Never heard of Cordova? You’re not the only one! I first visited Cordova 4 years ago, and have since gone back every year to make up for lost time. It is quite literally my favorite place in ALL of Alaska – quite probably the entire world. Yeah, it’s that extraordinary. But what sets it apart?

Photographer in lupine field, Sheridan Glacier, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D mk 2, 24-105 @ 105mm, 1/200" @ f7.1, ISO 400)

Cordova could easily be called “Hidden, Alaska”. It is tucked back in Orca Inlet, on the eastern edge of Prince William Sound. It is remote, yet logistically fairly simple to get to. It’s just far enough ‘off the beaten track’ so that only the adventurous travelers get to experience its wonders. But we won’t be roughing it while on tour – oh no! We’re staying at one of the best adventure lodges in all of Alaska. In fact, our rooms sit just above the rocky shores of the Inlet. Very comfortable beds, outstanding meals prepared in “The Cantina”, deep history and the pristine location make this an extraordinary place to call home for the 7-day/6-night tour. Warm showers, electricity and wifi – all the comforts of home – just without those pesky neighbors or traffic! A waterfall tumbles off the mountains and through the rain forest, just to the north of our lodge. The lodge itself is an old cannery, and old dock pilings still jut out a bit into the Inlet. It is common to see bald eagles perched right outside our windows, and sea otters or harbor seals patrolling the waters.

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We will use a small skiff to access the protected waters in search of the numerous sea otters nearby. By ‘numerous’ I mean… hundreds! It is not unheard of to see ‘rafts’ of sea otters numbering in the 50′s. On one trip to this area, I saw a raft of sea otters that likely numbered several hundred! Inland, we will walk through the world’s northern most rainforest – The Chugach – and photograph the ancient trees, dripping mosses, and rushing streams of fresh glacial and snow melt as they course towards the ocean. In Alaska, it seems that you are always surrounded by the mountains – Cordova is no different, and they make for a very dramatic backdrop for our photography.

We will also visit 2 glaciers. The first we will actually be able to walk on (safe conditions permitting, of course). It’s leading edge is surrounded by beautiful and dense lupine flowers. It truly is an amazing location, glacier, ice, morraine, flowers, and surrounding peaks. We could probably spend the entire tour here, and never get bored! But Child’s Glacier beckons to us from near the end of the Copper River Highway. It’s face is several hundred feet tall and is usually in a very active ‘calving’ phase this time of year. We will spend several hours photographing this immense glacier from just .19 miles away.

So, just to recap just some of what Cordova has to offer:

Moose, black bear, bald eagles, sea otters, harbor seals, jellyfish, waterfalls, rain forest, glacial streams/rivers/lakes/ponds, glaciers, mountains, the largest river delta on the west coast, trumpeter swans, waterfowl, and immense emptiness! And likely, not another photo tour group in the region. Please check out the dedicated Cordova Tour Description page for more info, and please contact me with any questions or to sign up for the amazing and very unique photo tour. The last few seats are filling quickly!

Rays of light over Alaska Range at Sunrise, on the Denali Highway, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 7D, 100-400 @ 330 mm. 1/640" @ f/8, ISO 400)

I’m very happy to formally announce the 4th tour of 2011. The “Wild Lands & Wild LIfe: Denali Highway Fall Color Tour”. August 26-September 1, 2011.

I’d like to invite you to join me on an epic, small group, wilderness photo tour into the heart of Alaska.

The Denali Highway – 135 mile long ‘improved’ road, stretching from Cantwell (near the eastern border of Denali National Park) to Paxson at the east end of the road. From 1957 to 1971, this was the only access to Denali National Park. Since ’71 it has become mostly derelict and poorly maintained. It crosses some of the most dramatic and incredible terrain in the United States. Mountains. Glaciers. Rolling tundra. Taiga forest. Kettle ponds. Raging rivers.

And ‘Big Sky’ that Montana can’t even fathom.

Wild Blueberries & Kettle Pond, Denali Highway. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D Mk 2, 24-105 @ 28mm. 30" @ f/16, ISO 50. B+W KSM Circular Polarizer)

Then there’s the wildlife. The Nelchina caribou herd passes through this area, every year. 36,000 strong – free ranging, un-penned, wild caribou. Thousands of moose call this region home. Wolves, wolverine, fox, rabbit, lynx, marmot & a wide variety of migrating birds.

It truly is a buffet for the adventurous photographer.

We will spend long days in the field, and our nights at a rustic self-sufficient lodge at the center of all this wilderness. Bring your appetites, you will eat well throughout this adventure. Hearty meals, no frills & no skimping on portions.

Bring your stamina, this is your window seat to adventure. Get ready to be swallowed whole by a landscape so breathtaking that you’ll refer to this photo expedition simply as ‘the trip’ – for the rest of your life.

Most importantly, bring your passion for photography. This is the trip you’ve been dreaming of. The adventure of a lifetime awaits.

Alaska awaits. Where will you be this fall?

Full trip description coming very soon.

If you are interested in this 7 day/6 night all inclusive (meals, guide, instruction, transportation & lodging) epic experience, send me an email now and get on the ‘the short list’. These 6 seats will fill very quickly.

I’d like to thank Scott Slone (of Perfect Blend Media & Alaska HDTV) for producing this very special commercial for the Fall Color Tour. Scott will be joining us again  to film our adventures & has offered a crash course in videography/production and editing to our participants. Thank you very much, my good friend. As always, it is a pleasure and honor to travel with you.

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) Over Remote Alaskan Lake

Aurora Borealis & Winter Landscapes Photo Tour

March 26-31, 2011

A quick rundown – 6 days/5 nights at an amazing wilderness lodge, nestled at the base of a mountain and surrounded by pristine winter wonderland! All lodging, all meals, all transportation, all the wildlife you can shake a 500mm lens at, and weather/conditions permitting, all the aurora borealis you can drool at.

How much? Well… that’s the unbelievable part. $2250 per participant. You won’t find a more unique tour at any where NEAR this price.

Check out the description on the Tour Page!

How many?

Oh… around 5 million. Give or take.

Two photography tips for this location in May? Yeah… you’ll thank me later.

Tip #1 – Wear rain gear at all times. Might be a good idea for your camera gear too.

Tip #2 – Don’t EVER look up with your mouth open. Those aren’t wet snow flakes. Well, they may be. But do you really want to take that chance?

You’re welcome.

Hartney Slough Twilight Pano. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North - CLICK TO ENLARGE

Annnnnnyway. In mid June, there are less birds and associated poop to dodge.

The grass that grows in Hartney Slough is thick and lush green.

The river is constantly changing appearance. When the tide is out, it is just few feet deep and is mainly clear with a light silty tint to it. When the tide comes back in, the river creeps up the grassy banks of the slough and takes on a beautiful milky blue cast. Evidence of it’s glacial source.

This place, where ocean meets land, embodies the Prince William Sound. Perhaps all of Alaska. It is snow falling high in the mountains, compacting to ice over eons, drifting slowly & inexorably downhill. It crushes those same mountains into rock, pebbles, and fine powder. The glaciers melt and carry the same silt downstream, tumbling through deep dark rainforest. It collects fallen trees, leaves, and plant life and carries them through the sloughs and finally the sea. This is life, death, and rebirth.

And everything in between.

Moose and Calves. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D mk 2, 100-400 @ 310mm. 1/60" at f6.3, ISO 3200)

Stay tuned.

I have never been charged by a bear, they typically want nothing to do with humans. Even kneeling less than 2 feet from an 800 pound female brown bear on the Katmai coast, I didn’t feel threatened.

But I won’t get within 20 yards of a moose, if I can avoid it.

The difference between a bear and moose charge – in my experience? Easy. If a bear charges you, stand your ground. Do NOT run. Bear like to bully and make things move. People, other bear… doesn’t matter.

Grazing Moose, Potter's Creek, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D mk 2, 70-200 @ 200mm, 1/400" @ f4, ISO 400)

Grazing Moose, Potter's Creek, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D mk 2, 70-200 @ 200mm, 1/400" @ f4, ISO 400)

If a moose charges you? Get the HECK out of there. Like… yesterday.

Moose in Remnants of Burned Forest, Homer, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 7D, 70-200 @ 200mm, 1/320" @ f4, ISO 400)

Grazing Moose, Potter's Creek, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D mk 2, 100-400 @ 235mm, 1/80" @ f9, ISO 800

I’ll be the first to admit, moose are some of the oddest looking creatures. Part horse, part… well, something else. Perhaps something with a goiter problem? They are a lot of fun to photograph, especially in the fall rut season. I am already looking forward to this fall – for several reasons. But this spring and summer have a lot to offer.

In Alaska, it is always moose season.

Pioneer & Twin Peaks, Palmer Moose Flats - Copyright 2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 24-105 @ 24mm, 5D mk 2, 1/5" @ f/18, ISO 200)

At just before 9, I noticed a slight glow on the horizon out my window. Well, that can’t be – the weather idiot said to expect cloudy skies and a good chance of snow on the horizon. And they’ve never been wrong before. I parted the shades and sure enough, just spotty clouds and full view of the mountains.

Time to go.

Ice Sheet, Frozen Pond in Palmer Moose Flats - Copyright 2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 24-105 @ 24mm, 5D mk 2, 1/10" @ f/18, ISO 200)

Less than 5 minutes drive from my home is the Palmer Moose Flats. Moose Flats, you say? The Glenn Highway cuts south through the Moose Flats as it winds towards Anchorage. I have seen many dozens of moose along this stretch in the past, almost entirely during my commute. When I shoot in the area, I never see moose. Is this Murphy Moose’s Law?

The color wasn’t quite as nice as some times in the past, but it’s just nice getting out and breathing in the cold, refreshing morning air. Doesn’t hurt to have a scene like this for a view either.

Paw Prints & Chugach Mountains - Copyright 2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 24-105 @ 24mm, 5D mk 2, 1/20" @ f/18, ISO 400)

Ok, so my front yard isn’t the “standard” front yard…

*A quick side note regarding these images – each is a blend of two separate exposures, taken back to back. One exposure was for the foreground and the second exposure is for the sky. The camera can not capture the dynamic range that the human eye can see, so photographers have 3 options: 1 – get only 1/2 the exposure correct and live with the results (either the sky will be too bright or the foreground too dark), 2 – use a special filter called a ND-Grad (it’s darker on the top half to bring down the exposure in the sky), 3 – take 2 shots and blend them in Photoshop (my preferred method). The 3rd method (which is what I used) is more flexible than resorting to using a filter in the field and gives me higher quality than I used to get when using filters. To each their own though, use the tools you have to the best of your abilities.

Stay tuned…

This is a good time to remind you of my upcoming photo workshop/adventour in June. Seats are limited, but we have a few spots open at this time. Please click HERE to read more about this one of a kind experience. Of course, if you have any questions, please contact me at any time. I look forward to seeing you, on this incredible tour!

Don’t wait, don’t hesitate… the remaining seats will not last much longer.

This is the workshop I’ve been subtly hinting about for a while now. I’m very excited to be hosting this workshop along with my good friend Gary Gullett. Gary is the owner and founder of Chicago Photo Safaris, and we met over 1 year ago while photographing the wild waters wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park.

No kidding, this is going to be a long post. I’ve written a trip description for our workshop/adventour – you will find it below. If you have any questions regarding this amazing photo workshop, please feel free to email any time. I will respond as quickly & completely as I can. If this trip sounds like something you want to do, consider this – it will fill quickly. Before the trip was formally announced, we’ve already taken reservations. We are limiting the workshop size to 12 participant photographers. Each participant can also bring a non-photographer spouse/friend at a heavily discounted rate. We are also offering 2 price points for this adventour; a single occupancy rate for travelers wishing for private accommodations, and a double occupancy rate for photographers looking to save a little money by doubling up with another photographer.

Don’t wait, don’t hesitate, don’t delay – reserve your spot now & make an investment in your photography & yourself.

All reservations will be handled by Chicago Photo Safaris. Gary Gullett is presently on a photography trip to Australia, so actual monetary reservations/transactions will likely wait till his return in a few weeks. However, if you have a serious interest in this workshop, please send me an email to get on the workshop list. The people on this list will be called upon Gary’s return to secure their spot, and a reservation deposit will be taken at that time.

For immediate public release.

Photo Workshop: Alaska’s Southern Coast. June 11-18, 2010

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Power Creek & Rainforest. Cordova, Alaska.

Sixtyone North & Chicago Photo Safaris are excited to announce this once in a lifetime journey to the pristine southern coast of Alaska. Diverse, beautiful landscapes and a wide variety of wildlife will surround you at every turn on this 8 day photographic adventure workshop.This is where glaciers go to die. Where oceans are born, fed and sustained. Where mountains do not rise from the horizon, they are thrust up with such force that they tear a ragged scar across the sky. Standing guard between the soaring mountains and the cold ocean depths is the ancient Chugach National Forest, the northernmost rainforest on the planet. Sheer cliff faces tower hundreds of feet above the protected ocean waters of the Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound. You will see colors so vivid, varied and lush that you may initially doubt their authenticity. But just like you, they are here – real, alive, and basking in all of Alaska’s majesty. The wildlife here is truly and simply that. Wild.

Breaching Whale. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska.

From the moment you land in Anchorage, there is no telling what you will see. Moose wandering across the highway or right downtown in the state’s most populous city. Just outside of Anchorage we will find (at close proximity) nesting Arctic Terns. They have the longest yearly migration of any animal, at 24,000 miles. It’s breeding grounds are right here in Alaska, but soon they will start the long journey south to Antarctica. Nearby are Dall Sheep (the planets only wild, white sheep), perched precariously along steep cliffs above the Seward Highway. Sometimes they venture down right along the side of the road, eating the low grasses nearby. Bald Eagles soar overhead and Beluga Whales porpoise just offshore, in the Turnagain Arm. We will pass through stunning landscapes as we make our way south, to Seward.This small coastal town is the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, and is our base for the next 3 days. From here we will venture out onto the waters of the North Pacific, winding our way between protected bays, stunning fjords and in front of enormous tidewater glaciers. The long days (around 20 hours of daylight) allow this perfect environment to create an immense amount of food for the denizens of the deep. Algae blooms feed the plankton and krill, feeding the small fish and birds, which feed much larger species. Including Dall’s Porpoise, Orca (Killer Whales) and Humpback Whales. We usually only catch glimpses of these marine giants, a geyser of expelled air, the arch of a back, and the silent sliding of a 15 foot wide tail (or fluke) into the ocean. But sometimes, these massive creatures rocket out of the water in a full breach and reveal their full size, before crashing back into the ocean with tremendous force. Sharing the ocean are a wide variety of other species, namely Steller Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. Flying above, and diving below are tens of thousands of sea birds. Gulls, Kittiwakes, Oyster Catchers, Cormorants, Alcids, Auklets, and of course Puffins (both Horned and Tufted) are everywhere.But fighting the wildlife for our attention at every turn are the wild lands. Dramatic islands and sea stacks, rugged coastlines, and thundering glaciers. You have never seen so many shades and intensities of blue, until you’ve visited Alaska. But the one that will be forever etched into your mind, is the deep black-sapphire blue within the newly exposed glaciers. You are staring literally into eternity. It creaks and groans, shutters and booms like an artillery shell exploding, as it moves slowly across the Alaskan landscape. It is a shaper of our world. A mountain crushing, valley carving, fjord chiseling combination of immense beauty and utter power. And we aren’t even half way through our adventure…

A pod of Orca surface in the Kenai Fjords National Park.

After a few days exploring this busy port and the surrounding Kenai Fjords, we head East to locations a bit less traveled and more remote. Cordova, Alaska. We will truly be taking the “roads” less traveled over the next several days. First we must cross the Prince William Sound on a high speed catamaran ferry. The 110 miles will fly smoothly by beneath us in only 3 hours. Sit back and relax in comfort and watch the beautiful Sound glide by, or stand on the back deck of the ferry and take in the surroundings in the open air. Tidewater glaciers are tucked back in the fjords, and the Sound is pock marked with dozens of uninhabited islands. You may never realize that this same area was devastated twice in the last 45 years. In 1964, the Good Friday Earthquake summoned up a tsunami that wiped out several communities. Then, on March 24th in 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef in the Northeastern corner of the Sound. It spilled 10.8 million gallons of crude oil into the pristine waters outside of Valdez, Alaska. Over the next few months and years, the oil spill directly caused the deaths of over 250,000 seabirds, over 3,000 sea otters, 300 harbor seals, 250 bald eagles, and 22 orca. Devastating is an understatement.
But today, the wildlife is back, as we will see upon arrival in Cordova. Dozens of bald eagles perch in trees near our lodge and all along the coastline, soaring above the quiet waters of Orca Inlet. And just offshore, we’ll float among sea otters. Not just one or two, but dozens and perhaps hundreds! We are timing our journey to see the newborn pups cradled atop their mother’s chests. These adorable animals have the densest fur of any animal, up to 150,000 strands of hair per square centimeter. Cordova is the unofficial sea otter capital of the world, and the photographic opportunities here are endless.

Sea Otter, Prince William Sound, Alaska.

But sea otters are just a little of what our Cordova base camp has to offer. You will be hard pressed to find a more diverse landscape, anywhere. The Chugach Rain Forest dives inland right from the coastline, sweeping up the lower ramparts of the surrounding mountain ranges. It is lush in every sense of the word. Old growth. Trackless. Dark. Mysterious and draped in vibrant silvery green moss. This forest will suck us in, enveloping us in its history. Glacier and snow melt fed streams rush through the forest, a milky turquoise blue coursing through the deep forest. A cool mist hangs in the air. The forest is still, yet alive all around us. We will walk the shores of nearby lakes, fog shrouded and lit warm by the early morning sun cresting the ridges above. Ducks, geese and grebes are everywhere – raising their young families in this idyllic and tranquil setting.

Canada Geese & fog. Eyak Lake, Cordova, Alaska.

Child's Glacier. Near Cordova, Alaska.

We will pass over the Copper River (the 10th largest river in the United States), as it fans out into the Copper River Delta after its 300 mile journey from deep within the Wrangell Mountains. The Delta is the largest wetlands along the Pacific Coast of North America. This area is the annual stop over for 16 million shorebirds (including all of the worlds Western Sandpipers) and the largest population of nesting Trumpeter Swans on the planet. We will watch for bear and moose as well, as they frequent the trails to be explored. Further on, the Delta changes shape. It is a stark plain in comparison to the nearby rainforest. Grey waters rush by with amazing power, tearing trees from their roots and carrying them down stream. Ancient ghost forests struggle to remain standing against the torrent. But beyond looms the massive Child’s Glacier. We will be given a unique opportunity to witness the raw power of a glacier as it slowly tears through the Alaskan landscape. We will set up less than 1/4 mile from the glaciers terminus, and photograph it for several hours as it crashes over and over into the undercutting Copper River. This will give us ample time to study multiple facets of this natural wonder as it slowly dies the same death it has been undergoing for several thousand years, up close and personal. We will have a great meal prepared on site (over open fire) as we study the dynamics of glacial geology, through our lenses. Eating steaks, munching on s’mores, and sipping at wine as one of the most awe inspiring sights crashes directly in front of us. Over and over again.
Natural drama doesn’t get any bigger than in Alaska. And this is Alaska’s best kept secret. There are opportunities too great to pass up. This is one of those. Are you ready?
Beautiful & grand landscapes. Diverse & awe-inspiring creatures. Witness your dream adventure come true. Witness Alaska’s Wild Lands & Wild Life.

Sea Otter Mom & Pupp. Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Itinerary:

June 10-11 – Arrive in Anchorage prior to 12 PM local time in preparation for tour departure at 6 PM local time on June 11th. We will make our way south from Anchorage to Seward, on the Kenai Peninsula. Along the way, we will look for a variety of migratory and resident bird species, Dall Sheep, and Beluga Whales. That’s just in the first hour of the drive! We will circumnavigate much of the Turnagain Arm (a fjord that cuts east of the Cook Inlet), then drive over Turnagain Pass. There will be lush fields of lupine to consider for subjects as well. We will pass glacially fed streams and lakes, and be surrounded by vast mountain ranges throughout our journey to Alaska’s southern coast. Once checked in at our Seward lodging, we will check into our the harbor and coastline just outside our door, looking for Bald Eagles, Sea Otters, and Steller Sea Lions. We may also see Humpback Whales right from the Seward waterfront! For those not minding a late night, we will take part in an optional sunset shoot (weather dependent). Overnight in Seward.

Wild Columbine. Near Cordova, Alaska.

June 12 – Optional sunrise shoot in beautiful Resurrection Bay. We will board a small boat tour early in the morning for our full day boat adventure into the incredible Kenai Fjords National Park. A light breakfast and delicious lunch will be served onboard this small boat cruise. We will be on the constant look out for Humpback Whales and Orca (Killer Whales), as well as Dall’s Porpoise, Steller Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals and more. There are tens of thousands of birds that call the Kenai Fjords region home through the summer months; Bald Eagles, Cormorants, Gulls, Auklets & of course Puffins! We will also visit one of the dozens of tidewater glaciers in the area. So much variety, so much beauty. Bring your memory cards and extra batteries! Upon arriving back in Seward, we will have dinner (not included) and discuss the days events. After dinner, we will explore more of the surrounding area, perhaps an easy hike to Exit Glacier, along the coastline looking for Sea Otters, continuously surrounded by immense beauty. Optional sunset shoot. Overnight in Seward.

June 13 – Optional sunrise shoot. We will spend our last full day in Seward exploring the area and all the photographic options nearby. Exit Glacier, or perhaps a more strenuous hike (optional) to Tonsina Creek & Point. We will spend part of the afternoon at the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you’ll get the unique opportunity to photograph marine mammals up close & personal, as well as learn all about them from wildlife biologists. We will have our first classroom session and discuss the power and versatility of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop – bring your laptops so you can follow along and try out your new digital darkroom skills! After the SeaLife Center closes to the public, we will step behind the scenes for a backstage view of the aviary. Walk among puffins and other beautiful sea birds, feed them fish from your hands, and get an amazing opportunity to see these beautiful feathered creatures up close. Following dinner, we will again head out to nearby locations and conduct an optional sunset shoot. Overnight in Seward.

God Beams Over Turnagain Arm. Alaska.

June 14 – Optional sunrise shoot. We will meet for a delicious breakfast at one of Seward’s many great eateries. Then we will check out of our hotel and head north to Whittier. Along the way, we will photograph more wild Alaskan landscapes and watch the beautiful scenery roll by. As we near Whittier, we will stop by Portage Lake to photograph icebergs recently calved from the Portage Glacier at the other end of the lake. Then it’s on to Whittier, and our high speed ferry service to Cordova. We will glide quickly over the pristine Prince William Sound in the comfort of the catamaran. This area is frequented by many varieties of marine wildlife; different whales (Humpback, Minke, and Gray), Orca, Dall’s Porpoise, Steller Sea Lions, Sea Otters, and a wide variety of bird species. We will be moving at nearly 40 mph, but if you close your eyes, you may forget that you are moving at all – the catamaran is so smooth and quiet, even at this speed. Depending on the 2010 schedule, we may stop over in Valdez – the end of the line for the oil delivery pipeline that starts over 800 miles to the north, in Alaska’s North Slope near the Arctic Ocean. Upon arrival in the waters around Cordova, the scenery changes. The water takes on a smooth, quiet appearance. Mountains rise up from the coastline, and all around is rain forest. Welcome to the Chugach. After docking we will check in at the Orca Adventure Lodge, our base for the next five days. We will eat a hearty meal cooked by their skilled chefs and discuss the coming adventure. Optional sunset shoot. Overnight at Orca Adventure Lodge, Cordova.

A Blossom Revealed. Near Cordova, Alaska.

June 15 – Optional sunrise shoot. After a delicious breakfast at the lodge, we will head out to get our first real look at the amazing diversity that surrounds Cordova. Amazing rain forest. Beautiful, glacially fed lakes and streams. Pristine coastline. Lakes & ponds filled with migrating and breeding birds. Endless trails to wander, sloughs to explore, and diverse ecosystems to melt into. This is Alaska at its finest. No crowds, no rushing around. Just our small group exploring these untamed lands. We will have access to 18 foot ocean going skiffs to take our group into Orca Inlet, in search of the not-so-rare Sea Otters that call this area home. We won’t have to look long or hard, they are everywhere! Young & fluffy pups cuddled on their mother’s chests or swimming nearby. Large adults, and even the rare cream colored Sea Otters. Hours of photographic options while floating on these tranquil and protected waters. Optional sunset shoot. Overnight at Orca Adventure Lodge, Cordova.

June 16 – Optional sunrise shoot. Today is another day of grand landscapes. After another great breakfast, we will slowly make our way to the Copper River Delta, and the Child’s Glacier. All along this route, we will be surrounded by wildlife – mostly avian, but we will also watch for the hundreds of local moose and even brown & black bear. There are many Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese and a wide variety of ducks along the way too, so keep those telephoto lenses at the ready. We will pass by several glaciers, and may stop by Sheridan Glacier if people are up for a hike to the edge of its terminal lake. Moose and bear frequent this area, so we will keep our group close and our cameras at the ready!
There really is no way to properly describe the incredible sight that is Child’s Glacier, but we’ll have plenty of time to capture its majesty on “film”. We will spend the rest of the day at the viewing area less than 1/5th of a mile from it’s vertical face. The Copper River is swollen this time of year, and the melt water undercuts the glacier’s terminus, causing it to calve frequently. Massive chunks of ice, some hundreds or even several thousands of years old, fracture off and crash into the cold waters. It never gets old, and the sound and sights will stay with you forever. Plus, you’ll have “pics” to prove it! A great dinner prepared over open fire by a chef from our lodge with your new friends all around, and an awesome sight before you. A nice glass of wine or a local Alaskan microbrew, something to help wash down your hearty meal. Then roasting marshmallows and building s’mores over the campfire… holding a marshmallow stick in one hand, your camera’s remote release in the other. It really is hard to prioritize! It will be difficult, but we will have to head back to our lodge on the coastline, and our comfortable beds for another great nights sleep. A dream filled night, the scent of an open fire or the ocean on your clothes, and a thundering boom deep within a glacier you will never forget. Overnight at Orca Adventure Lodge, Cordova.

June 17 – Optional sunrise shoot. We will cover some of the opportunities we missed on Tuesday (the 15th). Perhaps more time on the water with the otters, bald eagles along the coastline, several options of rainforest hiking. More wild life & wild lands around this hidden gem that is Cordova. We may have another classroom session in the afternoon (weather depending), delving deeper into the power that Photoshop and Lightroom have to offer. There are more waterfalls to discover and explore, more bear to seek out. More photos to take and more stories to share. Optional sunset shoot. Overnight at Orca Adventure Lodge, Cordova.

Nature's Boardwalk. Haystack's Trail near Cordova, Alaska.

June 18 – Optional sunrise shoot. Our final day. After an early breakfast, we will board the ferry for the return trip to Whittier. Once there we will make our way to Girdwood, and the Alyeska ski area. For those that reserved their seats, a flight with Alpine Air is in order! Beautiful, grand aerial views of Alaska’s mountains, valleys, glaciers and oceans. For those wishing to keep their feet on the ground, we will do an easy hike to Virgin Creek Falls, and perhaps the Winner Creek Trail. For the more adventurous, ride the gondola to the ridge line that looks out over Alyeska Resort and Girdwood. Then jump off! For an additional fee, you can fly with an expert paraglider pilot (tandem) over the beautiful slopes and forests below. Then we will make our way along the Turnagain Arm back to Anchorage, watching for Dall Sheep, Bald Eagles and Arctic Terns before dropping you off at your hotels or an optional “Epilogue” dinner at one of Anchorage’s amazing restaurants. Then, your adventure continues wherever your camera takes you, wherever your lens points you, and wherever your heart pulls you.

Note: We will attempt to follow this itinerary whenever possible. But keep in mind that it is rough guideline/suggestion. While pursuing photography, it is best to learn to adapt and then embrace whatever mother nature throws at you. If the weather simply is too hostile to venture into, we will adapt by covering digital darkroom topics in classroom sessions. But if the weather is beautiful, we will forgo those indoor sessions and embrace the good weather outdoors. Naturally, we reserve the right to alter this itinerary at any time. We will make every effort to keep you up to date regarding any changes as early as possible, but any additional costs incurred due to schedule or itinerary changes are the sole responsibility of the participant(s).

This is a whole new class of workshop. Part adventure, part tour. An Adventour!
One thing is for sure, the photo adventure workshop is all about diversity. Prepare yourself for long days in the field, early rises and late evenings. The sun rises around 4 am and sets after 11 pm. Of course, these sunrise and sunset shoots are not mandatory, but they will be offered whenever the weather cooperates. Weather is always a consideration, and the only thing regarding it that can be guaranteed, is that there will be weather. You have set aside valuable time and money to participate in this adventure. Regardless of the weather, we will do everything in our power to maximize your photographic opportunities. Sometimes, this means shooting in less than ideal conditions. Always remember one of Dave’s Photographic Axioms: Weather can make the photograph – good or bad, blizzard or gale. Many people put their cameras away and head back inside when “the weather outside is frightful”. That’s when we head out. Some of the most valuable gear you can buy is good rain gear for yourself and your camera equipment.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Many a photographer has dreamt of an Alaskan adventure, yet the cost of bringing “the right gear” has stymied their plans. The idea of investing not only in the trip of a lifetime, but also high end cameras and lenses to make the trip worthwhile, is down right intimidating. This kind of investment can easily put a trip like this for many photographers. But what if you had gear waiting for you, gear of your choosing? Professional gear… gear that you paid just a fraction of the cost to use, at your leisure while on your tour? Gear that you don’t need to worry about transporting to and from Alaska? We have this solution already in place for you. Everything from fisheye lenses and macro/micros up to the latest (& huge) 600mm f/4 lenses from both Nikon and Canon. And everything in between. Need another camera body for a backup, or have you always wanted to try out a high end pro body made by Canon or Nikon? We’ll arrange it for you through our gear rental partner at Borrowlenses.com. You don’t need to do anything special, just let us know what your needs are (or let us help you figure those out!) and we’ll take care of the rest! We get a discount on our rentals because of the quantities we deal in, and we pass that rate directly on to our clients. Dave Taylor has a long history working with Canon equipment, and Gary will help you pull become very proficient using your Nikon gear.
Running out of excuses, aren’t you?

Sea Otter. Prince William Sound, Alaska.

We are here every step of the way; before, during and after your adventure. We’ll make sure you have everything you need before leaving for Alaska, you’ll get a detailed packing list & suggestions. Have a question about your trip, send Dave an email and he’ll use his on location knowledge to get you feeling confident that you are fully prepared. Once here, Gary and Dave will put every ounce of their effort into making sure that you have a successful photographic journey – through expert instruction and guiding, both in the field and our short but intense classroom sessions. In these sessions we will cover Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. Topics like image management, layers and layer masks, sharpening, panoramic images and much more will be covered. Photography has several difficult facets to learn. Your guides have years of experience teaching everything from the fundamentals to the most advanced techniques, and have developed teaching methods to simplify this process – speeding your growth and broadening your horizons in the process. You will become more confident, more efficient, and more successful in your photography. You may shoot thousands of images over this week long journey. Photographers have learned, “Pics, or it never happened”. Can you get those pics? We’ll show you how

There is one more option to consider. We are proud to offer a cooperative endeavor with Alpine Air – the premier helicopter flight seeing service in Alaska. Alpine Air has worked closely with several large cinematography projects, professional photographers, and national/international TV shows. And now it’s your turn! We have arranged a reduced rate, and one more incredible opportunity – Alpine Air will take you up in their incredibly maintained 4 seat helicopters, the perfect aerial photography platform. With the doors off. Yep, you read that right – nothing but open air between you, the mountains, mountain ranges, passes, glaciers, icefalls, crevasses, ocean and wide open sky. Well, maybe one thing between you and those things – your camera and wide angle lens! This is an incredible offering, one you don’t want to miss, and one that you will grin broadly at every time your memory floats back to that incredible aerial session over south central Alaska. The sites are amazing, the experience jaw-dropping, the memories… everlasting. Of course, this trip is weather dependent – but if you don’t fly, you don’t pay. Just that simple. A la carte offering to any participant that is interested. Cost: $550 per participant. This may be a good time to add that wide angle image stabilized/vibration reduction lens to your rental order!

Tour Date: June 11-18, 2010

Workshop Leaders: Dave Taylor & Gary Gullett

Group Size: Limited to 12 photographer participants + spouses/friends (non-photographers)

Investment

$3990 (Double Occupancy) – per photographer

$4690 (Single Occupancy) – per photographer

$1990 (Double Occupancy) “Tag-along Rate” – non photographers. Limit 1 “Tag-along” per photographer participant

The non refundable reservation fee is $750 per participant.

Once the tour has filled, we will keep a waiting list in case of emergency cancellations

Because of our small group, this tour will fill quickly. If you think this trip might be just what you have been waiting for, don’t delay, contact us immediately!

Sea Otter Mom & Pupp. Prince William Sound, Alaska

What’s included in your investment: All travel within Alaska from the time we meet in Anchorage on June 11th, till we drop you off back in Anchorage on June 18th. This includes our van service throughout the trip, an extraordinary 10 hour boat trip in Kenai Fjords National Park, the high speed ferry from Whittier to Cordova (and back), and ocean going skiffs for our photography sessions on Prince William Sound (out of Cordova). Also included in your investment is all lodging during the tour, double occupancy rate applied. Should you prefer the privacy of your own room, we also have a single occupancy lodging rate of $3999. Lodging in Seward overlooks the harbor and Resurrection Bay beyond. Want a balcony on your room, just add $30. But do it quickly (these rooms will fill fast!). Lodging in Cordova is at the amazing Orca Adventure Lodge. Secluded and set along the Prince William Sound coastline, this rustic and historic lodge will be our comfortable base of operations for 4 nights. From here you can set yourself adrift in a sea kayak (not included), walk the rugged shoreline, or explore waterfalls and rain forests just outside your door. Included in our stay here is a chef prepared meal at Child’s Glacier – wonderful food in an amazing setting.

Of course, all instruction & guiding is included – both field and classroom sessions from your two dedicated and passionate guides.

Turnagain Arm Flats, Golden Carpet. Alaska.

What’s not included: Any travel expenses to and from Alaska, any lodging & transportation before and after your tour, and meals (except for the Child’s Glacier dinner and breakfast & lunch on Kenai Fjords small boat cruise). Why no meals? Simple – tastes and appetites are too varied to factor into our cost. Tips/gratuities are not included for guides/logistics partners/lodging or restaurant staff. Nor is travel insurance (which we highly recommend) or photographic gear. If you are interested in renting gear at a lower than market value rate, please ask – we’ll be happy to make recommendations for appropriate equipment and arrange everything for you, no worries, no hassles! Beverages & snacks are also not included. Also not included; visas, passports, immunizations (only applicable to foreign travelers), laundry, phone, “pay per view” TV (where available) at lodging, cost of hospitalization or emergency evacuation if necessary.

Requirements: We recommend that you arrive in Anchorage before June 11th at noon. We will be meeting June 11th at 6:00 PM for the start of your tour. Do not make any plans to depart Alaska before June 19th, as we may well go late on June 18th. We require full medication lists and contact numbers in case of emergency. You will also be required to sign a waiver & assumption of risk form, as required by law. You must understand that, by booking your travel with us you are accepting our policies and will agree to follow our guidelines at all times. Our guidelines and policies have been put in place to ensure a safer adventure travel experience, for you (our clients), our guides & logistics partners, and for our planet as well as its inhabitants. Our tours are eco-friendly, and we follow the mainstay ideal of “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”.  As the sign says – The client is always correct. Please ask your guide if you are still considered a client.

I would probably be the last to say that moose are “attractive” creatures. In my humble opinion (or, in internetics, IMHO) they are pretty much butt ugly. However, they are impressive as hell. Especially when they are walking right towards you, a purpose in their step, showing no sign of hesitation at 10 yards. Even more so because they weigh in around 1200 pounds. They may not be cute, but they sure make up for it in sheer size. This is the same bull from the last post and was taken about 1/2 hour after that shot. He had just emerged from the woods, following one of the cows that he had just “gotten jiggy with”. Oh love was in the air; lip smacking, drooling, twinkling eyes, urinating. You know, the usual stuff.

Walking Tall. Bull moose near Powerline Pass, Anchorage, Alaska.

It can be difficult to photograph moose. First there’s the whole “death” thing. I like to joke with some clients that we are going to have a great time, get some great shots, and we might die. But, you see… it’s a joke. I haven’t been killed yet doing this. Where’s Haley Joel Osment when you need him? “I see dead people…”

Really, the difficult part is the exposure. The antlers are typically fairly bright and easy to overexpose if you meter for the darker portion of it’s body. Meter for the rack and the body goes black without detail. It’s the wildlife photographers version of a wedding couple. Bride in a white dress standing next to the groom in his black tux.

So, I watched the sky. We had partly cloudy skies throughout the day. I used the bright sunlight times to change locations or to maneuver for a different perspective. Once the clouds moved in place, I shot. My priority was for the antlers, I didn’t want them (or the lightly covered back) to be overexposed – so I let the darker belly fur go dark. The clouds acted like a huge soft box and lowered the contrast to a more manageable level. Imagine a diffuser panel dozens of miles across. The only issue is, you can’t control it. But you can take advantage of it.

Stay tuned…