Wild Lands & Wild Life: Denali Highway Fall Color Tour – 2011

Clearwater Mountain Sunrise, Alaska ©2011 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D Mk 2, 70-200L f4 IS @ 200mm. 1/5" @ f/16, ISO 200)

I’m also going to try something new out for the rest of 2011…

Want to make $100? I thought that might get your attention!

Meet the F.R.I.P. – Friend Referral Incentive Program. Don’t you just love acronyms…

5 easy steps:

• Post a link to my Alaskan Photo Tours & Workshops page on your personal blog, website, twitter, and/or Facebook page.
• Refer a photographer friend (or friends) to my 2011 Alaskan Photo Tours & Workshops page
• Have them sign up for a 2011 photo tour with me & mention you as a referral with a way to contact you
• The client must complete the photo tour
• Check your mail for a $100 check

Restrictions?

• Well, you can’t refer yourself. But yes, your wife/husband can…
• The client must complete the photo tour before you get your $100 check
• NO restrictions on the number of clients you can refer, except for tour size limits. Refer 4 people that complete any tour, get $400!
• In order to qualify, you must post a link to my Alaskan Photo Tours & Workshops page on your personal blog, website, twitter, and/or Facebook page.

If you are already a client on an upcoming tour  (or a previous tour) and you refer another new client, you get $200! Again, no limit on the number of people – except until tours are full for 2011. That on top of the already-in-place $200 off for any returning client, and you can really add up some savings!

Not too shabby, huh? Time to start spreading the word!

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.

I live here. I travel here as often as possible and I love good food – so I feel pretty good about my recommendations, and my clients have echoed my reviews upon returning from their successful adventures.

I’ve had a list of trusted links on this site for quite some time, but it was always a little hidden. It kind of slipped through the cracks in the hustle and bustle of operating a photo tour company. Well, it’s time to put this page front and center. The businesses I’ve listed on this page had no idea I was going to add them to this list or that I was reviewing them for this project. I wanted to feel like a regular traveler, and not have extra attention thrown my way like a professional reviewer might. Some of these locations and services have become good friends since I’ve utilized their services, and I’m lucky to call them friends.

With a comfy bed to recover in, good food to refuel with, and safe + qualified + knowledgeable guides to show you the way, your Alaskan trip of a lifetime will have a much higher likelihood of success.

This is just a start, over 30 businesses for now. What are they qualifications for being listed here?

#1 – I trust them.

#2 – They offer an amazing service & have passion.

#3 – They are good people.

#4 – Your experience is their paramount concern.

Enough said.

Don’t see your business listed here? Send me an invite. If you match my 4 criteria, I’ll be happy to add you!

If you are interested in seeing who made the cut, just clickee the linkee.

Best Lodges, Restaurants and Guides in Alaska.

1. Best Photos of 2010 by Jim M. Goldstein – JMG-Galleries
2. Best Photos of 2010 by Matthias Wassermann – Mawpix.com
3. Exploring Light -Top Photos 2010 – Chris Moore
4. My Top Ten Photos for 2010 – Tom Varden
5. My Top Ten Photos of 2010 | Craig’s Musings – Craig Vitter
6. Top 10 Photos for 2010 | Dobson Central – Ken Dobson
7. Best Photos of 2010 – Carol Bauer
8. My Best photos from 2010 – Janis Janums
9. My Best Photos of 2010 – David Taylor | SixtyoneNorth.com
10. 2010 – Year In Review – Jon McCormack Photography – Jon McCormack
11. S Zacharias: Best of 2010 – Stephen Zacharias
12. 2010 Photos – David Hernandez
13. Iceman Photography – Top 10 in 2010
14. Best of 2010 – Dave Wilson
15. Skolai Images – Bears of 2010 – Carl Donohue
16. My Best Photos From 2010 – Art Kuntz
17. 2010 in Review – Jay Goodrich
18. My Favourite Images of 2010 – Sven Seebeck
19. Lunchisoptional: Favorites of Year: 2010 Edition — Ken Trout
20. My ten favorite photos of 2010 – Stefan Bäurle
21. Top 10 of 2010 – Behind The Clicks – Mohammad Noman
22. Top Ten Photos Of 2010 – Jed Link
23. 2010 in Review – kRiZ cPEc Photo Blog
24. Chuqui.com- Best Photos 2010 – Chuq Von Rospach
25. My Favorite Photos of 2010 – Ed Rosack
26. 2010 Favorites – Pat Ulrich | Pat Ulrich Photography
27. Favorites of 2010 – Kevin Moore
28. Top 10 of 2010 from BlazingB Photography – Bill Pennington
29. My Favorite Photos of 2010 – Mike Criss
30. My faves from 2010 – Matt Smith
31. My favourite shots of 2010 – Catalin Marin | Momentary Awe
32. 2010 a Year in Review, My Top 10 Memorable/Favorite shots – Mike Criswell
33. Craig Ferguson Images – A Year In Photos – Craig Ferguson
34. Top 50 Images from 2010 and Goal Setting – Mike Cavaroc
35. Jim’s Photography – Jim Wheeler
36. Sharpimage.net – The best of 2010 – David Sharp
37. StephenWeaver Photography/Earth Systems Imaging-Stephen G. Weaver
38. Best of 2010 – Changing Perspectives – Jenni Brehm
39. katzekotz.de – best of 2010 – Thomas Kneppeck
40. 2010 Favorite Images – Alpenglow Images – Greg Russell
41. Best Images of 2010 – Peter Cox Photography – Peter Cox
42. Best of 2010| Simon Says – Simon Ponder
43. My Favorites Shots of 2010 – Fine Art Prints – Jeff Colburn
44. Mountain and Climbing Photography – Alexandre Buisse
45. Siam In Contrast 2010 – Adrian Young
46. Olivier Du Tré | 2010 in review (black and white) | 2010 in review (colour)– Olivier Du Tré
47. John Dunne Photography | My Top 10 Favourite Images of 2010 – John Dunne
48. Best of 2010 Flickr Set – Tony Rath
49. Top 10 from 2010 – Behind-the-lens-lukey – Luke Weymark
50. Evan Gearing Photography’s Top 10 of 2010 – Evan Gearing
51. 2010 Photos in Review: Water – Rebecca R Jackrel
52. Justin Korn [dot] com – Best of 2010 – Justin Korn
53. My Best Photos of 2010: Learning and Growing> – D. Travis North
54. Uncommon Depth – Roberta Murray
55. Organic Light Photography Best of 2010 – Youssef Ismail / Organic Light Photography
56. The Best of 2010 – blackandwhite.ie – Neil McShane
57. My Best of 2010 – Larry Rosenstein
58. Will Wohler Photography: 2010 A Year in Review – Will Wohler
59. digitizedchaos – best of 2010 – rian castillo
60. My Top 10 from 2010 – Chaz Curry Photography
61. My best underwater photos 2010 – Suzy Walker
62. Favorite Photographs From 2010 – Fine Art Landscape Photography of Seung Kye Lee
63. Best photos from 2010 – Amanda Herbert
64. Wrapping Up 2010: My Favorite Photographs – Ivan Makarov Photography
65. Graf Nature Photography | Reflections on 2010 photographs – MARK GRAF
66. VACANT SHOP IN DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA – G. Kaltenbrun
67. Pat O’Brien Photography – A Look Back at 2010 – Pat O’Brien
68. G Dan Mitchell – 2010 Favorites – G Dan Mitchell
69. Favorite Photo of 2010 – Naturalvision-photo.com –Derek Griggs
70. Crest, Cliff & Canyon – Jackson Frishman
71. 2010 In Review – Photoimagery.net – Peter McCabe
72. Favorite Photos from 2010 – In the Field Photo Blog – Richard Wong
73. Year in Review Best Photos of 2010 – Matt Graham Photo Blog – Matt Graham
74. Elizabeth Brown Photography PhotoBlog: Ten Favorite Photos of 2010 – Elizabeth Brown
75. My Top Photos of 2010 – Jonesblog – Bryan William Jones
76. latoga photograph: My Favorite Photos of 2010 – Greg A. Lato
77. Best of 2010 Images – Rob Tilley
78. Living Wilderness: 12 Best from 2010 – Kevin Ebi
79. Highlights of 2010 – TO KNOW MORE WEB JOURNAL – KENT MEARIG
80. My Best Photos of 2010 – Michael Russell | Michael Russell Photography
81. Best Photographs of 2010 – Chuck Goolsbee
82. Favourite Photos from 2010 – Tim Smalley
83. My Best 10 Photos 2010 – A Reconnection to Nature – Mark Fenwick
84. Best of 2010 – Quotidian Photography – Jessica Sweeney
85. My Top Images of 2010 – ANDREW KEE
86. A Photo A Day… Done! – WelliverPhotography – Beth Welliver
87. Batsto Village – Louis Dallara Photo Blog – Louis Dallara
88. Best 10 of 2010 – John Wall’s Natural California
89. 10 from 2010 on the Ann-alog – Ann Torrence
90. Favorite Photos from 2010 – My Photo Blog – Ron Niebrugge
91. My favorite photos 2010 on Flickr – Markus Heinisch
92. My best photos of 2010 – Mike Hellers
93. Dave Reichert’s Best Of 2010 – Dave Reichert
94. Photographs: 2010 Revisited – Joseph Szymanski
95. Best Pics 2010 on Flickr – Michael Rubin
96. My 10 Best Shots of 2010 – ROBIN BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY – ROBIN BLACK
97. Top 10 from 2010 – Anne McKinnell
98. Vanilla Days – Best of 2010 – Pete Carr
99. Top Photos of 2010 – Gary Crabbe / Enlightened Images
100. Top Images from 2010 – Russ Bishop | Nature Photo Blog
101. Favourite photos from 2010 – Bryn Tassell
102. 10 Best Photos of 2010 by Scott Thompson – Scott Thompson
103. My Top 10 photos of 2010 – Alexander S. Kunz
104. My 10 Best for 2010 – Dan Baumbach
105. Unified Photography – Best Photos of 2010 – Ken Snyder
106. 5 From 2010 – Contemporary Wildlife Photography – David Lloyd
107. Top 10 Photos of 2010 – Steven Bourelle Digital Arts
108. 2010 Top Ten Photos – Andrew S Gibson
109. 2010 Reflections – Dru Stefan Stone – Dru-Color My World
110. Best of 2010 – Dave Hammaker
111. Top 20 of 2010 – Jenna Stirling
112. LandLopers.com Top Travel Photos of 2010 – Matt Long
113. Best of 2010 – Stephen Davey
114. Landscape Photography Blogger My Favorite Photos of 2010 – David Leland Hyde
115. Views Infinitum – Best of 2010 – Scott Thomas
116. One Per Trip – Favorite Travel Photos From 2010 – The Carey Adventures – PETER WEST CAREY
117. Best of 2010 – I Love It, SF – Kara Murphy
118. My top 10 pictures from 2010 – Duffy Knox
119. Burrard-Lucas Photography – Will & Matt Burrard-Lucas
120. Hank Christensen Photography Top 10 2010 – Hank Christensen
121. My Best Photos from 2010 – 365-1/4 Sra
122. Top Ten Images of 2010 – Michael Frye
123. Jono Hey’s Best of 2010 on Flickr – JONO HEY
124. My Favorite Photographs from 2010 – Stories From Home –David Patterson
125. My 2010 Best Images of California and Arizona – Steve Sieren
126. My Top 10 Landscapes of 2010 – Andre Leopold
127. Best of 2010 set on Flickr – Erik Turner
128. This was 2010 on Flickr – Jeffrey Van Daele
129. Top 10 of 2010 – Brian Mangano
130. Best Photos of 2010 – KBTImages – Kevin Thornhill
131. Best Photos of 2010 – The Sun Shines & The Igloo Melts
132. Top 10 of 2010 – Chad Griggs
133. Best Photos of 2010 – WASEEF AKHTAR
134. My Favorite Images from 2010 – Outdoor Exposure Photography by Sean Bagshaw – Sean Bagshaw
135. My Best Shots of 2010 – Annika Ruohonen Photography – Annika Ruohonen
136. Top sights from 2010 – Mariana Travieso Bassi
137. Year 2010 in Korwel Photography – Iza Korwel
138. WISCONSIN SUMMER – Jarrod Erbe
139. Best Photos of 2010 – Jim Stamates
140. Top 10 of 2010 – Younes Bounhar
141. Light on the Landscape Photoblog/My Favorite Images of 2010 – WILLIAM NEILL
142. My Best Photos of 2010 – Itsa a greyt day for a photo – Terri Jacobson
143. Listening to Nature Photography Blog by Rhoda Maurer – RHODA MAURER
144. My favorites of 2010 – David Richter
145. Best of 2010 – View from the Little Red Tent – Edie Howe
146. tmophoto best of 2010 – Thomas O’Brien
147. Best Photos Of 2010 – Dawnstar Australis – Daniel McNamara
148. Top 10 of 2010 – Cranial Aperture – Jeffrey Yen
149. 10 Best Favorites of 2010 – Sudheendra Kadri
150. Flickr – Best of 2010 – Chris Arts
151. Flickr: Best of 2010 – Heidi Donat
152. Best Photo of 2010 – Anton Huo
153. Best of 2010 – Travel & Landscape – Eugene Cheng
154. Preetalina Photography: 2010 Favorites – Preeti Desai
155. Hidden Light Photography 2010 Favorites – Alan Williams
156. 5Mae 2010 Favourites Flickr Set – Sarah-Mae
157. Best Photos of 2010 – John Fujimagari
158. Best of 2010 – Paavani Bishnoi
159. Best Photos of 2010 – Phil Colla
160. 100 Favorites from 2010 – Patrick J. Endres
161. Top Ten Of 2010 – Steve Cole Photography
162. Some of My Favorite Images From 2010 – Clark Crenshaw Photography

Here’s to this past year, and a New Year ahead!

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And one “sh!tty” photograph…

Looking for an amazing way to spend 2011? Consider joining me on a unique Alaskan Photo Tour! Amazing destinations, incredible wildlife, fantastic landscapes. 3 photo tours. 1 amazing state.

Alaska Photo AdvenTours.

Check out The Best Photos of 2009 list on Jim Goldstein’s website.

Guy Tal

A few days ago, I “sat down” with professional photographer and writer, Guy Tal. Guy lives in Torrey, Utah, and specializes in photographing wild spaces in the American Southwest. I recently reviewed his new eBook, “Creative Landscape Photography” and found it to be vital reading material that belongs on every nature photographer’s book shelf (physical or digital). I’ve been a fan of Guy’s photography and writing for several years now, since I first started participating in various photography forums. His photography is absolutely stunning and shines through in its inherent simplicity. It makes you drop your jaw in awe. His writing is inspirational and contemplative, subtle in style but bold in context. It makes you think.

Jay Goodrich, a friend of Guy’s, said it best in his review of the new eBook. “It is very rare for a person to master multiple disciplines and Guy proves his mastery with this new book.” In fact, Guy excels at this interweaving of disciplines. It’s a rare gift, and yet Guy seems to be at ease when standing before both canvases.

© Guy Tal

This interview was a lot of fun for me to do. I got to delve deeper into the mind of one of today’s greatest outdoor photographers. Just as I did in his eBook, I learned a great deal from our emailed conversations. I considered myself to be a fairly thoughtful photographer, but I now know that I have a long ways to go if I desire to reach the same level of intimateness with a landscape that Guy has achieved.

But that’s the point, isn’t it? Reaching that level of enlightenment is only part of the fun. It’s not only about the destination, but the journey as well.

I hope you enjoy this interview with Guy Tal. Please find links to his various sites and social networking options after the interview.

1 – Let’s start with the obligatory opening question. Was it the chicken or the egg that came first? Your love of the natural world that drove you to pick up a camera, or was it the camera that led you outdoors? How old were you?

2 – When did you realize that you were meant to be a photographer?

3 – What did you do before you made the transition to a full time photographer? Was that shift in careers difficult? Are there things that you would do differently, if you could do it all over again?

4 – From the outside looking in, one of the few things that rivals your photography is your writing prowess. Is the writing process something that you’ve nurtured or struggled with or was it a natural transition to help ‘complete the story arc’ after you’ve clicked the shutter? Is it truly the fact that, although a picture may be worth a thousand words, images with words speak volumes?

© Guy Tal

5 – You’ve recently released your brilliant ebook, ‘Creative Landscape Photography’. I’m not the only one that thinks it is a “must have” for every nature photographer’s library. It seems that, like me, you really enjoy the ‘sharing of concepts’ and education of photography – whether through your website, books, or workshops. Do you ever consider that you might be training your competition? You seem very candid and open about your ‘process’. Did you ever consider ‘holding back’ on the amount you share out of ‘self-preservation’?

6 – Are there any ‘secrets’ any more, and do they do any good to our art and profession?

© Guy Tal

7 – How long did the process of writing this ebook take, from concept to distribution?

8 – Any plans for a hardcopy, or version 2.0?

9 – I can’t count how many times I’ve been told, “You must have a nice camera”. How much does gear factor in? Is there a piece of gear that you’d really like to get your hands on?

© Guy Tal

10 – You primarily use 35 mm digital equipment. Have you ever been tempted to switch to medium format digital, or do you feel that the advantages of size, weight and flexibility – not to mention cost – of the 35mm digital SLR system outweighs any resolution advantages that medium format can offer?

11 – What impact do you hope to have with your career? Is it legacy as an artist, conservation of wild places, be known as one of the premier photographic educators, or all of the above?

12 – Many photographers, myself included, feel that photographers should “make images for themselves first” and not for what they may believe will sell or that others may like? Do you agree with this and why? What is your motivation when you take a photograph?

© Guy Tal

13 – Do you recommend that photographers diversify their portfolio or specialize in a certain theme/genre, and why?

14 – What are your personal goals for your images. Do you aim for  ”realism”, or your personal perception of a scene? What are your ethical considerations, both for conduct in the field and in the digital darkroom?

15 – Do you find that the longer you photograph, the less the work of others inspires you, and the more the landscape takes hold of the inspiration? As a follow up question: are there exceptions?

16 – The late Galen Rowell spoke of “murdering your darlings”. He took the phrase from a writer who used it as a way to get away from a phrase that they really wanted to use, but couldn’t find the correct context to make it work. The writer reasoned that this fascination with a phrase was actually holding them back from seeing other options. In Galen’s context it was an idea for an image that may be hindering his ability to see other beautiful compositions. Do you have any ‘darlings’ that you have kept in your mind, an image idea that, despite repeated attempts, has been ever elusive?

17 – Any advice for amateur photographers that want to take their art to the next level?

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, Guy!

“The goal is not to make you creative. Whether you know it or not, you already are. The challenge, rather, is learning to tap into and focus your creativity and to help it find its ultimate expression in a photographic image.” – Guy Tal

There is something about the winter that brings on the desire to curl up under a thick blanket, or stretch out in front of a warm crackling fireplace, and crack open a good book. I remember doing this often in my youth. My parents had a great fireplace in the living room of our old house above the Wisconsin River. Big flakes would be falling outside, drifting slowly to the ground and muffling all the other sounds. It was very easy to lose myself in the crackling warmth behind the mesh grate, and before I knew it an hour had passed. It was so mesmerizing, so calming, and hypnotic in a way.

“The best way to use your imagination is simply to not stand in its way.”

“Photograph for yourself and satisfy your own sensibilities and aesthetics. True artists do not pander to a pre-selected audience. Instead, they carve an audience of their own from those who will encounter and be moved by their work.”

Somewhere, my high school english teacher just gagged.

Jena and I have been getting out in the field as much as possible, taking advantage of the beautiful winter wonderland that surrounds us and the gorgeous light we’ve been blessed with on occasion. It may still be considered “Fall” in the Lower 48, but we are full into winter here in Alaska. I remember when I first decided to move to Alaska, my friends in Wisconsin all made the same comment. “Are you sure you are ready for those winters?”

I knew it would be an adjustment, but I was not ready for how busy I would be in the winter time with my photography. The winters here are nothing short of awe inspiring. The mountains are even more beautiful and majestic, the spruce trees are covered in thick powder, and the light has an unbelievable quality – unmatched by any other region. Even with the amazing array of photographic options, it is rare to see another photographer. Boy… are they missing out.

Sunset at Knob Lake, Alaska ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D Mk 2, 70-200 @ 160mm. 1/40" @ f/14, ISO 200) CLICK TO ENLARGE

I’ve also been accompanied on nearly every photo shoot by my great friend (and professional videographer) Scott Slone, of Alaska HDTV. It’s always a blast to shoot with Scott – he’s a passionate outdoorsman, and we constantly push each other. Thankfully, because of the new snow, I’ve got a much more comfortable landing pad when he pushes and I’m not ready for it.

Scott – “Hey Dave, look at THAT!”

Me – “Look at Wha…?”

BAM!

Poofffff.

Good times.

Snow Angel & Me. Jena and I laying in the snow.

I wanted to make a list of winter photography tips based on some of the lessons we’ve learned in the wilds of Alaska. So, without further ado…

1 – Always prepare for the worst – As with any outdoor activity, safety should be your utmost concern. Winter conditions (especially in a place like Alaska) make this even more critical. So that means dress correctly for the conditions and have extra layers available if the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worse. If you’ll be hiking/snowshoeing/moving around a lot – be sure to avoid sweating. This means you have to avoid overdressing and overheating. Layering is key – a wicking layer against your skin to get any sweat away from your body and allow it to dry quickly. I prefer synthetic or synthetic/wool blends rather than just wool because my skin finds plain wool irritating. The next layer should be an insulating layer (these range from fleece to down jackets) – it traps the heat and keeps you warm. If I’m moving around a lot and it’s not bitterly cold out, my insulating layer is usually in my pack until I stop. If you sweat as you move, you will instantly be chilled when you stop. The outer layer is your shell – it keeps the wind and water out, but still should allow any sweat to evaporate. You really can’t go wrong with Gore-tex materials here, but I recently bought a jacket from REI that uses eVent material and it has been nothing short of incredible. Lightweight and great performance. If you are in a car, you should carry warm blankets and/or a sleeping bag. I also recommend always carrying a spare set of warm clothes, if at all possible. If your clothes get soaking wet (say from breaking through a supposedly frozen lake or pond… ehem… Scott…) you will be in a lot of trouble without a spare set of warm & dry clothes. Waterproof winter boots are a must, as are gloves and a hat/scarves/neck gaiters. If your feet are prone to getting cold, I’ve found that hiking gaiters really make a big difference.

2 – Make a plan, share that plan, stick to that plan. I never was a Boy Scout, but I did play one in the Army. One thing we learned early on was to have a plan before it’s go time. That plan “ain’t worth diddly” if you don’t share that plan with a reliable person back “home”. They need to have solid instructions in case of an emergency or if you don’t get home when you were supposed to. Keep in mind, sharing that plan with a trusted source will be of no help whatsoever if you don’t stick to that plan. If you don’t show up at the scheduled time and a search goes out for you, you want them to look for you where you will be & not where you were supposed to be but no longer are. In short; plan, share, follow through. And live to shoot another day.

Ice covered Stream, Hatcher Pass, Alaska ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D Mk 2, 70-200 @ 176mm. 2" @ f/16, ISO 50. B+W CPL)

3 – Stay in contact. You’ve made a plan, you’ve shared that plan, and you are sticking to that plan – but security comes from staying in touch with someone in the “front country” if at all possible. This can be done via cell phone calls/texts, satellite phones if you are “out there”, or a GPS tracker service like SPOT. I really like staying in touch, it makes my friends and family back home a lot happier (which makes me happier). The GPS SPOT Tracker is a great device, it sends a message at appointed times or checkpoints reached (or at whim) and allows anyone you designate to follow you on your adventure. It also has 3 very important buttons. “Check-in OK” sends a message to friends/family and says “Hi, I’m alive and taking great photographs!” and provides a link to find your location on Google Maps. The second button is “Help” and is used for non-life threatening emergencies and is sent to your friends/family. The last button, the one you hope you never have to push but will feel better having at your fingertips, is the “SOS” button. It notifies emergency services of your exact location and that you need immediate assistance, anywhere in the world. The SPOT service is subscription based, so once you purchase your SPOT device, you need to activate it with a yearly service plan ($99).

4 – Camera gear. There are special considerations when dealing with cameras in the cold. The first is battery life and performance. Batteries drain faster in the cold and LCDs can malfunction or even stop working. Batteries drain quicker when using Live View, autofocus and image stabilization. If I’m shooting landscapes (which means I’m on a tripod…) I turn off the I.S. on my Canon cameras, and I turn off my autofocus. That mountain is not going anywhere anytime soon. I also turn off my automatic image preview. I do use the Live View feature a lot with my landscape and macro photography, so that’s a sacrifice, but I turn it off whenever possible. Condensation on viewfinders/lenses/filters is another hurdle to consider for winter photography. Whether you are moving from a cold exterior to warm interior, or just exhaling on your camera – the moisture can freeze quickly and fog your optics. I try to avoid breathing directly on my camera back or lens when outside. If you go inside a warm building after being outside in the cold with your camera gear, keep your camera closed inside your camera bag and allow it to warm slowly back to room temperature. Also, resist the urge to lick your metal tripod head. Don’t ask.

Hey. I said don’t ask.

5 – Speaking of tripods… Tripods are strong. But they aren’t unbreakable. Be very careful when you set them up in snow. If you spread the legs fully before pushing them into the snow, they will continue to spread because of the snow’s resistance to them. You can shatter carbon fiber legs, or break tripod legs off at the center collar. If possible, I’ll use my boots or snowshoes to pack down the snow for a solid platform. If I need to set up fast and don’t have time to pack the snow down, I’ll pull the legs in towards the center and allow the snow to spread the legs, but never so much that they are near the limit of their range. If you have locking points (like on some Gitzo tripods), I recommend releasing them so they can spread freely if needed.

6 – Even if you aren’t using your spare batteries, the cold will still drain them. Keep extra batteries in your pocket or a heated area in your backpack. If you are in a bind and still have things to photograph (which is pretty much always…) but your camera is reading a low or dead battery, try putting the cold battery in your pocket and rewarm it. Often times, the rumors of your battery’s death are greatly exaggerated. I also carry a car adaptor so I can charge my batteries as needed on the road.

Flowing Water, Bear Valley, Alaska. ©2010 Dave Taylor/Sixtyone North (Canon 5D Mk 2, 70-200 @ 155mm. 0.5" @ f/16, ISO 50. B+W CPL)

7 – Photography doesn’t end when the sun sets. Of course, this can go for nearly anytime of the year. But with the longer nights of winter, take advantage of the night sky. Star trails, northern lights, high ISO images of the Milky Way Galaxy… all are great subjects and now you’ll have more time to master them! Be sure to utilize the plethora of educational tools available on the web to learn more about astronomy – there are even several free or inexpensive options available for mobile phones and laptops. I really like Stellarium for the desktop/laptop user, and Star Walk for the iPhone (iTunes Link).

8 – Caring for accessories. I like to use remote releases whenever possible. When combined with mirror lock up and/or a 2 second timer, it can remove almost all of your camera vibration at the time of the shutter release. I prefer the Canon TC-80N3 Remote Release because of the versatility that it offers. However, on a very cold night in February of 2008 I was out shooting the aurora borealis. What is “very cold”? Well… roughly -48 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s without the windchill, and it was pretty breezy that night. I was standing on the edge of a small lake, concentrating fully on my compositions of an extraordinary northern lights show that lasted from 11 pm to 7 am the next morning (with few lulls in activity). I noticed that my headlamp was flickering and dimming very quickly, so I decided to walk back to my car to get the spare batteries (you did pack spare AAAs and AAs, didn’t you?). I let go of my remote release but it just floated there, in mid-air. The cord had frozen solid and suspended the remote where I left it. I do admit to giving a slight numb-lipped snicker at the circumstances and reached for the remote release. That was when the the cord shattered into a million pieces. Well, that was expensive.

9 – Use your LCD and histogram. Exposing for snow is still a difficult task, regardless of what medium your using (film or digital). The difference is with digital you can verify your exposure. Because snow is white and can be very bright if the sun hits it, it will make your camera’s meter misinterpret the light – underexposing it in the process. So you will need to “open up” (use a larger aperture or longer shutter speed) by a few stops to compensate. I like to activate my RGB histogram while using Live View to make sure I’m not blowing out important highlight detail in any channel.

10 – The final tip? Simple. Get out and enjoy the winter months. There are so many opportunities out there. The landscape may be right where you left it, but it is a different world than how you remembered it from just a few months ago. It’s a fleeting time (even in Alaska, where we joke that we have 9 months of winter and 3 months of rough sledding) and the landscape is in constant change. Get out there, freeze a moment in time. The cold temperatures shouldn’t have all the fun.

If you have any winter photography tips or funny winter photography related stories, please leave a comment. Scott, Jena… not a WORD about any tripod head licking incidents…

Stay tuned…

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!

Dave,

The workshop was fantastic, despite the rain.  I enjoyed using the opportunity to work on macro shots.  I never realized there were so many different things you could do to control your camera.  The way you showed me to use my camera was easily understandable and I have been successful in duplicating the effects on my own since then.  I never felt intimidated or like you were having to “dummy it down” for me.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was finally learning how to capture the motion of water.  I had tried hundreds of different things, apparently never in the correct combination in the past.  You were able to show me what to do in one shot and then gave me multiple opportunities to play around with tweaking it for different effects.  We just recently passed through Yellowstone National Park and I was able to utilize the techniques you taught me to capture several great (in my opinion) shots of the famous Lower Falls and a few less traditional images of some of the hot springs.

I really appreciated that you brought along a spare tripod for me to use during the workshop.  I was so impressed with the difference it made that I went out and bought one of my own.  I think the tripod, along with all the  new techniques you taught me, has made monsoons of difference in the pictures I am now able to take.

The service you provide outside the workshop is outstanding as well.  I am sure I will utilize you as a resource in the future as I improve and encounter new photographic situations.  It was great to be able to discuss some of these with you during the workshop despite not having the situation available at that time (like a sporting event).  It is fantastic that you invite former workshop participants to attend your sunrise photo shoots with current workshops.  One of my greatest regrets is that I left Alaska before being able to attend one.

In the future, I hope to be able to return to Alaska and I really hope when I do, it coincides with your Fall Colors in Alaska class.  You have some fantastic images of the glory of Alaska.  In fact, I  went on your website to try and get to you stock photos and see if the image you have that appears first when you get on the website was available for sale.

Thanks for a great and unforgettable experience.

Leslie W.

Anchorage, Alaska

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Dave,

Thank you so much for all your work to make this trip a great one for us. Your work in Cordova was wonderful and made it the highlight of our trip. We enjoyed all your talents and learning from you. Keep us posted on your future photo trips.

Eric & Ollie B.

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Dave,

We wanted to express to you what a great experience we had working with you on our Alaska vacation.  We had an incredible time. We were so glad we made the decision to work with you for a couple of days.  It really made the entire trip better for us. As a guide you took us places we would not have found on our own.  And gave us such a variety of things to see and experience.  But on top of that, you were wonderfully informed and knowledgeable not only of the area – but the wildlife, terrain, flowers, etc. as well. As if the beauty of the area wasn’t enough, you also educated us a little bit and kept everything very interesting and informative. From a photography perspective, we learned so much in such a little time.  You worked exactly at the pace we needed, and taught us things that not only made our Alaska trip more worthwhile, but will help us both continue to become better photographers. And to top it all off, you are just a really great guy.  We not only learned a great deal, and saw incredible things – we had fun while doing it!  You made it all very fun and enjoyable. We can’t thank you enough.  You really helped make our Alaskan vacation very special.

Sincerely,

Eric & D’Ann A.

Littleton, Colorado

And now, a few of their photos!

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

What are your photo and travel plans for 2011 & beyond? Have you always dreamed of visiting Alaska and photographing locations the average tourist never sees, and the typical photo tours have no clue about? If so, check out the Alaskan Photo Tours & Workshops page! I’ll be posting a LOT more info very soon regarding the 3 tours I’ll be offering in 2011. In late March/early April, I’ll be taking a small group of photogs to a very remote lodge to photograph pristine and beautiful winter landscapes, and – with any luck –  aurora borealis! In June, we’re heading back to Cordova for the amazing variety it has to offer: glaciers, sea otters, mountains, rain forest, bald eagles, moose and endless wildflowers! Finally, in early September, you can join me on an epic grand tour of Alaska’s Fall Color prime locations! It simply doesn’t get any better than this. If you’ve already been to Alaska, perhaps now is the time to come back and see it in a new light. If you’ve never been – there is NO better time than now to start planning your epic adventure. Either way, you’ve never seen Alaska, unless you’ve seen it with Sixtyone North!

Stay tuned…