Alaska Brown Bear Trip
First and foremost I want to just let you know I am not an expert just sharing from my experience.
So are you a photographer looking to take a trip? If so, consider venturing out into the great outdoors to snap some shots of Alaskan wildlife. Animal photography can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor, and there is no better place to start than with the magnificent brown bear.
However, before you start packing your bags and heading for the nearest national park, there are a few things you should know about brown bear photography in Alaska. In this blog post, we'll give you an overview of what you need to know to get started
There's something truly magical about Alaska. It's a land of sprawling mountains, pristine forests, and yes, giant brown bears.
Getting Started with Brown Bear Photography in Alaska
As with any type of photography, amateur or professional, there are certain challenges that come along with photographing brown bears in their natural habitat. First and foremost among these is safety. When taking pictures of wild animals, it is important to remember that they are, well, wild. This means that they are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. For this reason, it is crucial that you take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of the animals you're photographing.
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while photographing brown bears in Alaska:
First and foremost, always follow the rules and regulations set forth by the national park or wildlife preserve you're visiting. These rules exist for a reason, and they should always be respected.
Second, make sure you have all the necessary gear before heading out into the field. If you don't own one rent one like this long lens(400mm or longer), at the links, a tripod, binoculars, and bear spray.
Third, familiarize yourself with the area you'll be photographing in advance. This way, you can avoid getting lost and/or coming across a surprise encounter with a bear.
Finally, always err on the side of caution. If you feel like something isn't safe or if something doesn't feel right, trust your gut and walk away. Better safe than sorry!
Now that we've covered some basic safety tips, let's move on to how to actually take great photos of brown bears in their natural habitat. After all, that's why you're here! Here are a few pointers to help ensure that your photos are as amazing as the animals themselves:
Use a long lens - This will allow you to get close-up shots without getting too close to the bears. Remember, safety first!
Get down low - Shooting from a low angle will make the bears look bigger and more imposing (not to mention giving your photos an added sense of drama).
Use natural light - The best time for brown bear photography is early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and golden. Avoid using flash as it will startle the bears and result in subpar photos.
If you're an amateur photographer who's thinking about heading to Alaska to snap some shots of these magnificent creatures, here are 10 tips to help you get the perfect photo.
Patience is key. Patience is key when taking pictures of any kind of wildlife. Often times, the best shots come when you least expect them so it pays to be prepared at all times. sudden movements or loud noises will only scare off the animals so it is important to be calm and quiet while waiting for that perfect shot. Brown bears are wild animals, which means they aren't going to pose for you on command. It might take hours, or even days, to get the perfect shot. But trust us, it'll be worth it in the end.
Get up close and personal… but not too close. You want your photos to be intimate, but you also don't want to put yourself in danger. Use a zoom lens to get close without putting yourself at risk. If you don’t own a lens the will go up to 400mm or more you should rent one at this link.
Do your research ahead of time. Knowing where the best places to see brown bears are will save you valuable time when you're actually in Alaska. Denali National Park and Lake Clark National Park are two great spots to start your search.
Be prepared for anything… Literally. The weather in Alaska can change on a dime, so it's important to always be prepared for wet conditions, cold temperatures, and strong winds. We wore waders the whole trip with a rain coat.
Have a backup plan (or two). If you're set on getting that perfect photo and the weather doesn't cooperate, have a backup plan (or two) up your sleeve so you don't waste your whole trip waiting for the perfect shot that may never come. The weather and tides dictate the flight schedule for the planes that take you in and out of the remote areas so be prepared for weather delays. We were delayed by 3 days.
Know your camera inside and out… This one might seem like a no-brainer but it's important to know how to use your camera before you arrive in Alaska so you don't waste precious time fiddling with settings when you could be taking pictures.
Pack light but pack smart. You won't have room for Everything you own, so choose your gear wisely and only bring what you need. And make sure everything is well-protected from the elements!
Bring plenty of batteries… And chargers! You're going to be spending long days out in the field so make sure your batteries are fully charged before you head out each morning and pack extras just in case.
Invest in a good tripod we recommend Promedia gear tripods and gimbal head click here for details. Brown bears are notoriously active creatures so having a sturdy tripod will allow you to capture those sharp images even if they're moving around quite a bit.
Have fun ! This is supposed to be a fun experience so relax, enjoy yourself, and let the perfect photo find you.
In Conclusion: We hope this blog post has given you everything you need to know about brown bear photography in Alaska! Remember to always put safety first and be patient - good things come to those who wait! With these tips in mind, we're confident that you'll be able to capture some truly stunning shots of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
With these tips we hope it helps you capture some amazing brown bear photographs during your next trip to Alaska! Remember, patience is key and don't forget to have fun! Be patient.
If you would like to book a trip with us please reach out to us through this LINK the trip will be late August early September 2023
