DIY Photography Tours

There are several photography excursions you can explore while staying in Alaska. Often times, the tours are focused on something specific such as the Northern Lights or perhaps a specific animal such as a Bear. If you have limited time and would like to give yourself the best chance to photograph something specific in Alaska, I highly recommend taking a tour or hiring a private guide.

However, if you have a few days to roam around Juneau, Alaska, I would encourage you to challenge yourself to photograph as much as you can in your time here. What’s helpful with this ‘cast your net’ approach (or taking a broad approach to photographing as much as possible), is a list of items for you to focus on. This will help get your mind thinking about items to look for when you’re out and about - and it will help you get as many great shots as possible.

Statter Harbor - One of Juneau’s beautiful harbors

Just like other cities in Southeast Alaska, Juneau has several harbors. Especially during the summer months, these harbors are hustling and bustling with commercial fishermen (& women), fishing and whale watching charters, and private boats. Every once in awhile a mega yacht will also be docked dwarfing even the biggest of commercial fishing boats (check out the short video below). While some boats have dedicated dock space (first few spaces of the harbor), most spaces at this harbor are considered ‘Transient Moorage’ meaning there’s always new boats coming and going and new things to photograph!

Walk the docks of Statter Harbor

If you have a few minutes while you’re here, I encourage you to walk through the docks photographing the details and landscape of this harbor. Most of it is made out of weathered wood and most boat captains are very friendly. Get a feel for the vibe of ‘Alaskan fishing life’ and listen to the docks as they groan against the change of the tides. If you happen to be into photography, here’s a list of items that you may want to capture while you peruse the area.

10 things to photograph at Statter Harbor

1. Harbor Seals (or Sea Lions): Check out the wildlife that hangs out around the harbor (some people have even spotted humpback whales from the docks!).

2. Commercials Buoys: If the commercial boats are in, usually they boast bright, colorful buoys that they use at the end of their fishing lines / crab pots.

3. Flags: Several boats (commercial and private) will have flags on them. Some of them the USA flag and other flags that add character to the ships.

4. Eagles: Keep your eyes open for eagles. Usually they are flying overhead, near the waters edge or perched in the gigantic pine trees that line the harbor.

5. Ropes: Almost every boat uses some type of ropes to connect to the floating docks. These ropes come in multiple patterns, textures and widths. 

6. Dogs: I have met several boat captains who will take their dog out to sea. 

7. Grundens: Usually bright orange or even a forest green, several anglers often have heavy duty rain gear that includes bib overalls and a heavy rain coat. 

8. XTra Tuff (Brown Boots): Considered a staple to Alaskans, I would be very surprised if you did not see at least 1 pair of Xtra Tuff boots. These famous brown boots adorn even the smallest of anglers. 

9. Mountains: If you’re facing away from the harbor and the weather is clear, check out the mountain range in the distance.

10. Halibut, Salmon or Crab: If you’re at the docks during the summer evenings, there’s a great chance that you’ll see an anglers catch from earlier in the day. 

Did you have a chance to photograph around Statter Harbor or near Juneau? If so, we would love to see your images! Feel free to reach out on our contact page - we look forward to hearing from you!