Filming Yellowstone in the Heart of Winter
In February of 2023, I found myself deep in the snow-covered wilderness of Yellowstone National Park, camera in hand, braving the elements to capture the raw beauty of one of America’s most iconic landscapes. This was winter at its most extreme—bitterly cold, unpredictably wild, and breathtakingly beautiful.
I was there to test the then-brand-new Sigma 60-600mm DG DN lens, but this trip was about more than just gear—it was about immersing myself in the frozen heartbeat of Yellowstone. The park in winter is a world away from its bustling summer self. Here, in the vast silence of February, the snow blankets the land, muffling all sound except for the occasional gust of wind, the crunch of hooves, or the haunting call of a distant wolf.
One of the highlights of this trip was filming a lone coyote, moving with purpose through the frozen landscape, ears keenly attuned to the slightest sound of prey beneath the snow. There was something mesmerizing about the way it navigated this harsh terrain, a survivor perfectly adapted to the elements.
Not far from where I watched the coyote, I spotted a tiny mouse, darting above the snow, searching for any grain or food scraps left behind. Seeing such a small, fragile creature endure the brutal cold was a reminder of the resilience of life in the wild. These moments, quiet yet profound, are what make wildlife filmmaking so special—finding beauty in the smallest of encounters.
But Yellowstone is also a land of giants. Towering bull bison, their breath visible in the freezing air, moved steadily through the deep snow, their sheer presence a testament to the power of the park’s ecosystem. The Elk were always cool to see too. And then, of course, there were the wolves.
One of the most compelling moments I captured was a black Casanova male wolf attempting to court a female from the 8-Mile Pack. The dance of wild wolves is always fascinating—calculated, tense, and deeply instinctual. But as with many such encounters, the story took a turn when the rest of the 8-Mile Pack arrived, swiftly chasing the black male off into the distance. Witnessing this scene unfold was a powerful reminder of how complex and dynamic wolf social structures are—alliances, rivalries, and the ever-present struggle for survival.
What stands out most about filming in Yellowstone in winter isn’t just the wildlife, but the sheer atmosphere of the place. Snowstorms roll in without warning, turning the landscape into a swirling white abyss. The cold seeps into your bones, your camera batteries struggle to hold their charge, and every moment in the field is a lesson in patience and endurance. But through it all, there is an overwhelming sense of peace—of being completely present in a world that feels untouched, where nature dictates the rules.
Unlike many of my films, this video has no narration—just the ambient sounds of Yellowstone, punctuated by a carefully chosen backing track to enhance the mood. Sometimes, words aren’t necessary. The imagery speaks for itself, capturing the stillness, the drama, and the unfiltered wildness of this extraordinary place.
Yellowstone in winter is not for the faint of heart. It is a place of extremes, of solitude, of beauty beyond words. And for those willing to embrace its challenges, it offers an experience unlike any other—a front-row seat to nature at its most raw and real.
For those who want to see the footage for themselves, you can watch the full video here:
