Photography Expeditions

Join nature photographer John Schnell on one of our photography expeditions — they provide a wonderful learning opportunity. John’s images have appeared in Audubon and Nature Conservancy Calendars, in numerous periodicals, and on the web sites of many adventure travel companies.
During the extensive field sessions, you'll discover how John creates his award-winning images. You’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the visual aspects of nature, during our visits to many of John’s favorite locations. You’ll learn how to select better photo opportunities, experiment with different perspectives, improve your photo compositions, and explore creative digital imaging techniques.
Overview
The vastness of Alaska's untamed places, and the abundance of wildlife that inhabits these wild places, are among Alaska's most precious resources. Join us on one of our photographic expeditions — you'll capture images that you will treasure forever. The joyous antics of sea lions playing, the mesmerizing beauty of steep granite fjords, and heart-pounding encounters with humpback whales! Each one is a photographic likelihood that awaits you. You can be confident that on our photography expeditions, you'll capture unforgettable images and memories of Alaska.
Photographer John Schnell will lead these dynamic expeditions. Magnificent vistas and abundant wildlife fill the landscape — we'll kayak with whales, hike in meadows of wildflowers, and stroll along beaches on these five-day to seven-day photo workshops. They're reserved exclusively for avid photographers like you!
While weather conditions and wildlife movements determine our exact itinerary, long summer days provide plenty of time for exploration, by kayak and on foot.
Appropriate for practiced beginners and intermediate photographers, our photo expeditions will help students reach new levels of ability. Enrollment is strictly limited to ensure the highest quality experience. All kayaking and camping equipment, meals, accommodations, and activities are included, in a well-rounded, highly educational experience that is appropriate for any level of outdoor photographer.
Make plans now to join John for one of our exciting photo expeditions. Enrollment is limited to six participants. Please contact us for additional information about any of our workshops!
Harlequin Lake Photo Expedition (July 6-11)
This unparalleled photography adventure features the awesome beauty and power of an enormous glacier meeting fresh water — in an area seldom visited by travelers.
Harlequin Lake is a glacial lake that is in the process of being formed. The Yakutat Glacier empties into the lake, with a glacial face four miles across! This is the largest glacier to enter a fresh water lake in North America, and we'll photograph the ancient glacial ice as it crumbles and calves, providing us with a spectacular show!
Paddling near the shoreline gives us an excellent chance to spot bears, wolves, moose, otters and mink. Wildflower gardens of dwarf fireweed and Indian paintbrush offer vibrant displays, and lichens dot the rocks. With terrain perfect for exploring, we'll hike among glacial remnants, over old moraines, and through the succession of plants re-colonizing the area. At night we'll feel the thundering percussion of calving glaciers.
Location: Harlequin Lake, via Yakutat
Duration: Six days and five nights.
Paddle Distance: 25-50 miles (no experience necessary).
Activities: Paddling, photography, glacier watching, hiking.
Highlights: Paddling among the icebergs, watching wildlife, photography, listening to tidewater glaciers, fantastic scenery, seals on icebergs, real wilderness solitude, hiking through a truly untouched area.
Schedule and Prices: see 2008 Schedule for currently available trips and prices.
Book Your Trip: go to Trip Reservations to book your trip today, or call 1-800-KAYAKER!
Whales! Photo Expedition (August 1-7)
Our whales expeditions are our most popular. On this extended photography expeditiion, we'll paddle with the humpback whales of Pt. Adolphus for a full week! Each day, otters, seals, porpoise, sea lions and whales swim past our camp in noisy groups. These marine mammals frequently ignore us as we paddle past — or they accept us and go about their business. Summer is the time for them to stock up on the nutrients that will carry them through the long winter. We respect them and do not crowd them. Our long lenses allow us to capture fantastic images and share their space, without disrupting their lives.
Tide pool explorations, rain forest treks, and gourmet dinners among the tumbled boulders at our camp fill our days and nights at Pt. Adolphus. It is not uncommon to hear humpbacks slapping the water in the evening, and we'll hear their explosive breath from our tents at night. The impression is a lasting one — one of many you'll cherish from this great photography adventure!
Location: Pt. Adolphus, mud Bay, George Island
Duration: Seven days and six nights.
Paddle Distance: 30-50 miles (no experience necessary) .
Activities: Paddling, fishing, photography, whale watching, rain forest hikes, exploration.
Highlights: Watching, photographing, and listening to humpback whales, from our camp and our kayaks. We'll likely see other marine wildlife, including stellar sea lions, harbor porpoises and orcas (killer whales). Brown bears and bald eagles frequently visit Mud Bay, where we'll spend an entire day. We'll also spend a full day at spectacular George Island, on the outer coast, with views of the Pacific Ocean!
Schedule and Prices: see 2008 Schedule for currently available trips and prices.
Book Your Trip: go to Trip Reservations to book your trip today, or call 1-800-KAYAKER!
Google™ Maps: Photography Expeditions
Need Some Help?
Even with the information age upon us, it's difficult to match the level of knowledge our guides have accumulated over the years. Our staff is always ready to help — if you have additional questions about our photography expeditions, please contact us today!
