James Beissel2019
Born and raised in Michigan, Jim developed a fascination with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem while guiding rock climbing trips in Wyoming. His interest deepened as he earned a bachelor’s degree in Earth Science, studying Yellowstone National Park’s geysers and hydrothermal features. After graduation, Jim traveled and climbed extensively, guiding in the United States and Canada before moving to Colorado, where he served on one of North America’s busiest mountain rescue teams.
A passionate wildlife photographer, Jim has documented many of North America’s rarest and most elusive mammals by blending traditional naturalist skills with modern technology. His work has been featured in numerous books and magazines, and he frequently speaks and presents on behalf of conservation causes. Jim earned a master’s degree in Biology from Miami University, further fueling his mission to share the stories of North American wildlife and advocate for the conservation of endangered carnivores, including grizzly bears, wolves, black-footed ferrets, and wolverines.
When he’s not in the field, Jim enjoys exploring new places and trying new meals with his wife, Lana, as well as trail running, rock climbing, and skiing. A lifelong blues fan, he occasionally plays harmonica and is experimenting with growing super-hot chili peppers.
What's in My Camera Bag

Cameras
Nikon Z8
Nikon Z9
Lenses
Nikon 14-24 f/2.8
Nikon 24-120 f/4
Nikon 100-400 f/5.6
Nikon 600 f/4
Other
Nikon 1.4x and 2.0x Teleconverters
Upcoming Adventures with James Beissel
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Photo Expedition
Led by top photographers who are some of Yellowstone's most seasoned naturalist guides, seek shots of bison, elk, moose, bears, wolves and more, plus legendary landscapes, on a peerless national park photo safari.

Yellowstone Wolf & Wildlife Photo Expedition
Passionate about wolves? Join us in the best place on the planet to search for them in the wild, on our most wolf-focused itinerary—and photograph an array of other iconic Yellowstone wildlife that shares their habitat.

Yellowstone: Ultimate Wolf & Wildlife Safari
Track elusive wolves plus abundant bison, elk, moose and other wildlife, and witness geothermal phenomena amid the snowy splendor of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Hidden Yellowstone & Grand Teton Safari
A small-group exploration of Yellowstone and the Tetons as few get to experience these iconic parks—scout for wildlife and discover secret places with our naturalist guides who know this region intimately.

Winter Yellowstone & Grand Teton Photo Expedition
Capture frosty wildlife images in winter solitude in Yellowstone and Grand Teton—go deep into the silent wilds by snowcoach, shoot dramatic landscapes, and photograph roaming elk in Jackson Hole.

Glacier & Waterton Photo Expedition
Sheer granite peaks, glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, and magnificent wildlife! Capture all the wonders on both sides of the border with expert photography guides.

Glacier & Waterton: An International Treasure
Sheer-walled peaks, icy lakes, alpine valleys, summer wildflowers and magnificent wildlife! Discover all the wonders on both sides of the border with naturalist guides who know this land intimately.

Grand Canyon & Sedona Escape
On a colorful encounter with the Arizona high desert, see Sedona’s red rock wonders, explore Petrified Forest National Park, and reach the rim of the Grand Canyon by train in a luxury dome car.

Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion
With expert naturalist guides, discover the glorious red rock country, desert wildlife and incomparably vast expanse of the Colorado Plateau on a rare small-group adventure in the American Southwest.
