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Alaska: The Ultimate Nature Photography Destination
Alaska: The Ultimate Nature Photography Destination
by Keenan Hursh
When it comes to raw, untouched wilderness full of impressive, rugged, and beautiful wildlife, Alaska is probably the first place that pops into my head. Of course, there are many wild places spread throughout the earth, but this is the place that my mind immediately turns to every time. Perhaps this is due to all of the incredible photographs I’ve seen from Alaska throughout my life, or perhaps it’s because I have a strong affection for the wildlife species that live there. Whatever the reason may be, I think we can all agree that Alaska is unlike anywhere else and embodies the word “wild” in just the right way.
When it comes to visual storytelling, this place often referred to as the Last Frontier, holds an unparalleled allure for nature and wildlife photographers. This vast and untamed wilderness holds a myriad of breathtaking and dramatic landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters around every bend, and unique opportunities for capturing awe-inspiring moments that don’t occur anywhere else on the planet.
From its towering mountains to its pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife, Alaska is an ideal destination for nature photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the essence of untouched beauty. Let’s break it down and discuss exactly what makes Alaska the ultimate nature photography destination.
When it comes to visual storytelling, this place often referred to as the Last Frontier, holds an unparalleled allure for nature and wildlife photographers. This vast and untamed wilderness holds a myriad of breathtaking and dramatic landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters around every bend, and unique opportunities for capturing awe-inspiring moments that don’t occur anywhere else on the planet.
From its towering mountains to its pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife, Alaska is an ideal destination for nature photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the essence of untouched beauty. Let’s break it down and discuss exactly what makes Alaska the ultimate nature photography destination.
Magnificent Wildlife on Land
Alaska is a photographer's dream when it comes to wildlife. There is no shortage of incredible animals spread throughout a diversity of ecosystems.
Imagine being in the vastness of Denali National Park, with its iconic peak standing mighty and tall as your backdrop, waiting for that perfect shot of a brown bear emerging from the dense foliage. As you explore the park's rugged terrain, you may also encounter caribou herds migrating across vast tundra, arctic foxes darting through the brush, or Dall sheep perched on sheer cliffs.
Venture further south to the Kenai Peninsula, where the Kenai Fjords National Park offers a dramatic coastal landscape with towering glaciers and abundant wildlife. This is one of the absolute best places on earth to photograph brown bears. With one of the highest densities of these incredible creatures anywhere, Iconic places like Brooks Falls provide epic photography opportunities. The Kenai Peninsula is a truly wild and magical place, and you’ll have to get out there yourself to truly understand.
In the Arctic region, the opportunities for wildlife photography are equally compelling. Photographers can witness polar bears, the largest bear on earth, as they roam the frozen landscape, or document the playful interactions of walruses as they haul out onto ice floes. The Arctic is also a prime location to capture the mesmerizing spectacle of the midnight sun, casting a warm glow over the vast expanse of untouched wilderness.
Alaska is a photographer's dream when it comes to wildlife. There is no shortage of incredible animals spread throughout a diversity of ecosystems.
Imagine being in the vastness of Denali National Park, with its iconic peak standing mighty and tall as your backdrop, waiting for that perfect shot of a brown bear emerging from the dense foliage. As you explore the park's rugged terrain, you may also encounter caribou herds migrating across vast tundra, arctic foxes darting through the brush, or Dall sheep perched on sheer cliffs.
Venture further south to the Kenai Peninsula, where the Kenai Fjords National Park offers a dramatic coastal landscape with towering glaciers and abundant wildlife. This is one of the absolute best places on earth to photograph brown bears. With one of the highest densities of these incredible creatures anywhere, Iconic places like Brooks Falls provide epic photography opportunities. The Kenai Peninsula is a truly wild and magical place, and you’ll have to get out there yourself to truly understand.
In the Arctic region, the opportunities for wildlife photography are equally compelling. Photographers can witness polar bears, the largest bear on earth, as they roam the frozen landscape, or document the playful interactions of walruses as they haul out onto ice floes. The Arctic is also a prime location to capture the mesmerizing spectacle of the midnight sun, casting a warm glow over the vast expanse of untouched wilderness.
Magical Marine and Coastal Wildlife
The Alaskan coast is a paradise for photographers interested in marine wildlife, offering a stunning array of subjects to capture. Embark on a boat excursion along the Inside Passage, the Kenai Fjords, or Prince Williams Sound and you'll have the chance to photograph a great diversity of marine animals. You’ll be able to witness the breaching of humpback whales and photograph their massive tails slapping the water's surface. Glide alongside playful orcas, also known as killer whales, as they traverse these rich waters in search of prey. Seals and sea lions sit perched on rocky outcrops, providing captivating photo opportunities against the backdrop of rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and towering peaks covered in snow.
For bird enthusiasts, there are plenty of photo opportunities along the coast as well. Capture images of colorful puffins in flight, their vibrant beaks contrasting against the dramatic coastal landscape. Witness the graceful dance of albatrosses and kittiwakes soaring above the waves and coastal cliffs or photograph the comical antics of horned puffins as they nest along these cliffs. There are plenty of mesmerizing bird species throughout the Alaskan coast just waiting to be photographed.
The Alaskan coast is a paradise for photographers interested in marine wildlife, offering a stunning array of subjects to capture. Embark on a boat excursion along the Inside Passage, the Kenai Fjords, or Prince Williams Sound and you'll have the chance to photograph a great diversity of marine animals. You’ll be able to witness the breaching of humpback whales and photograph their massive tails slapping the water's surface. Glide alongside playful orcas, also known as killer whales, as they traverse these rich waters in search of prey. Seals and sea lions sit perched on rocky outcrops, providing captivating photo opportunities against the backdrop of rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and towering peaks covered in snow.
For bird enthusiasts, there are plenty of photo opportunities along the coast as well. Capture images of colorful puffins in flight, their vibrant beaks contrasting against the dramatic coastal landscape. Witness the graceful dance of albatrosses and kittiwakes soaring above the waves and coastal cliffs or photograph the comical antics of horned puffins as they nest along these cliffs. There are plenty of mesmerizing bird species throughout the Alaskan coast just waiting to be photographed.
Stunning and Dramatic Landscapes
In addition to its incredible wildlife, Alaska boasts a vast and diverse variety of dramatic landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Alaska Range to the pristine beauty of Glacier Bay, each region offers its own unique scenery. Capture the rugged beauty of the Brooks Range, where dramatic mountains and expansive tundra create a sense of untamed wilderness. Explore the Kenai Fjords, where massive glaciers flow into the sea, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. Venture into the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world, with its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and misty fjords. And let's not forget about the iconic Denali National Park, where the majestic Mount McKinley dominates the skyline, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your photography. Whether it's the raw power of towering mountains, the serenity of alpine lakes, or the tranquility of meandering rivers and fjords, Alaska offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes that will ignite your creative vision and leave you in awe.
In addition to its incredible wildlife, Alaska boasts a vast and diverse variety of dramatic landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Alaska Range to the pristine beauty of Glacier Bay, each region offers its own unique scenery. Capture the rugged beauty of the Brooks Range, where dramatic mountains and expansive tundra create a sense of untamed wilderness. Explore the Kenai Fjords, where massive glaciers flow into the sea, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. Venture into the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world, with its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and misty fjords. And let's not forget about the iconic Denali National Park, where the majestic Mount McKinley dominates the skyline, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your photography. Whether it's the raw power of towering mountains, the serenity of alpine lakes, or the tranquility of meandering rivers and fjords, Alaska offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes that will ignite your creative vision and leave you in awe.
Jaw-Dropping Aerial Photography
To truly appreciate the grandeur of Alaska's landscapes, photographers can take to the skies in a bush plane. Imagine soaring over the rugged peaks of the Alaska Range, capturing the majesty of Denali, North America's tallest peak, from a birds-eye perspective. Fly over the vast expanse of the many glaciers in Alaska, photographing the intricate patterns and turquoise hues of the ice as it stretches for miles. Capture the winding braided rivers and lush valleys that sit below the glaciers and peaks, or the rugged fjords of the Southeast, where towering cliffs plunge into the sea. The possibilities for aerial photography in Alaska are as endless as the horizon itself and this is one of the best ways to take in the vastness and diversity of the land around you.
To truly appreciate the grandeur of Alaska's landscapes, photographers can take to the skies in a bush plane. Imagine soaring over the rugged peaks of the Alaska Range, capturing the majesty of Denali, North America's tallest peak, from a birds-eye perspective. Fly over the vast expanse of the many glaciers in Alaska, photographing the intricate patterns and turquoise hues of the ice as it stretches for miles. Capture the winding braided rivers and lush valleys that sit below the glaciers and peaks, or the rugged fjords of the Southeast, where towering cliffs plunge into the sea. The possibilities for aerial photography in Alaska are as endless as the horizon itself and this is one of the best ways to take in the vastness and diversity of the land around you.
Chasing the Elusive Northern Lights
When night falls in Alaska, the sky transforms into a mesmerizing canvas illuminated by the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. Although not guaranteed, witnessing and photographing the Northern Lights dancing across the Alaskan night sky is an experience like no other. Away from city lights or any other sources of light pollution, photographers can venture to remote locations where the conditions are ideal for capturing the vivid colors and swirling patterns of the Aurora. Patience and perseverance are key, as capturing this natural spectacle requires careful planning, monitoring of solar activity, and a touch of luck. Nevertheless, the rewards are immeasurable when the night sky comes alive with vibrant hues, creating otherworldly images that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
When night falls in Alaska, the sky transforms into a mesmerizing canvas illuminated by the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. Although not guaranteed, witnessing and photographing the Northern Lights dancing across the Alaskan night sky is an experience like no other. Away from city lights or any other sources of light pollution, photographers can venture to remote locations where the conditions are ideal for capturing the vivid colors and swirling patterns of the Aurora. Patience and perseverance are key, as capturing this natural spectacle requires careful planning, monitoring of solar activity, and a touch of luck. Nevertheless, the rewards are immeasurable when the night sky comes alive with vibrant hues, creating otherworldly images that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Alaska with Backcountry Journeys
Here at Backcountry Journeys, we fully understand just how special of a place Alaska really is. Heck, our CEO, Russ, lives up there for a reason! This vast state sitting in the far north is unlike anywhere on Earth which is why we offer many all-inclusive Photography Trips in Alaska. Want to photograph brown bears catching salmon on a waterfall? We have a trip for that. Want to see orca whales surfacing for a breath as they effortlessly glide through the water? We have a trip for that too!
Two specific trips that we are currently very excited about are our Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and Interior Alaska: Denali & Prince Williams Sound tours. Both of these epic trips cover a wide range of environments and focus on a variety of subjects including opportunities for exceptional wildlife photography and jaw-dropping landscapes. Here are a few exciting activities on each trip:
Our Kenai Peninsula trip showcases a wide range of wildlife in the southern and coastal regions of Alaska. This trip includes a chartered boat tour of the Kenai fjords photographing all the marine wildlife that call them home as well as a day spent focusing entirely on photographing brown bears including a scenic and exciting bush plane flight over the Alaskan wilderness.
Our Interior Alaska: Denali & Prince Williams Sound trip covers a lot of ground and journeys to many iconic destinations throughout Alaska. This trip features a scenic flight around Denali showcasing the grandeur of the mountain itself and surrounding wilderness as well as a chartered boat in Prince Williams Sound for exceptional marine wildlife viewing.
To get a better sense of what these trips are like, be sure to check out these trip reports form past departures:
Kenai Peninsula - June 2022
Interior Alaska - September 2022
If you’d like to join us on our upcoming 2023 departures, we still have a few limited spots available so be sure to check these out and book your spot before they fill up! In addition, we have plenty of other exceptional trips throughout Alaska with departures lined up through 2024. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about these trips, feel free to give us a call or visit the Alaska section on our website.
Here at Backcountry Journeys, we fully understand just how special of a place Alaska really is. Heck, our CEO, Russ, lives up there for a reason! This vast state sitting in the far north is unlike anywhere on Earth which is why we offer many all-inclusive Photography Trips in Alaska. Want to photograph brown bears catching salmon on a waterfall? We have a trip for that. Want to see orca whales surfacing for a breath as they effortlessly glide through the water? We have a trip for that too!
Two specific trips that we are currently very excited about are our Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and Interior Alaska: Denali & Prince Williams Sound tours. Both of these epic trips cover a wide range of environments and focus on a variety of subjects including opportunities for exceptional wildlife photography and jaw-dropping landscapes. Here are a few exciting activities on each trip:
Our Kenai Peninsula trip showcases a wide range of wildlife in the southern and coastal regions of Alaska. This trip includes a chartered boat tour of the Kenai fjords photographing all the marine wildlife that call them home as well as a day spent focusing entirely on photographing brown bears including a scenic and exciting bush plane flight over the Alaskan wilderness.
Our Interior Alaska: Denali & Prince Williams Sound trip covers a lot of ground and journeys to many iconic destinations throughout Alaska. This trip features a scenic flight around Denali showcasing the grandeur of the mountain itself and surrounding wilderness as well as a chartered boat in Prince Williams Sound for exceptional marine wildlife viewing.
To get a better sense of what these trips are like, be sure to check out these trip reports form past departures:
Kenai Peninsula - June 2022
Interior Alaska - September 2022
If you’d like to join us on our upcoming 2023 departures, we still have a few limited spots available so be sure to check these out and book your spot before they fill up! In addition, we have plenty of other exceptional trips throughout Alaska with departures lined up through 2024. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about these trips, feel free to give us a call or visit the Alaska section on our website.
Conclusion
Alaska truly is a place of extraordinary beauty and unparalleled opportunities for nature photography. From its diverse wildlife to its breathtaking landscapes, coastal wonders, aerial perspectives, and the elusive dance of the Northern Lights, Alaska offers a wealth of photography opportunities. Every corner of this untamed frontier has a story to tell, and, as photographers, we can have the privilege of being its visual storytellers.
At the end of the day, Alaska's allure is undeniable. So, grab your camera, pack your gear, and get ready to embark on an adventure that will leave you with memories and images to last a lifetime. Alaska awaits, ready to unveil its secrets and inspire your creative spirit like no other place on Earth.
Alaska truly is a place of extraordinary beauty and unparalleled opportunities for nature photography. From its diverse wildlife to its breathtaking landscapes, coastal wonders, aerial perspectives, and the elusive dance of the Northern Lights, Alaska offers a wealth of photography opportunities. Every corner of this untamed frontier has a story to tell, and, as photographers, we can have the privilege of being its visual storytellers.
At the end of the day, Alaska's allure is undeniable. So, grab your camera, pack your gear, and get ready to embark on an adventure that will leave you with memories and images to last a lifetime. Alaska awaits, ready to unveil its secrets and inspire your creative spirit like no other place on Earth.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
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Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.