Alaska Wildlife Photography Tips
"To the lover of pure wilderness Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world." -John Muir, Travels in Alaska Frederick sounds in Alaska is home to an awesome wildlife spectacle. The humpback whale is an average of 13 meters long, weighing 30 tons, and is about as good as Alaska wildlife photography gets! If you go anytime during August and early September the whale numbers are at their highest. Bubbles & BreachingYou'll need a guide to charter the boat and find the whales.Look out for bubbles in the water, and get ready for an amazing sight. Humpback whales create bubbles to trap their prey the herring in a sort of bubble "net". When the herring are gathered in this net of bubbles the humpback whale emerges with its mouth wide open to swallow them. Be ready to press the shutter for this. Head over to the bubbles and switch of the boat's engine as you get near. If you are quiet the whales will not mind your presence.Whales breaching is another exciting photo opportunity. Humpback whales are very acrobatic. The first jump is impossible to predict in time to photograph but don't worry if you miss it. one jump can sometimes indicate a series of jumps so you'll be ready for the next one. leave enough space in the frame for the jump so the whale doesn't get cut off at the edge 
There's another chance for pictures when the whales dive the huge tail emerges. Get down low to emphasise this size. Spyhopping is the whale equivalent of treading water while looking at the surface. While they're getting a good view so can you: 
Although not cheap, an image stabilised (IS) lens or vibration reduction lens is ideal to counteract movement on a boat. Without image stabilisation you'll need a faster shutter speed. Brown Bears FishingAs good as Frederick Sounds is, it's got good competition for Alaska wildlife photography. Brooks Camp is a good place for photographing brown bears. In July the salmon population is highest and the bears go fishing. The competition for a good fishing spot leads to aggression and some good behavior shots.The viewing platform gets crowded so a bean bag on a railing for support wins over a tripod. A monopod is another option or simply keep the tripod legs closed and use it as though it was a monopod. Lenses of 300mm upwards are needed as you shouldn't get too close to the bears. 
Largest Herd Of Mammals On The PlanetAt St Paul Island is the largest gathering of mammals in the world. The rookeries of the Northern Fur Seal can be found here. To get photos of the bulls fighting,visit in early June.
To photograph the pups mid July is the time. By September they will have left. There are blinds to get close to them. Bull seals are aggressive so be wary. It is always cold here so wrap up warm. Seabirds such as the tufted puffin and horned puffin are here as well. Please check back for updates as there'll be information on accommodation in Alaska, and flights. So as you can see Alaska wildlife photography includes whales, seals, and bears to name just three. Return from Alaska Wildlife Photography To Home |