Bozeman Filmmaker Releases New Yellowstone Documentary That Offers Unique Look At The Park

BOZEMAN, Mont. — A Bozeman filmmaker has released a new documentary that gives viewers a different look at Yellowstone National Park than what they would normally experience, as the park reopened for visitors this spring.  

Steve Quayle says Yellowstone has pulled him in since his days studying film and art history in college. He is a documentarian and photographer based in Bozeman.  

"But what drew me to Yellowstone first and foremost was the colors, and was the opportunity, in those days, I could run down there on weekends, I wouldn’t have to wait four hours and go through traffic jams to get from Madison Junction to Old Faithful. So, it was, I guess it was a quest for color," Quayle said.  

He says his background and upbringing have also shaped that interest.  

Quayle was raised in a family of geophysicists, and Yellowstone became a creative influence for him. He earned a degree in motion picture production and photography from Montana State University in 1972, which set him on a path of telling stories through photos.  

Quayle described what stands out to him when he photographs places like Yellowstone.  

"The thing is, the geology of these different places that I photograph is awesome," Quayle said. "When you see Yellowstone from the air, it looks like you’re looking at God’s literal artist palette."  

When creating his newest documentary, Quayle flew in a helicopter, using specialized camera equipment to capture impressive views. 

With Yellowstone holding such an important place in Quayle’s life, he says the park’s mix of color and formation keeps him coming back. 

"I love the – if you will – the chaotic nature of the color, and I love the intermixing of not only the color, but the different formations; and so, it was a continual draw," Quayle said.  

That connection led to his latest film, "Yellowstone...Above and Below."  

The documentary features broad landscapes, aerial views, and parts of the park that many visitors do not usually get to see. 

It is also because of this interest in the park from visitors, that the National Park Service says visits to Yellowstone have rose by more than 30 percent in the past four years.  

Quayle says his inspiration in making the film is that it offers a perspective that stands apart from a typical trip through the park.  

"To experience Yellowstone is to like get on a rocket ship and go to Jupiter," Quayle said. "I’m wanting to, in this film, give people a view of something they could never see."  

As part of the film’s release, 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Yellowstone Forever Foundation, which is the park’s official nonprofit organization, focusing on the conservation, education and visitor engagement of Yellowstone National Park. 

The film is out now on DVD, and available to watch here.