Tundra and Arctic wolves are truly mesmerizing creatures, exuding an energy, intelligence, and a quiet confidence that only a top predator can exhibit. At Triple D, photographers have a unique opportunity to capture these magnificent animals in their natural, dynamic habitats. From the stunning array of colors displayed by the Tundra wolves, ranging from deep gray to midnight black, to the elegantly graceful movements of the striking white Arctic wolves across their pristine terrain, each photography session provides unforgettable moments and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to create breathtaking images.
Tundra Wolf
Scientific Name
Canis lupus (subspecies: Tundra wolf C. l. albus)
Color Variations
Gray Wolf & Black Wolf
Description
Tundra wolves are medium-to-large wolves with a wide variety of coat colors, ranging from very gray to deep black. Highly social, they live and hunt in packs, relying on coordination and endurance. Their piercing eyes and powerful build make them captivating subjects for photographers looking to capture strength, intelligence, and natural behavior. Some individuals may have deep black coats, offering a rare and striking contrast that makes for especially dramatic photos.
Filming Site
Sessions are held in open spaces and lightly wooded areas near the ranch that reflect tundra habitats. Photographers can capture wolves running, interacting with one another, or pausing in alert stances, with natural light and varied terrain creating dramatic compositions.
When Should You Visit
Tundra wolves can be observed year-round. The cooler parts of the day — early morning and late afternoon — provide the most activity and best lighting. Winter highlights their thick fur, while spring and summer sessions capture energetic pack interactions and dynamic behaviors.
What To Expect
A variety of sessions may be available – an individual on a ridge, an individual in the forest or a group interaction. An individual on a ridge or in a forest will focus on the trainer, providing many poses for the photographers. An interactive session consists of two or more wolves. The wolves are focused on each other and seldom pose. During an interactive session the wolves may react to one another chasing, snarling, and wrestling.
For the ridge session the wolf will pose on the ridge and move around the filming site. The forest session features the wolf walking towards the photographers amongst the trees. For both sessions the distance to the wolf will vary.
The wolves have a lot of energy at the start of the interaction session. They will be running chasing each other throughout the filming session. Shutter speed is a priority to capture the action.
What You Should Know
Basic skills with your camera to:
- set exposures for various conditions ranging from bright sunlight to shade
- using higher shutter speeds and continuous auto focus to photographic action
If you use a tripod or monopod you should know how to rotate between horizontal and vertical compositions.
What You Should Bring
All of the sessions the distance to the wolf will vary, at times being close, thus a zoom lens is more versatile than a large prime lens. For the group session a 70-200 f2.8 and/or 100-400 may be used. The 70-200 allows high shutter speeds when the action is face paced while the 100-400 may be preferred when the wolves are further away.
The distance to the wolf varies for the ridge session. A 70-200 and 100-400 are suitable, while a shorter focal length will show more of the natural setting. Some photographers prefer to zoom out when the wolf is on the ridge, including more of the sky.
The wolf is closer for the forest session and a 24-70 or 24-120 is also suitable. Parts of the forest site may be shady and a larger aperture may be preferred.
Extra batteries and memory cards as there is nothing worse than running out. Unlike searching in the wild, a Triple D wolves model is present throughout the entire filming session and many photographers take more photos in several minutes than they would in an entire day.
A second camera:
- provides a backup should an equipment failure occur.
- allows you to continue the session when a battery is depleted or a memory card is full
- allows you to continue when your buffer is full
- can be equipped with different lenses (macro and zoom)
- can be set with a different exposure to easily transition between darker exposures and high-speed action
First time attendees are often surprised by the large number of photographs they capture. Secondary storage devices are recommended.
If you prefer using a tripod than a quick release system is recommended as you may want to handhold your camera to capture some of the action.
The west side of the Rocky Mountains can experience precipitation year-round, ranging from rain to sleet to wet snow. Rain protection for your equipment will reduce your anxiety in these situations.
What You Should Do
Bring everything you need, including memory cards and batteries, to the photo session. You cannot leave the shooting compound once filming begins.
We’ve all done it one time or another, we’ve all been guilty of chimping. Minimize chimping during the photo session as it decreases battery life and increases the likelihood of missing a great shot.
Staying together as a group helps the trainer guide the Red Fox to look in your direction. Consider moving within the group to capture photos from a different perspective and allow others to photograph from your position.
Do not call out to the Red Fox or make any noises in order to get its attention. A successful session is only possible when the fox is focused on the trainer.
Silence your phone and do not answer or make phone calls.
Participant covenants and agrees that it will not photograph nor distribute, publish or make public in any manner photographs of:
(1) Any of Providers facilities, including, without limitation, cages, pens, or exercise areas;
(2) Any of the Subject Models when on a leash or in cages or pens;
(3) The Trainers or any of Provider’s employees, either with or without the Subject Models without Providers prior written authorization.
Arctic Wolf
Scientific Name
Canis lupus (subspecies: Arctic wolf C. l. arctos)
Color Variations
White Wolf
Description
Arctic wolves are compact, predominantly white wolves adapted to the harsh northern environment. Known for their cooperative pack behavior and watchful demeanor, they are striking against natural landscapes. Their bright eyes and pristine coats make them especially photogenic in all seasons.
Filming Site
Arctic wolf sessions take place in open areas with gentle slopes and scattered brush, mimicking Arctic terrain. Photographers can capture graceful movements, alert postures, and social interactions in natural lighting that emphasizes the wolves’ striking appearance.
When Should You Visit
Arctic wolves can be photographed year-round, with early morning and late afternoon providing the best activity and lighting. Winter showcases their snowy coats, while spring and summer highlight playful, social behaviors within the pack.
What To Expect
The Arctic Wolf session consists of several wolves. The wolves are focused on each other and seldom pose. During the session the wolves may react to one another chasing, snarling, and wrestling.
The Arctic Wolves begins the session with a lot of energy, exploring the filming location. Shutter speed is a priority to capture the action. The wolves will move around the site, taking advantage of the natural features including trees and logs. As the session progresses the wolves will slowly burn off its excited energy.
What You Should Know
Basic skills with your camera to:
- Set exposures for various conditions ranging from bright sunlight to shade
- Using higher shutter speeds and continuous auto focus to photographic action
If you use a tripod or monopod you should know how to rotate between horizontal and vertical compositions.
What You Should Bring
Initially, when the wolves are most active, a faster, larger aperture lens is more beneficial. \The distance to the wolves will vary, at times being quite close, thus a zoom lens is more versatile than a large prime lens.
A 70-200 works well in all situations. A 100-400 (or 80-400) will bring the wolvescloser, allowing for some intimate portraits. A wide-angle lens allows you to capture more of the surroundings.
Extra batteries and memory cards as there is nothing worse than running out. Unlike searching in the wild, a Triple D wolves model is present throughout the entire filming session and many photographers take more photos in several minutes than they would in an entire day.
A second camera:
- provides a backup should an equipment failure occur.
- allows you to continue the session when a battery is depleted or a memory card is full
- allows you to continue when your buffer is full
- can be equipped with different lenses (macro and zoom)
- can be set with a different exposure to easily transition between darker exposures and high-speed action
First time attendees are often surprised by the large number of photographs they capture. Secondary storage devices are recommended.
If you prefer using a tripod than a quick release system is recommended as you may want to handhold your camera to capture some of the action.
The west side of the Rocky Mountains can experience precipitation year-round, ranging from rain to sleet to wet snow. Rain protection for your equipment will reduce your anxiety in these situations.
What You Should Do
Bring everything you need, including memory cards and batteries, to the photo session. You cannot leave the shooting compound once filming begins.
We’ve all done it one time or another, we’ve all been guilty of chimping. Minimize chimping during the photo session as it decreases battery life and increases the likelihood of missing a great shot.
Staying together as a group helps the trainer guide the Red Fox to look in your direction. Consider moving within the group to capture photos from a different perspective and allow others to photograph from your position.
Do not call out to the Red Fox or make any noises in order to get its attention. A successful session is only possible when the fox is focused on the trainer.
Silence your phone and do not answer or make phone calls.
Participant covenants and agrees that it will not photograph nor distribute, publish or make public in any manner photographs of:
(1) Any of Providers facilities, including, without limitation, cages, pens, or exercise areas;
(2) Any of the Subject Models when on a leash or in cages or pens;
(3) The Trainers or any of Provider’s employees, either with or without the Subject Models without Providers prior written authorization.
