Jackson Hole is designated as a Dark Sky region. With no nearby large cities to pollute the heavens, it can be darned dark! Most of the photos I took at night were in the southern portion of the park. On the nights I stayed out late in the northern portion, I was keenly aware of every snap or sound, knowing grizzlies roam the area. Most people suggest going out with a friend, but really, I didn’t heed that advice too often.
With the Internet and software like The Photographer’s Ephemeris, Stellarium, and PhotoPills, it’s fairly easy to determine which nights would be best for star photography and where the Milky Way will cross the heavens. (Actually, the stars stay still, and the earth rotates). In reality, the Milky Way is never as bright as most photographers show it in their photos, but it’s fun to see it glowing against the dark blue or black skies.
The challenge, at least in my opinion, is to include something recognizable in a capture to go with the stars. Many people go to the Mormon Row barns and homesteads for that very reason. Reflected stars in calm water can also add interest.
Note: The Park Service tells photographers that it is illegal to use any sort of light for illuminating subjects…often referred to as “light painting”. Unless someone complains, there aren’t a lot of rangers patrolling the park in the late night hours. The Park Service threatens tour operators with a possible loss of their Conditional Use Permit. It is legal to use a way finding flashlight of any size, however. It’s illegal to spotlight animals in the Park, or anywhere in the state.
Most of the photos I took at night were in the southern portion of the park. On the nights I stayed out late in the northern portion, I was keenly aware of every snap or sound, knowing grizzlies roam the area. Most people suggest going out with a friend, but really, I didn’t heed that advice too often.
