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What Makes Brooks Falls a Premiere Destination for Brown Bear Photography?
What Makes Brooks Falls a Premiere Destination for Brown Bear Photography?
by Keenan Hursh
Deep in the untamed wilderness of Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve lies a photographer's paradise that epitomizes the magic of the natural world: Brooks Falls. Widely renowned as one of the best places on Earth to photograph brown bears in their natural habitat, this iconic and truly special location offers unparalleled opportunities to capture the majestic beauty and raw power of these incredible creatures.
Brown bears are incredibly fascinating animals to observe and photograph. From their innate curiosity and intelligence to their sheer size and power, these are truly special creatures that every wildlife photographer should have on their shortlist. Over the years our guides have managed to capture some incredible images at Brooks Falls and we’re always eager to get back!
In today’s article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the main reasons that make Brooks Falls such a prime destination for wildlife photographers seeking extraordinary encounters with brown bears and unforgettable shots that evoke a sense of awe. So, let’s get into all the details and discover what makes Brooks Falls so special.
Brown bears are incredibly fascinating animals to observe and photograph. From their innate curiosity and intelligence to their sheer size and power, these are truly special creatures that every wildlife photographer should have on their shortlist. Over the years our guides have managed to capture some incredible images at Brooks Falls and we’re always eager to get back!
In today’s article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the main reasons that make Brooks Falls such a prime destination for wildlife photographers seeking extraordinary encounters with brown bears and unforgettable shots that evoke a sense of awe. So, let’s get into all the details and discover what makes Brooks Falls so special.
Abundance and Density of Bears
One of the primary factors that comes into play is the sheer abundance and density of brown bears in this area. Katmai National Park has one of the highest densities of brown bears anywhere on earth and it’s much easier to capture a stunning image of a bear when you have a plethora of subjects in a relatively small area. Beyond that, Brooks Falls has an exceptionally high density due to its ideal habitat, steady food supply, and ideal fishing grounds.
Every year these magnificent creatures congregate here for the annual salmon run. The falls serve as a natural barrier to the migrating fish causing their numbers to increase in the pools below as they attempt to defy gravity. The bears are well aware of this and congregate here in the masses to take advantage of this unique event. As a result, photographers have an exceptional chance to witness and photograph bears engaged in a timeless struggle for survival.
One of the primary factors that comes into play is the sheer abundance and density of brown bears in this area. Katmai National Park has one of the highest densities of brown bears anywhere on earth and it’s much easier to capture a stunning image of a bear when you have a plethora of subjects in a relatively small area. Beyond that, Brooks Falls has an exceptionally high density due to its ideal habitat, steady food supply, and ideal fishing grounds.
Every year these magnificent creatures congregate here for the annual salmon run. The falls serve as a natural barrier to the migrating fish causing their numbers to increase in the pools below as they attempt to defy gravity. The bears are well aware of this and congregate here in the masses to take advantage of this unique event. As a result, photographers have an exceptional chance to witness and photograph bears engaged in a timeless struggle for survival.
Unique Fishing Behavior
It’s not just the abundance of salmon that makes Brooks Falls such a special location but it’s the way the bears often catch the fish that is truly extraordinary. These fish are undergoing one of the most impressive and intense migrations on earth as they make their way from the ocean up rivers and streams to their breeding grounds. When they encounter waterfalls they are forced to leap out of the water in an attempt to make it upstream of the waterfall.
This unique behavior has led to an ingenious and creative reaction from the bears. Instead of swimming or running around in search of salmon underwater, the bears have learned to patiently wait on the edge of waterfalls for the salmon to make their leap allowing them to snatch fish directly out of the air. This exceptional spectacle presents an extraordinary opportunity to capture images that showcase the bears' agility, power, and precise timing. Such moments can provide photographers with breathtaking shots that encapsulate the bears' intelligence and impressive hunting skills.
It’s not just the abundance of salmon that makes Brooks Falls such a special location but it’s the way the bears often catch the fish that is truly extraordinary. These fish are undergoing one of the most impressive and intense migrations on earth as they make their way from the ocean up rivers and streams to their breeding grounds. When they encounter waterfalls they are forced to leap out of the water in an attempt to make it upstream of the waterfall.
This unique behavior has led to an ingenious and creative reaction from the bears. Instead of swimming or running around in search of salmon underwater, the bears have learned to patiently wait on the edge of waterfalls for the salmon to make their leap allowing them to snatch fish directly out of the air. This exceptional spectacle presents an extraordinary opportunity to capture images that showcase the bears' agility, power, and precise timing. Such moments can provide photographers with breathtaking shots that encapsulate the bears' intelligence and impressive hunting skills.
Proximity and Accessibility
One of the best things about the Brooks Falls Campground and Lodge is their close proximity to many easily accessible viewing platforms and stunning photography locations. With a network of well-maintained and marked trails, you can easily navigate the surrounding area to find a shot location that meets your needs and wants. These platforms and viewing locations are also ideally placed to get you in just the right place relative to the bears and falls.
Photographing animals in the wild is magical no matter where you are, but it’s pretty special when you can wake up, have some coffee and breakfast, and walk a couple of hundred yards to a waterfall full of bears and salmon. When it comes to accessibility and proximity to bears, I can’t think of anywhere else on the same level as Brooks Falls.
One of the best things about the Brooks Falls Campground and Lodge is their close proximity to many easily accessible viewing platforms and stunning photography locations. With a network of well-maintained and marked trails, you can easily navigate the surrounding area to find a shot location that meets your needs and wants. These platforms and viewing locations are also ideally placed to get you in just the right place relative to the bears and falls.
Photographing animals in the wild is magical no matter where you are, but it’s pretty special when you can wake up, have some coffee and breakfast, and walk a couple of hundred yards to a waterfall full of bears and salmon. When it comes to accessibility and proximity to bears, I can’t think of anywhere else on the same level as Brooks Falls.
Varied Photography Opportunities
Of course, we’ve likely all seen the iconic images captured at Brooks Falls. A bear standing on top of a waterfall about to catch a leaping salmon in their powerful jaws. These images are absolutely stunning and may very well be at the top of your shot list, but Brooks Falls has even more to offer.
Beyond the iconic scenes at the falls themselves, this area offers a plethora of additional photography opportunities. Exploring the park's many trails, meadows, clearings, and riverbanks reveals different bear habitats where bears forage and interact with each other and their habitat. Such diverse environments present photographers with a range of compositions, backdrops, and lighting conditions, ensuring a well-rounded and dynamic portfolio of bear photography.
Of course, we’ve likely all seen the iconic images captured at Brooks Falls. A bear standing on top of a waterfall about to catch a leaping salmon in their powerful jaws. These images are absolutely stunning and may very well be at the top of your shot list, but Brooks Falls has even more to offer.
Beyond the iconic scenes at the falls themselves, this area offers a plethora of additional photography opportunities. Exploring the park's many trails, meadows, clearings, and riverbanks reveals different bear habitats where bears forage and interact with each other and their habitat. Such diverse environments present photographers with a range of compositions, backdrops, and lighting conditions, ensuring a well-rounded and dynamic portfolio of bear photography.
Educational and Ethical Approach
It’s one thing to visit a place where you can easily photograph brown bears but to be able to do this ethically and responsibly without negatively impacting the well-being of the bears and their environment is even better. As wildlife photographers, we are merely visitors in the homes of our subjects and it’s incredibly important to treat wild animals and their habitats with the utmost respect. This is especially true with strong and powerful animals such as brown bears.
The Katmai National Park and Preserve takes great pride in promoting an educational and ethical approach to bear viewing and photography. The park rangers provide valuable insights and education into bear behavior, environmental conservation, and safety protocols, ensuring that photographers have a deeper understanding of the animals they encounter. This approach encourages responsible and respectful photography which benefits both the bears and the humans taking photos of them.
It’s one thing to visit a place where you can easily photograph brown bears but to be able to do this ethically and responsibly without negatively impacting the well-being of the bears and their environment is even better. As wildlife photographers, we are merely visitors in the homes of our subjects and it’s incredibly important to treat wild animals and their habitats with the utmost respect. This is especially true with strong and powerful animals such as brown bears.
The Katmai National Park and Preserve takes great pride in promoting an educational and ethical approach to bear viewing and photography. The park rangers provide valuable insights and education into bear behavior, environmental conservation, and safety protocols, ensuring that photographers have a deeper understanding of the animals they encounter. This approach encourages responsible and respectful photography which benefits both the bears and the humans taking photos of them.
Conclusion
Brooks Falls stands as an extraordinary destination for photographers seeking the ultimate brown bear photography experience. With its abundant population of bears, unique fishing behavior, accessible viewing platforms, and varied photography opportunities, this Alaskan gem offers a wealth of visual storytelling possibilities. Beyond the photographs themselves, the experience of witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat fosters a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the places they call home. Capturing the essence of Brooks Falls and its brown bears through the lens is an unforgettable journey that rewards photographers with images that inspire and endure.
At Backcountry Journeys we’ve been running successful wildlife photo safaris at Brooks Falls for years and there’s a reason we keep going back to this incredible place. Whether you'd prefer the comforts of the iconic Brooks Lodge or the immersive experience of the campground we have a trip for you. If you'd like to learn more about these trips then click the links below!
Learn more about our Brown Bears of Alaska: Brooks Falls Trip
Learn more about our Brown Bears of Katmai: Brooks Lodge Trip
Brooks Falls stands as an extraordinary destination for photographers seeking the ultimate brown bear photography experience. With its abundant population of bears, unique fishing behavior, accessible viewing platforms, and varied photography opportunities, this Alaskan gem offers a wealth of visual storytelling possibilities. Beyond the photographs themselves, the experience of witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat fosters a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the places they call home. Capturing the essence of Brooks Falls and its brown bears through the lens is an unforgettable journey that rewards photographers with images that inspire and endure.
At Backcountry Journeys we’ve been running successful wildlife photo safaris at Brooks Falls for years and there’s a reason we keep going back to this incredible place. Whether you'd prefer the comforts of the iconic Brooks Lodge or the immersive experience of the campground we have a trip for you. If you'd like to learn more about these trips then click the links below!
Learn more about our Brown Bears of Alaska: Brooks Falls Trip
Learn more about our Brown Bears of Katmai: Brooks Lodge Trip
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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.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
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
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.