • Transportation (we will carpool during the workshop)

  • Park Entrance Fees

  • Food (outside breakfast), alcohol, snacks and beverages

  • Personal travel, medical, equipment or trip cancellation insurance

Travel Insurance

It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to purchase quality travel insurance. Some companies allow for the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. More information will be provided upon registration.

Traveling With a Spouse/Companion

This workshop is a small-group, hands-on learning experience — so field sessions, instruction, and critiques are reserved for registered participants. If a spouse or partner would like to join those activities, they're welcome to register as a full participant.

 

That said, we'd love to have them join us for any group dinners! It's a great chance to unwind together at the end of the day — just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

 

Workshops aren't a location for pets, with the exception of guide dogs.

What to Bring / Weather

A complete list of What to Bring will be provided. This list will mention required and suggested items regarding camera equipment and clothing to keep warm. 

Carpooling

We will carpool during the workshop and I will need three driver volunteers.

Cancellation & Refund Policy for This Workshop

We know that plans can change, unforeseen circumstances can happen and no one wants to miss out on the trip of a lifetime. To provide the best customer support possible and to keep groups small and affordable, our cancellation policy ensures we can continue to provide clients the best possible foto experience.

For this workshop the following applies:.

  • The initial $1,250 registration fee is non-refundable, but it is transferable to another workshop provided we are more than 120 days from the start of the workshop (a $350 administrative fee is applied to all transfers).

  • The remaining balance is due 120 days from the start of the workshop.

  • If you cancel within 120 days from the start of the workshop and you are able to find someone to fill your spot, you would be entitled to receive a refund (minus your initial registration fee and a $350 administrative fee). If you are unable to fill your spot, all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. It is highly suggested to purchase good trip insurance to cover you in such an instance.

If you wish to cancel or transfer to another workshop MORE than 120 Days from the Start: your registration fee will be transferable to another workshop by Matt Suess with a $350 administrative fee.

If you wish to cancel or transfer to another workshop less than 120 Days from the Start: no refunds or transfers (assuming you cannot fill your spot)

You can view my full cancellation & refund policy along with other important information here.

Title

Matt Suess

Fine Art Photographer and OM SYSTEM, NiSi, Fotopro, Ororo Wear Ambassador

Photography has always been a huge part of my life starting at the age of 12 when I had my own black & white chemical darkroom. That early interest launched a full-time professional photography career that began in 1990 and continues today.

For the first 17 years of my career I was a photojournalist based in New England. I am a digital photography pioneer and began teaching digital photography to photojournalists in the late 90’s, helping bring digital cameras to two different newspapers. I was awarded the 2003 New England Press Associations Photographer of the Year award for my work at the Cape Cod Times. During my time as a photojournalist, I also photographed weddings & portraits, as well as corporate & commercial assignments.

In 2006 I decided to leave all of that behind and move West, where I am now a fine art landscape, nature, wildlife, travel, and Milky Way photographer, educator, and publisher. I also accept select luxury resort & architectural photography assignments.

I teach numerous field & classroom workshops throughout the year as well as online courses and I provide occasional free online webinars. You may have already seen my videos/webinars for OM SYSTEM / Olympus, Hunts Photo & Video, B&H Photo, Skylum and ON1. My passion for sharing and teaching what I have learned during my long career is evident in my down-to-earth and encouraging approach with my clients.

I am honored to be sponsored by Olympus / OM SYSTEM as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador but I teach photography to anyone using any camera brand.

I live in Bozeman, Montana with my blue heeler cattle dog. You can find me online on Instagram and YouTube at @mattsuessphoto
Title
Alt image

Watch the PetaPixel Documentary:
Off the Beaten Path with Photographer Matt Suess

Join OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess as he embarks on a photography journey to Stanley, Idaho to capture the incredible Sawtooth Mountains. While getting off the beaten path in one of the most photogenic locations in the United States, Suess describes how he uses the powerful features of his OM-5 camera to capture Idaho's incredible sunrises, sunsets, and nightscapes.

Jim Nix

Travel Photographer, YouTube Educator & Skylum Ambassador

Jim is a self-taught travel and landscape photographer based in Austin, Texas, whose colorful, expressive style has taken him everywhere from the icy landscapes of Iceland to the streets of London. 

 

Named one of the world's top travel photographers, his work has been licensed worldwide and published in Popular Photography Magazine. 

 

As a Skylum Ambassador, Jim has co-led international photo tours to Iceland and Madeira, and his YouTube channel, home to hundreds of tutorials on Luminar, Lightroom, and more, has built a devoted following of photographers looking to sharpen both their eye and their editing. 

 

Jim brings a genuine second editing perspective to the workshop, giving you real-world Lightroom and Luminar instruction from two working pros.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Send us your question by filling out the form below, we will be happy to assist you.

Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Email *

Question *

Is there a lot of walking/hiking during this workshop?

No, there isn't. Most locations are just a few steps away from where we park, with walks up to 1/2 mile.

Are there restrictions on participation?

My workshops do not normally entail strenuous activity unless specified. Nevertheless, participants must be able to complete moderate walks/hikes with their required photo gear, sometimes on uneven or slippery surfaces.

 

If you have any health problems or physical limitations, please let me know prior to booking. 

I am a pure beginner (or advanced) photographer. Is this workshop for me?

This workshop is open to all photography levels from beginner to pro. I have had clients who didn't know what an f-stop was and I have had those who are just about ready to - or are already - selling their own prints.

 

Being such a small group, I am able to work with each client individually no matter their experience level to help them improve and reach their individual goals.

 

About 60% of my workshop clients overall are repeat clients, which tells you something about the quality of instruction and experience you'll receive.

What is your experience photographing in Grand Teton National Park?

I have been photographing the Tetons since 2012 and began leading photo workshops there in 2015. Each year I usually lead at least 4 scheduled group workshops including a Milky Way workshop as well as spring, fall, and winter workshops. Over the past decade, I've led 35+ workshops in Grand Teton National Park - more than almost any other photographer.

 

As far as I can tell, no other instructor leads more scheduled group photo workshops in the Tetons than myself.

I live just 4.5 hours away from the Tetons and often travel down there throughout the year for my own personal photos as well.

I know of numerous locations to bring my clients depending on the time of day and the lighting conditions to maximize time in the field photographing.

Will we work on our computers and learn how to process our photos?

Yes, we will have a few informal post-processing sessions where Jim Nix and I will give demos and also provide feedback & critique for those who desire it. This will be done on the laptop/iPad using Lightroom.

Is this primarily a landscape or wildlife workshop?

This is both a landscape and a wildlife workshop, with equal time devoted to each.

 

That's what makes it unique. Most workshops heavily favor one or the other. This workshop gives you complete training in both disciplines, so you leave with a well-rounded skill set and a diverse portfolio.

 

On average half the time will be devoted to landscapes while the other half is devoted to wildlife. Some days may lean more one direction based on conditions, but by week's end, you'll have mastered both.

Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

This workshop is a small-group, hands-on learning experience — so field sessions, instruction, and critiques are reserved for registered participants. If a spouse or partner would like to join those activities, they're welcome to register as a full participant.

 

That said, we'd love to have them join us for any group dinners! It's a great chance to unwind together at the end of the day — just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

 

Workshops aren't a location for pets, with the exception of guide dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding My Photo Workshops & Tours in General

What sets your workshops apart from other workshops?

I absolutely love teaching & guiding! I have over 30 years of professional photography experience, am detail orientated, and always put the needs of my clients first.

 

I have a unique photo background with experience creating and selling my work in such diverse fields as photojournalism, sports, portrait, wedding, editorial, and commercial photography.

 

My specialty since 2006 has been fine art landscape, wildlife, night sky & Milky Way, and travel photography. I draw from all of my life experiences to provide you with whatever technical and artistic guidance you need.

 

With my help, you will grow and expand your visual expression as well as your technical skills. In addition, you will have a great time in the process!

Why should I attend one of your workshops?

I will show you how to create inspiring and amazing fine art quality photographs. You will learn how to see more creatively and how to translate that vision into a final image that has emotional impact.

 

I make it easy to learn techniques and concepts that you will take with you every time you walk out the door with your camera. I have extensive experience teaching the concepts of photography, leading photo workshops/tours since 2012.

 

I am a hands-on learner myself and teach using a hands-on approach that will give you the best opportunity to retain information and further your photography skills long after the workshop has concluded.

 

Lastly I love teaching small groups. Most of my workshops feature small sizes with 6 to 12 clients on average. This allows for extremely low teacher to client ratios and provides valuable one-on-one opportunities to work with me and my guides during the workshop.

Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, I have a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven’t registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are also not a location for pets and thus are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Do you photograph during field workshops?

Yes I do on occasion and only when the light is amazing or when I need to photograph certain subjects for later classroom use and field discussion of composition and exposure.

 

When I do photograph along with my clients, the goal is to inspire them to learn to see creative compositions. It can be extremely valuable watching me work a scene.

 

Rest assured however that I am far more concerned that my clients get the shot and I ALWAYS put their needs first.

What level of photography experience do I have to have in order to attend one of your workshops?

It depends upon the workshop, so please check with the specific workshop you are interested in. Most workshops are geared towards beginner to professional abilities.

Do you provide travel insurance for your workshop participants?

I do NOT provide travel insurance as part of my workshop fees, but I definitely recommend clients get it. I highly recommend trip insurance that also includes travel health insurance. I personally use Allianz Travel. The cost for travel insurance is typically 4-7% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other variable factors.

What’s included in my tuition? Rooms, transportation, meals?

Tuition includes all lectures, fieldwork, guiding, any classroom instruction and critiques of your photos during any classroom sessions.

 

Travel & transportation costs, lodging, entrance fees, and meals are not included in the cost of admission unless otherwise specified.

What should I bring with me to one of your workshops?

You will receive a workshop welcome kit before the start that will contain detailed information regarding the proper gear to bring with you.

What happens in bad weather?

Do not dismiss bad weather, as great photos can be found under some seemingly dreary skies. Many times we will be out in stormy weather, provided it’s not putting you or your equipment at risk.

 

Great pictures can happen during fog, snow, rain and mist.

 

If conditions are too extreme, we will find a location to wait out the weather. During this time, we can work on our images on our laptops while I assist you and give demonstrations.

Do you provide transportation?

I do not supply transportation for my workshops unless otherwise specified. I encourage participants to carpool once the workshop has begun, to minimize our impact on the environment and to facilitate parking. Please come expecting to share your car with others or to jump in and share someone else’s.

What is your cancellation policy?

Each workshop has it's own cancellation policy you can review on each workshop's registration page.

CLIENT REVIEWS/TESTIMONIALS

Harley M.
"I think the way you handled the workshop was as near perfect as any student could ask for."
2019 Fall Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client
Winnie A.
"I really cannot wait for this... figuring out how to make this particular trip happen has been on my mind since I first decided I wanted to get into landscape photography. And I know after working with you this year, I will truly be ready for it!"
2022 Photo Mentorship Client & 2023 Lofoten Aurora Workshop Client

Jill E.

"You have the utmost patience and instead of just telling me to do something, or how to do something, you helped me to think about solutions. Many instructors/leaders have an ego and those individuals are difficult to learn from. You don't. You are a top-notch instructor."
2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

"Matt is the best instructor I've had for any creative activity, but especially photography. He is patient in explaining things, and really helps you focus on the areas that YOU want to develop rather than focusing on what he thinks you need improvement on.

He also is the only instructor I've had in creative endeavors that is so supportive of you owning your unique style - I've always been one to do things my way, and most instructors struggle with students who don't "do as you're told," but Matt teaches to help you learn rather than trying to get you to do things his way.

Matt also is great about making sure that each person gets heard and gets time for their questions to be answered, which requires facilitation of the discussions in such a way that people aren't talked over but also that people don't feel like they are being shut down...this is not an easy thing to do. Plus, he has a great sense of humor, which is always appreciated!

The Milky Way Workshop felt more about learning some techniques, setting up the shot, then waiting to see if it worked. This was more thinking on your feet and instantly applying things and adjusting (which was likely part of my challenge...my brain wasn't ready).

I would recommend both trips, and have so loved showing people the magic that was captured both times. And it's fun to be able to brag about the great teacher we had each time."

Emily L.

2018 June Tetons Milky Way and 2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

Visit Matt's Sponsors, Partners & Friends

Cameras & Photo Gear

OM SYSTEM / Olympus
Cameras & Lenses

I am an Official NiSi Reseller and you can order your NiSi Filters direct from me here.

Get the best iPhone lenses out there - and the ones I always use - from REEFLEX here.

Save 10% with code: MATTSUESS10
Title

Photo Software & Websites

Radiant Photo - an excellent and unique photo editor. Save 10% with coupon code: mattsuess

ON1 Photo RAW 
Save with code: mattsuess20

Luminar NEO
Save with code: mattsuess10

Mylio Photos is a really awesome photo management cataloging program. Check out a Free Trial with special savings.

DxO makes some of my favorite photo processing software such as: PhotoLab, PureRAW, FilmPack, & the NIK Collection.

Topaz Labs makes popular plugins like: Sharpen Al, Denoise Al, Photo Al, and Gigapixel Al.

SlickPic is an Amazing photo website builder to make impressive Portfolio and/or Gallery Websites that run my Portfolio & Workshop Galleries. Build it yourself or let them do it. Save up to 25% with my special link here.
Title

Photo Software & Websites

I am a brand ambassador for Ororo Heated Clothes and highly recommend their heated gloves, vests, and more!

Systeme is a great platform to sell your courses, digital. downloads, workshops, products, and more and I used it successfully for a few years! Start your free trial here today.

I use Shopify for sales of my online courses, presets, camera filters, and tripods. Bring your ideas to life on Shopify for just $1/month here.
Title