Alaska

Best Photography Locations in Alaska

Best Photography Location in Petersburg Alaska

One of my favorite places to photograph is located in Petersburg Alaska. It’s a tricky spot to get to because the best angles are from the Wrangell Narrows (waterway) during low-tide. For this spot, timing is everything.

Here’s an image that I’ve taken from this spot:

Petersburg, Alaska

Petersburg, Alaska

Great Photography Location in Alaska

One of the reasons why this location is one of the best in Petersburg, Alaska is because the landscape is always changing. In addition to juggling the weather and the tides, the mouth of the Wrangell Narrows opens up to the Frederick Sound. The Sound contains deeper waters and pods of Orcas and even Humpbacks swim through this area everyday. You never know when you’ll see a whale fluke or even a sea lion.

Directions to Petersburg Alaska Photography Location

Starting at Papa Bear’s (it’s right on the main street of the town), head North towards Eagles Roost Park by foot. It will take you about 5 minutes to walk and please note that there is a slight uphill.

  • Once you’re at Eagles Roost Park, face the direction of the water and turn to the right. You will see the beginning of a path.

  • Follow the path for about :15 seconds and you’ll see stairs. Take the stairs (approximately 3-4 flights).

  • This is where your timing will be key. During low-tide, there will be rocks exposed. Scramble over the rocks and look down the Wrangell Narrows towards Devil’s Thumb. On a clear day, you’ll see the wonderful mountain peak.

  • Please note that the tide swings can be more than 14 feet (depending on the time of year, it can swing to 20+ feet).

  • Tip: Wear waterproof boots so you can wade into the water a bit

Directions to photography location in Petersburg, Alaska

Directions to photography location in Petersburg, Alaska

Photographing Southeast Alaska: Wildlife, Glaciers and Landscapes

Orca Whale Nature Photography

Photographing Orca Whales and Alaska Landscapes

Orca Photograph taken in Southeast Alaska

Orca Photograph taken in Southeast Alaska

Over the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to travel through Southeast Alaska and set eyes on beautiful vistas! The air always has a refreshing crisp to it and the scenery is grand and powerful. It’s one place in the world that feels raw and untouched. If you’ve ever cruised through Alaska or have had the opportunity to travel there, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, hopefully my photographs below will help show you what I mean.

One thing that I love about Alaska is that it is ever-changing. The environment changes rapidly under the extended summer sun and the wildlife is constantly moving. It’s exciting to see a whale fluke, an eagle in a tree or a bear scrambling up a stream for a salmon. However, as a photographer, it can also be extremely challenging.

Often times, you get one shot (no pun intended). As fast as you see a whale fluke breech the water line, it disappears below the surface. A seal that was once laying on a chunk of ice is now just a tiny head bobbing above the water. A beautiful mountain range disappears under a thick cloud of fog. For all of these reasons and more, Alaska can be a tough place to photograph but if you are up for the challenge, you will have an adventure of a lifetime.

Interested in recommendations of where to photograph during your Alaskan vacation? Send me a message here and I’ll send you a few tips and locations! Happy photographing!

Humpback Whale Nature Photography

 
Whale Fluke, Alaska

Whale Fluke, Alaska

 

Southeast Alaska Nature and Wildlife Photography

Mature Bald Eagle sitting in a tree

Mature Bald Eagle sitting in a tree

Orca breeching in Alaska

Orca breeching in Alaska

Crab Pot Buoy

Crab Pot Buoy

Alaska Forest & Fog

Alaska Forest & Fog

Juneau Alaska Landscape Photography

Snow capped Mountains in Alaska

Snow capped Mountains in Alaska

Glacier Photography

Glacier

Glacier

Alaska Landscape Photography Equipment

In addition to the normal camera gear I tow along with me on each trip, I decided to take two weatherproofing items to Alaska. It rained almost everyday when I was there so I’m extremely happy that I had these two items. One item was for my camera and the second item was for my backpack (I didn’t want the rest of my gear getting wet while I was hiking around). Below are the two lifesaving pieces I had with me: