Join world-renowned Canadian nature photographer, blogger, photo educator, lecturer, Sony ambassador, X-rite Master Coloratti Christopher Dodds and some of the more than 2,000 Coastal Brown Bears at the best place in the world to photograph Coastal Brown Bears. Claiming the world’s highest concentration of Coastal Brown Bears, Katmai National Park in Alaska also has to be the most beautiful setting on the planet to photograph them. Truly the adventure of a lifetime, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to see, study and photograph Coastal Brown Bears in their undisturbed, natural environment without the influence or pressure that large groups and camps often cause. With a limit of only seven participants, there will be plenty of time for instruction and personal attention from Chris. Other possible species may include bald eagles, tufted and horned puffins, harbour seals, sea Otters, Steller sea lions, grey wolves, and shore birds, to name just a few.
This 8-day cruise is all-inclusive from Kodiak, Alaska. We start with the included float-plane flight from Kodiak (Day 1) over the picturesque Katchemak Bay, Surrounded by the surreal mountains and glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park. Our spectacular flight will fly over the staggeringly stunning scenery, mountains and glaciers of the Katmai Coast of Katmai National Park before we rendezvous with our privately charted ship. Aside from meals and sleeping, most of our time will be spent in the field with the bears, maximizing our time behind the camera; from the moment we get there until after our morning shoot on day 8, bears will be in our sights.
June (8 days / 7 Nights) MOTHERS & CUBS: This trip is designed around the very best time to photograph the many mothers and cubs of Katmai National Park. There have been days when we have been surrounded by Brown Bear mothers and their cubs playing, nursing, grazing, and clamming. It is not uncommon to have three or four mothers with their twins or triplets to choose from simultaneously. This includes a return float plane flight from Kodiak, AK.
September (8 Days / 7 Nights) BEARS FISHING: This trip is designed around the very best time to photograph the many fishing bears of Katmai National Park. The shorter days with the sun lower on the horizon offer gorgeous, soft light that illuminates the glistening, rich fur of the Brown Bears as they gorge on Salmon to prepare for winter hibernation. This includes a return float plane flight from Kodiak, AK.
Who should attend: This workshop is highly recommended for any photographer of any level. Whether you are entirely new to nature photography, an experienced amateur, or a seasoned pro, there will be something to photograph, and we will have plenty of time to tailor your instruction to your abilities. The seasoned pro can fully utilize the logistics, my site and subject knowledge. This trip does require some physical exertion: Participants should be able to comfortably walk over rough terrain and wade across tidal flats & streams while wearing waders and carrying their gear.
What’s included: Return floatplane flight from Kodiak, Alaska, to the vessel in Katmai National Park and back to Kodiak. Eight days of in-the-field photographic instruction with Christopher Dodds and eight days of expert bear guiding with the best bear guides in the world. All meals, snacks and shared accommodation aboard our privately chartered ship (experienced Coast Guard licensed Captain and crew in a Coast Guard Certified vessel), including all related expenses except crew tips. We will maximize our time in the field but be adaptable to the Alaskan weather. If the light is right and we want to stay out – we will. If the weather changes and we want to return to the yacht – we will. The idea is to bring home a portfolio of excellent images and have fun making memories that will last a lifetime. I have been leading bear workshops in Katmai for years, so I know how to find many Bears.
What’s NOT Included:
The price does NOT include transportation to Kodiak, AK, hotel accommodations before or after the adventure, or personal items (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, etc.). Suggested crew tips of US$600.00 are also not included.
Getting there: Our meeting point is Kodiak, AK (Airport code: ADK).
Group size: Our group will be limited to SEVEN participants, including one instructor, the boat’s crew, and our expert bear guide.
Details: After receiving your deposit, we will email an incredibly detailed email with the precise itinerary, hotel details and suggestions for the nights before (or after) the trip, camera gear suggestions, and a tested clothing checklist to keep you warm and dry.
Exceptions: Despite our best efforts, some errors and details may change as all good things evolve into better things.
Questions: Feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me at +1 (514) 945-6195