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Alaska Photo Workshop
September 1-14 2016
Photo tour led by David Metcalf and Mark Rayner
Alaska is an extraordinary place and one of the last great wilderness frontiers of the world. There are few, if any, places with the unspoiled wilderness, mountainous grandeur and immense wildlife that is showcased in Alaska.
This trip has been carefully planned to maximise the high points of this region of Alaska. This trip is perfect for photographers with a love for wildlife and extraordinary scenery that will take your breath away. Get ready to photograph majestic whales as we cruise by boat around spectacular Glacier Bay, focus your zoom lenses on bald eagles as they majestically sore above glacier-carved mountains. Go bear spotting on Admiralty Island.
Travel by ferry to explore stunning waterways, then head up to Haines and Lynn Canal, North America’s longest and deepest fjord. Waterfalls are the subject on this trip as many pour down off the Chilikoot Range and the glaciers in the area. From Hop on board a historic railway to have a real Yukon adventure as we cross Glacier Gorge and Dead Horse Gulch, photographing the Bridal Veil Falls as we climb to White Pass. Another highlight will be Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve where we will go in search of harbour seals, porpoises, killer whales, sea otters, over 200 bird species and mountain goats, moose and wolves.
As we travel from Juneau to Seattle you will have plenty of opportunities to get tips and instructions from David and Mark on photographing landscapes and wildlife. But don’t listen to me - come and see for yourself!
Tour Program
September 1 • Arrival in Juneau
Group meets in Juneau at 4 pm.
September 2 • Juneau to Skagway
We spend the morning in Juneau photographing this delightful small town and will be looking for our first glimpse of Eagles, as there are many near the town itself. There is plenty to point the camera lens at as we wander the streets of Juneau. In the afternoon we travel on the Alaska marine highway for the first time as we travel 3 hours to our destination for the night, Skagway. This historic town, which was very much impacted by the gold rush of the 1880”s, and the town swelled to 40,000 residents heading to the Yukon with Gold fever. This was once a lawless frontier town but things have changed, and now it is the gateway to the Yukon. After a visit to the Klondike gold rush national park historical park and a good insight into the history of the town we will visit the ghost town of Dyea, and photograph the surrounding area.
September 3 • Train to Whitehorse (Canada)
We hop on board the White Pass and Yukon railroad early in the morning making our way up to White Pass with stunning mountain scenery all around us. Then we will continue onto Whitehorse in Yukon Territory for the night by bus. You will need your passports as cross into Canadian territory during this part of the tour. A long but fulfilling day and we will relive the Gold rush days in Whitehorse that evening, over a warm fire and a hearty meal.
September 4 • Back to Skagway
Back to Skagway and opportunities to photograph this awesome place from different angles as we retrace our steps and return by bus and train to our rooms for the night.
September 5 • Haines
We catch the ferry for the short ride to Haines, a charming picturesque town of just 2500 residents. There are many subjects to photograph but we will start with wide-angle lenses as we explore the historic building of Fort Seward. Then onto the American Bald Eagle foundation for some insight into these majestic birds, which we will photograph in the wild later that day. We will also learn about Alaskan Indian culture and history by visiting the arts centre and watch native Alaskans weaving blankets and carving totem poles. Then we will visit the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve where 400 Eagles live year round and 80 nests are along the rivers. In the early evening a local guide will take us in search of Eagles, mountain goats and brown bears that emerge at dusk to feed on the salmon in the Chilkoot River.
September 6-7 • Glacier Bay
A very exciting first day as we make our way to Glacier Bay where we will stay for two nights in the nearby town of Gustavus. We will spend all day on the water as we look for the mighty Humpback Whales and if we are lucky photograph these beautiful, intelligent mammals as they leap out of the water and play in the waters rich in Plankton. But that’s not all as Glacier Bay also is home to seals, porpoises, killer whales and sea otters. Overnight in Gustavus.
We spend all the second day in Glacier Bay photographing wildlife and marine wildlife. Overnight in Gustavus.
September 8 • Back to Juneau
We catch the ferry back to Juneau which takes approx. 5 hours and more spectacular scenery in store. Overnight in Juneau.
September 9 • Admiralty Island
We have a restful morning then head by boat to Admiralty Island where we stay the night. The highest concentration of Brown Bears are located on this Island so many opportunities to get that award winning shot. We stay the night in a Native community and get to learn more about their rich and wise culture.
September 10 • Back to Juneau
In the afternoon we will head back to Juneau by seaplane for the night and some time to download and start editing the many bear and wildlife photos from Admiralty Island.
September 11-13 • On to Seattle
We board the Alaska marine highway system and spend the next three days making our way to Seattle. The group sleeps onboard the ferry in cabins and apart from opportunities to photograph this majestic scenery as the huge Mountains tower about the bays and fjords, we will have plenty of time to review the photos, receive light room tips from Mark and relax as we make our way south arriving in Seattle on the 13 th for our last night on this amazing, unforgettable trip.
September 14 • End of Tour in Seattle
Check out day and people can fly out anytime.
Reserve your place on this tour
Once we receive your request we will call and email you to confirm details.
Bookings
Bookings are made directly with the photographer. For more details please contact David Metcalf by email to davidmetcalf3@mac.com
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Conditions
- Fees are exclusive of your own travel to Juneau and from Seattle.
- Fees do not cover international travel and medical insurance.
Payment
- 50% to be paid on confirmed booking.
- Balance of 50% paid at least 45 days before the tour start date.
- By credit card or bank wire transfer.
Cancellations
- 100% refund if made 30+ days before the tour start date.
- 50% refund if made 15+ days before the tour start date.
- 25% refund if made 7+ days before the tour start date.
Registration Form
Just to be clear, filling in and sending this form does not commit you to anything or any payment until the booking is confirmed, which will be done with the photographer directly after you both have spoken and agreed everything.
Please fill in all the fields.
David Metcalf
Originally from New Zealand, David's passion for photography started when, 19 years old, he bought his first Kodak camera. David is an insightful tutor who inspires you to put the manual down, engage with the subject, access your creativity and capture the essence of a photo. He is the author of three cultural photography books and is a spokesperson for the indigenous Dayak people of Kalimantan. David’s tours connect you with travel and culture, opportunities that take you to a higher level of seeing and feeling.
Mark Rayner
Mark hails from Brisbane in Australia, but his photo tours span the world. Fully accredited as a professional photographer in Australia (AIPP), Mark is an established wedding, portrait and commercial photographer, for which he has been awarded several commendations including "2012 Shoot the Architect" competition sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects. He is also expert in post processing, re-touching and workflow.