Dates:
August 3rd - 8th (5 full days at lodge)
August 8th - 13th (5 full days at lodge)

What is this workshop:
If you enjoy photography and being close to nature this is the trip for you. We are in the middle of grizzly bear rich country with bears frequently just outside the lodge. Many times we’ve been able to count a dozen or more bear within eyesight of where we are standing. We will be shooting everyday and lots of it. We will meet in Anchorage, Alaska after your commercial flight from your home and take a charter flight to our lodge.

You will be in the midst of exotic Alaskan scenery to photograph including the brilliant sunrises, eye-popping fireweed, scenic mountains. In other words there is something for everyone. Bald eagles are always in the area and if we carefully approach them we may get some great in-flight shots as well. You will be guided by leading guides in Alaska ensuring your safety and enjoyment.

Accommodations will be in a comfy lodge with three home-cooked meals everyday made especially for us to accommodate our special needs as photographers.

Professional instruction:

I will be shooting with you every day giving you hands on guidance and advice on wildlife behavior, long lens shooting techniques, maximizing your camera, and digital workflow & processing.

Each evening we will cover all topics digital... from proper image capture, cataloguing, RAW processing, color management, and printing.

If you have your fill of photography there are other activities to do as well from fishing, clam digging, or relaxing at the comfy lodge.

Participants: 6 maximum

Cost:
$3,200 gives you an experience of a lifetime in
beautiful Alaska, great accommodations, food that you
go back home needing the gym,
professional instruction, and digital image
processing instruction each evening.

What is included:
-Lodge accommodations
-All meals at the lodge
-Professional Photography instruction
-Digital Image processing instruction each evening
-Guided Services
-Chartered airfare (roundtrip from Anchorage)
-Sales Tax, Park Fee
-Laundry Services (great for reducing baggage and weight on the chartered plane)

What is not included:
-additional tips for staff such as guides and lodge staff
-fees for passport, medical or insurance
-alcoholic beverages
-phone or other items of a personal nature
-costs of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary
-airfare to Anchorage from your home
-accommodations in Anchorage

A 50% deposit is required upon registration with the remainder due 30 days prior to departure.

Gear:
So you think you might be interested in joining us for this trip but wonder what type of gear to use. Here is what I will likely take:

Canon 1D Mark III
Canon 1DS Mark III
Canon 5D - Infrared Converted
Canon 500mm f/4 or Canon 300mm f/2.8 with 1.4 Teleconverter
Canon 100-400mm f/4-5.6
Canon 24-105mm f/4
Gitzo 3530 tripod
RRS BH-55 tripod head
Gimbel Sidekick

Digital Processing:
Apple Macbook Pro 15”

If you need help selecting gear don’t hesitate to contact me, I’ll do everything possible to help you out. Keep this in mind, there is no right camera/lens selection. While some people prefer the big lens to get in close to the wildlife, others will prefer a wider angle approach to capture the essence of wildlife in their natural surroundings.

Clothing:
This comes down to two basic rules... layers and plan for rain. While the weather in Alaska can be pleasant you do need to plan for cooler mornings and evenings and for the possibility of rain.

The use of hip waders or tall rubber boots is highly recommended. There are times where we may have to cross creeks while tracking bears. Generally this isn’t a concern however you do need to be prepared.

I’m interested, what do I do next?:

The groups are small so space is limited. If this exciting trip has your name on it; if you’re excited by the thought of becoming a member of this trip and sharing with like minded photo enthusiasts, then now is the time to register. Remember, space is limited and when all the spots are spoken for, that’s it.

If you have any questions before registering e-mail us at info@bolinphoto.com  and we’ll do our best to answer for you.

Feel free to contact Shelia or James Isaak at the lodge directly at james@alaskawildlife.com .

Cheers,
Kelly