Today I had the unique opportunity to photograph this young brown bear during a period of wintry weather. While it was tough on my hands and gear, the results were spectacular. This was a particularly adorable moment, although her message might have been otherwise stern.
Wintry Mix
Today's wintry weather didn't keep this bear from getting a daily meal of salmon, nor was it inclement enough to keep me from missing a unique photographic opportunity.
Autumn Bear
Nice backdrop for a bear portrait and this certainly is a photogenic little bear! Sometimes I still find it hard to grasp that this is five minutes from my door. Yet another image taken during yesterday's fall photo class at the Nature Center.
Dinner is Served
I have to marvel at this young brown bear, who just one month ago would clumsily splash around the creek in an attempt to catch salmon without any success, was able to pick up 3 in less than an hour yesterday. Winter is going to be bit easier now that she is fattening up. This is another shot from yesterday’s fall color photography class at the Nature Center. We were very fortunate to have this opportunity.
Autumn is a god time to pause and reflect...
I was leading another fall photography class at the Nature Center today when this young brown bear walked out into the creek and began catching salmon. What was initially supposed to be a fall color workshop quickly became a wildlife photo session. With nobody else around, we watched this little brownie off & on for about an hour, until she seemed to have gotten her fill of salmon and wandered off
Looking Below the Surface
While taking a closer look at the changing season these past few days I also decided to take a look under the water's surface to try capture some images of the spawning salmon. As it turns out, shooting in murky water with a cumbersome waterproof camera housing after puncturing one of my rubber boots is a bit of a challenge. Alas, I managed to get a few shots and seem to have discovered a new polka dot species of salmon...
A closer Look at Autumn
This morning was inspirational, I feel as though I accomplished more in a few hours than I have all week. As a result, I have added a new gallery of images.
Safe Selfies
This morning I read that more people are killed from accidents using selfie sticks than by shark attacks, so I'm not taking any chances. As you can see by the shadow across my chest, both hands are placed securely on the phone - no stick involved. If you're trying to reach me this week, I'll be in my happy place.
Autumn is upon us...
Autumn is officially upon us, and it goes quickly in these parts. Yesterday I spent the day chasing colors in Eagle River Valley and I plan to do the same today and tomorrow, trying to document the changes as much as I can before it's gone. This was taken at "The Perch" which is 4 miles out from the Visitor Center, where I spent a few hours enjoying the late afternoon light show.
Fall Photography Class at the Eagle River Nature Center
Here's a photo of the motley crew I had for Saturday's fall photography class at the Nature Center (we had two others that had to get back a bit earlier, unfortunately I forgot to take the group photo before they left). We had fantastic weather and a fun day out on the trails; hopefully everyone learned a thing or two. This was taken at our final destination, Echo Bend, 3 miles out from the visitor center. I will be offering a winter class as well and quite possibly a session on aurora photography, bearing in mind that it will likely be an indoor program unless we are fortunate enough to have clear skies and lights that night. The way this season is starting off, however, it seems that we could very likely have lights. I will post these on my page when they are set in stone, or at least added to the Nature Center's schedule.
Cheers!
Colin
The Sun Shines Again
After a few days of heavy rains, the clouds parted early Friday morning, shedding light on the autumn colors and fresh snow in Eagle River Valley.
Green Acres
Fall color, auroras and a landscape tinted green from the intense glow, these are few of my favorite things. Another photo from early Sunday morning in Eagle River Valley.
A Stellar Weekend
After yesterday's all-day photography class, chasing auroras much of last night, 3 outdoor portrait sessions today and putting a good 12 miles on my feet, I was able to make it out to catch the last light of the day with the rapidly transitioning seasonal colors. This scene never gets old, nor do I ever take for granted the fact that this is what I call my backyard. With a sense of gratitude and physical exhaustion, I bid you goodnight from Eagle River Valley. I will have more photos to share tomorrow, and always.
September Aurora Surprise
I led an all-day outdoor photography class at the Nature Center yesterday, hiked 6+ miles and have 3 portrait sessions scheduled later today. I was planning on getting a bit of sleep but I guess Mother Nature had other plans. One thing I've come to realize over the years is that I'd much rather deal with a lack of sleep for a day or two than face weeks, months, sometimes years of regret for missing a wonderful photographic opportunity.
Surprise!
By the look in her eye, it appears I took this moose by surprise while she was feeding in Denali National Park last week. I've photographed several moose over the years, yet there is always room for something new.
Another Denali Autumn
Denali National Park and Preserve is vast - larger than some states, and often referred to as North America's Serengeti. While it is teeming with wildlife, the seemingly endless expanse of tundra feels empty and void of life at times. The light can remain flat for hours, even days, making it feel impossible to capture an image that translates the true beauty and immensity of the park. Most of the images I've taken amount to a mere snippet of the days, weeks and months I've spent there since my first visit in 1996. Yet something draws me back nearly every year, even though I don't always return with stunning new images. I guess it's more out of tradition that I love to spend a few days there in autumn, seeking solitude and gentle reminders of why I choose to live in Alaska.
Termination Dust
The clouds cleared early this morning and winter began to rear its head in the most beautiful way.
Success!!
This little brown bear is finally learning to catch salmon. To be honest though, they're half dead and I could probably catch one with my teeth at this point. Nevertheless, it's encouraging to see.
I'm trying to get ready to leave for Denali but I keep getting distracted by bears, mating moose and owls. I'd better get moving...
Love is in the Air
Love is in the air!! It sure was for this bull moose today, anyhow. I spotted the cow this morning and was attempting to photograph her when this guy walked onto the scene. She continued to browse, ignoring his advances until it was clear she wasn't in the mood, at which point she could buck and run away. Watching a pair of Alaskan moose crash about right in front of you can be a bit intimidating and when the bull's body language made it clear he no longer wanted me around, I obliged and moved on. If there is one thing I've learned over the years, it's that you don't want a rutting bull moose to perceive you as competition for his girl.
Autumn Sunrise on Denali
Another sunrise on North America's tallest peak, Denali. This was taken from an overlook near the Wonder Lake campground in September of 2011, while leading a group of photo enthusiasts. I will be headed to Denali National Park next week for my usual fall pilgrimage. This year I will be camping at Teklanika, which is closer to the park Entrance.
