Have you ever wished to experience the untouched wilderness, where raw nature exists in its most authentic form? Last month, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to venture into Kodiak Island, Alaska, guided by the expertise of renowned photography workshop leaders Dan Lee and Jessica Haydahl Richardson. The workshop, organized by Kodiak Photo Workshop, focused on wildlife photography, particularly of the Kodiak Brown Bears, a symbol of the untamed wild. This blog post aims to take you through the experience of this photography workshop.

The Workup and Load Out

Long before boarding a flight to Alaska, Dan and Jess conducted multiple briefings with attendees to discuss what to expect from the trip and the workshop. These video calls covered various topics, from physical requirements of accessing shooting locations to what photography gear we might want to bring. I already owned much of the photography gear I needed, but the two bug nets we purchased before the trip proved clutch. While I did have multiple lenses for the trip, looking back on the photographs, the only lenses I needed were the Sony 200-600 G and the Sony 24-70 GM. Knowing what you will need is essential, as space is at a premium on the small planes used to get out to Larsen Bay. Anything over the standard cost is charged by the pound.

The Adventure Begins: Getting to Larsen Bay

Traveling to Kodiak Island is an adventure, but getting to Larsen Bay is another level. We flew in a small plane from Kodiak, Alaska, to Larsen Bay, and it was an exhilarating experience. The plane had only four seats, making it feel tight. As we soared through the sky, we were treated to breathtaking views of the majestic mountains of Kodiak Island. The rugged terrain painted a mesmerizing picture of untouched beauty. As we approached Larsen Bay, the excitement intensified, and we felt the gravel runway beneath us rumble as the wheels touched down. It was an unforgettable experience that gave us a new appreciation for the raw and pristine wilderness of this remarkable corner of the world.

Being Flexible: Patience is a Virtue

On the first day, Mother Nature had a playful twist for us. She presented us with an unexpected bout of unruly weather, leaving us helplessly socked in. It was a disappointing blow as we impatiently waited for the float plane to whisk us away to photograph the bears. However, we refused to let the unforeseen circumstances dampen our spirits. Embracing the silver lining, our resourceful guides suggested an excellent alternative - a captivating "seafari" boat ride.

During the boat ride, I had the opportunity to photograph animals that have long been on my list to spend time with in the wild. We captured shots of adorable sea otters, lively puffins, and regal bald eagles. It was a moment of realization that even when nature throws us a curveball, there is always a silver lining.

Fishing with the Bears

Embarking on a float plan from Larsen Bay to the Frasier River was the ultimate wildlife photography experience. Our journey took us to the heart of bear country, where we had the incredible opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close. As we descended the Frasier River, our excitement grew as we spotted bears engaging in their daily fishing ritual. It was an awe-inspiring sight as we found ourselves mere meters away from these powerful creatures, camera in hand. Immersed in the serenity of nature, we discovered a delicate balance between our presence and that of the bears. This extraordinary adventure unfolded over two days, during which we immersed ourselves in the bears' world, witnessing their mastery of the river while indulging in our fishing pursuits. Our time on the Frasier River was an exhilarating and humbling experience that reminded us of the profound beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world.

The Overall Workshop Experience

The workshop is unlike any other. It was a truly all-inclusive experience that left me feeling both inspired and amazed. From the moment I arrived in Larsen Bay, I was struck by the remoteness of it all. Looking down at my phone to see “SOS only” further drove the point home.

What sets this workshop apart is the unique opportunity to fish in the same river as the bears that inhabit the area. It was a humbling and awe-inspiring experience to witness these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat foraging alongside us as we honed our skills in capturing their essence through the lens of our cameras. This harmonious coexistence with nature lent a palpable sense of energy and authenticity to our photography, which is rarely encountered in other workshops.

The exclusivity of this experience cannot be overstated. Limited access to the river's lower portion ensured that our group could fully immerse ourselves in this untamed wilderness. The sense of privacy and intimacy that permeated the workshop fostered a deeper connection with our surroundings, fellow participants, and workshop leaders. Collaborating and exchanging ideas amidst such an idyllic setting added a profound sense of camaraderie to the workshop, allowing us to forge friendships that will endure far beyond our time together.

The workshop’s all-inclusive nature embraced photographers of all skill levels, fostering an environment of growth and inspiration. The ethereal beauty of the location, combined with the remarkable opportunity to fish alongside bears, created a sense of magic that will forever be etched in my memory. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of such an exclusive experience, deepening my connection with nature and honing my craft in ways I never thought possible.

Want More?

I have only posted a limited set of images from the trip in this post, but I have created a whole page containing the photographs I took on Kodiak Island and Denali National Park. I have made a few images from the trip available as open-edition fine art prints. Want to experience nature photography at its finest alongside the Kodiak Brown Bears of Larsen Bay? I have included buttons for all of these resources below.