“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. Chicago Photo Safaris and Sixtyone North 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. 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...
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.
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.
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.
June 11-June 18, 2010
Discounted equipment rentals are available.
Please call or e-mail for a complete itinerary:
815-222-2824 or
info@ChicagoPhotoSafaris.com
Non-Photographer Spouses can be added for less than half the cost!!
Looking forward to seeing YOU in Alaska!!
More details, and specific itinerary listed below.
This is a whole new class of workshop. Part adventure, part tour. An Adventour! One thing is for sure, this 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 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 Photographic Axiom: 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.
Many a photographer has dreamt of an Alaskan adventure, yet having "the right gear" has stymied their plans. 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 partners. We get a discount on our rentals because of the quantities we deal in, and we pass that rate directly on to our clients.
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. Once you are here, both guides (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, “Show me the pictures, or it never happened”. Can you get those pics? We’ll show you how.
Itinerary:
June 10 or 11 - Arrive in Anchorage prior to noon on June 11 (Alaska time) in preparation for tour departure at 6 PM local time. 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 the declining 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.
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 day’s 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 Sea Life 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 Sea Life 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.
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 Cordova.
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 rainforest. 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 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 its 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 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 Cordova.
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 an outline. 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 photography and darkroom topics in classroom sessions. But if the weather is beautiful, we will forgo those indoor sessions and embrace the good weather outdoors. Naturally, this may require alterations the itinerary. We will make every effort to keep you up to date regarding any changes as early as possible.
There is one more option to consider at the end of the trip. 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!
