Trip Report #1
I’ve just returned from a week long guiding trip with a great solo client. Matthew from New Jersey/Phili. We saw a ton of variety, both in wildlife and landscapes – including: brown bears in Katmai (large males & females and a couple of cute cubs!), bald eagles in Seward, moose (all over), humpback whales, orca, Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, Dall’s porpoise, Dall sheep, mountain goats, glaciers, mountains, and ocean. The first half of the trip we were based out of Homer, and spent a full day in Katmai with the brown bears as they fed on the salmon run. The second half of the trip was based out of Seward where we spent a full day on the water in the Kenai Fjords National Park, photographing whales and orca, glaciers and much more! To cap the trip off, we chartered a helicopter with the amazing Alpine Air, based in Girdwood. We flew over mountain passes and ridge lines, past raging waterfalls. We passed slowly in front of active tidewater and valley glaciers, all the while photographing like crazy through open air – as we had the doors removed for the shoot. Amazing experience and Alpine Air gets my unequivocal vote and recommendation. Our pilot Eric was fantastic and was constantly reminding us that although he was flying the chopper, we had control. “Want to take another pass? Was that a good position for you two? Do you want me to go higher, lower, closer, further away?” Simply and utterly amazing. I will be bringing back a lot of clients to Alpine Air, as an ala carte offering for my tours whenever possible – they offer an adventure that you will never forget, and a great complement to our offerings here at Sixtyone North!
For now, a few pics from this past week. I hope you enjoy viewing them, I know I enjoyed being there to take them!
Brown bear hunting for salmon, Katmai Preserve, Alaska. Click to enlarge!
Brown bear cub, sitting on tundra. Katmai Preserve, Alaska.
How many bear can you find? I'll give you a hint, it's a bakers dozen! Katmai Preserve, Alaska.
Brown bear sow and cub, feeding on salmon. Katmai Preserve, Alaska.
Sub adult bear, approaching over ridge. Katmai Preserve, Alaska.
Yo, Dave... how you been? Oh, you know, bearly scratching by... A little bear humor, very little:) Katmai Preserve, Alaska
Orca in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Humpback Whale diving after feeding. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska.
Sailboat in Resurrection Bay, near Seward, Alaska.
Sea otter feasting on crab legs! Resurrection Bay, near Seward, Alaska.
Aerial. Blackstone Bay, Prince William Sound, Alaska
Aerial. Crevasse and seracs on unknown glacier, Prince William Sound, Alaska.
Aerial. Glacial waterfall, above Blackstone Bay. Prince William Sound, Alaska.
Aerial. Mudflats of Turnagain Arm from above. Near Girdwood, Alaska.
Aerial. Godbeams breaking through clouds near Girdwood. Turnagain Arm, Alaska.
More to come soon! More pics! More stories! And a little announcement regarding an exciting new photography workshop adventure for next year. I’d tell you about it now, but that would ruin the surprise… 
Take care. Get out and SHOOT!
Wow Dave! I love the bears!! What lens were you shooting the bears with? Love the landscape of the mudflats too. I cant wait to come back to Alaska!!
Looks like you had a very fun, productive trip! I have used Alpine Air on many occasions – total rush!
Dave – love the “Yo – Dave” bear shot in particular – and Blackstone Bay…anxious to see more…
Thanks Kelli, Ron, and M & D (that’s Mom & Dad, in case you were wondering:)).
@Kelli – most of my bear shots were done with either a 24-105L IS or my “go-to” lens, the 100-400 IS. I am really impressed with the 24-105, it is very sharp and the IS is quite good. The 100-400 is not as sharp as a 400/5.6 prime, but I really like the versatility & I’m content with the sharpness it offers. BUT, I am hoping Canon brings out a 100-400L IS Mk II, and soon! It sorely needs an update.
@Ron – Alpine Air was fantastic, and easily my personal high-light for the past year. Great service. Spendy? Yes, but soooo worth it. Can’t wait to work with them again!
@Mom & Dad – It was a great trip, dad would have really enjoyed the flight, heck you would have too! I’ll post more soon…
Dave,
Loved your shots of our recent trip. Each one I saw brought back such strong memories. For those reading, I’m the solo client Dave just went out with. I had never met Dave but was intrigued by his ad in Outdoor Photographer. I spoke with him on the phone and shared both my experience and my goals for this once in a lifetime trip to Alaska. He seemed like the perfect blend of logistics planner, pro photographer, Alaska guide, and patient teacher. Throughout the planning phase of the trip Dave carefully listened and expertly tailored the trip to meet both my needs and my abilities. I really appreciated his transparent approach to the costs and options while planning as well as his open and honest input as to where to put the money I had. His advice on what to bring (and what not to bring) was extremely helpful and saved me from spending hundreds of dollars on gear I didn’t need.
My arrival in Anchorage on a rainy Tuesday was was short lived as Dave met me at the airport and off we went to Homer. The drive was a great chance to get to know each other and Dave’s knowledge of the wildlife and terrain was encyclopedic. We arrived in Homer late that night, but already having shot photos of moose and a beautiful evening landscape outside Homer. Day 2 was a bit of a washout as our trip to Katmai was cancelled due to weather. Dave was already thinking of ” plan B ” and off we went to shoot fireweed. The next day dawned overcast but we managed to get to Katmai via Alpine Air service. The team at Alpine was knowledgeable and professional and the rest of the day was filled with shooting wonderful pictures of the bears. Dave really worked hard to help me see other ways to use my equipment and I quickly began to see an improvement in the photographs I was taking. The rest of the trip was just as rewarding. Dave was an outstanding teacher and guide and I would recommend him to anyone photographing in Alaska. Please feel free to contact me though Dave if you would like a personal reference. As for me, I’m already planning to return next spring for another great Alaskan photo experience with Dave. Thanks again for making this a once in a lifetime trip.