There are few places on earth as rife with photographic opportunities as Alaska. From stunning landscapes to unique ways of life to natural phenomena like the Northern Lights, a trip to Alaska means that you’ll have something to photograph at every turn.
Though the list of photo-worthy things in Alaska is long, we’ve zeroed in on three must-see subjects that aren’t just photography gems but are also well worth the experience. See what you need to add to your photography bucket list, Alaska style!
The Northern Lights
There are few sights as iconic as the Northern Lights. There are fewer places better for viewing them than Alaska in the winter.
Winter in Alaska is a gorgeous time in and of itself, but add in the prevalence of the Northern Lights, and you’ve got a recipe for an incredible photographic opportunity. The clear skies and long periods of darkness during the Alaskan winter mean that the Northern Lights are on full display. Just find a nice, dark place - which are abundant in Alaska - and watch as solar winds collide with earth’s magnetic fields and put on a display like no other!
Alaskan Landscapes
From coastlines to snow-covered peaks to miles and miles of tundra, Alaska has a variety of landscapes, each of which represents a unique opportunity to hone your landscape photography skills. Visit Alaska in the winter, and you’ll be able to stretch your photographic muscles by capturing the area’s beauty in the midst of the cold and snow.
One area that’s of particular interest is the hot springs at Chena, just outside Fairbanks. The area’s warm waters provide an interesting juxtaposition to the frigid cold of the winter landscape, not unlike the hot springs found in more well-known locales like Yellowstone. But, at Chena, you don’t have to fight the crowds to get a prime spot for photographing the area (or enjoying a soak!).
What’s more, the hot springs are one of the greenest spots in the world. Advocates there push for earth-friendly technologies and alternative energy sources that will help maintain the natural beauty of the area and beyond. So, while you’re photographing that beauty, you can learn a little about how to protect Mother Earth as well.
Alaskan Lifestyle
Perhaps one of the most well-known aspects of wintertime living in Alaska is the prevalence of dog teams and sleds. They are used for a variety of tasks, from travel to transporting goods. In many areas of Alaska, dog sleds provide the only means of transportation in the winter months.
But beyond their functionality, dog sled teams represent an ideal subject for portraying what life is like in America’s last frontier. Whether the subject of your photographs is the dogs themselves, the sled, the musher, or all three, no trip to Alaska in the wintertime is complete without documenting this iconic aspect of life in the north. It’s certainly worth it to take a ride too!
See All This Beauty in One Trip!
If it seems like there’s just too much to see and do in Alaska, you’ve got it all wrong! With Special Interest Tours, you can photograph and experience a genuine dogsled ride through the Alaskan wilderness. You can visit Chena Hot Springs too, and take photos of the steam rising from its warm waters in front of the surrounding wintery landscape and learn about green technologies at the same time. And, of course, you’ll be able to take in one of nature’s most astounding sights - the Northern Lights - capturing stunning photos and learning about their origin from world renowned astronomer Bob Berman.
Visiting and photographing Alaska in the winter might seem daunting, don’t be deterred. By taking this adventure with Special Interest Tours, you’ll not only get to experience the best Alaska has to offer in terms of subjects for your photographs, but you will also experience that beauty with a tour group with a proven track record of success. Join other Northern Lights enthusiasts on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure into Alaska’s winter wonderland!
The Northern Lights Tour is slated for February 2017. Registration is currently open, but closes December 15, 2016. Act now and reserve your spot, as they are sure to fill up fast. Don’t miss your chance to cross Alaska off your photography bucket list!