Common answers to questions appear below.
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By all means. Though Alaska has fewer road-miles compared to its size than any other state, you can drive through some incredibly beautiful country and see lots of wildlife on the way. Even in Anchorage, the state’s largest city, you can visit Kincaid Park, Westchester Lagoon, and Potter March for moose, waterfowl, eagles and shorebirds. A little farther east is Turnagain Arm where sightings of Dall sheep and Beluga whales are common. To the north, the Denali Highway, between Cantwell and Paxson, is a favorite route for viewing moose, caribou, beavers, ptarmigan, grouse, possibly bears, and more. And of course Denali National Park is a magnet to all and a must see, though you can only drive personal vehicles on the first few miles into the park. Keep in mind that while there are a lot of big animals in Alaska, because the state is so huge, on a per-square-mile basis there are actually fewer here than in some other locations. That’s why areas with concentrations – like Denali NP – are so popular. For a much more extensive rundown on where to go and what to see, visit http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=species.main.
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Sure. There are good camera stores in the larger metropolitan areas that can offer assistance when difficulties arise. But if you’re off in a remote location, that won’t help much. It’s best to be prepared with backup items like camera body, lenses, batteries, etc., so you won’t be out of business if something glitches.
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Winter is one of the best times in Alaska. While it’s cold and usually white with snow, winter scenery can be truly spectacular. Shooting in the cold presents its own challenges, including keeping batteries functioning and lenses and equipment from fogging up and trapping moisture. And bright snow can trick exposure meters into underexposing your images. But winter encompasses fully half the year in Alaska, and provides wonderful opportunities for great pictures. Dress warmly, take care of your equipment, and shoot away.
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Alaska’s a really big state, and the weather conditions can be very different depending on location and season. During the summer, for those areas near the extensive coastline, there are quite a few days with clouds and rain. This makes for flat light and white skies. In the interior, there is more sunshine (and of course very long days in the summer), warmer temperatures, and frequent thunderstorms. In the winter, there is actually a higher percentage of sunny days than in summer, though of course they are shorter.
There are several things you can do to optimize your photographic opportunities while in Alaska. For taking pictures outdoors, bring clothes that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. Layers work well for changing temperatures, and a waterproof, breathable outer cover is almost a must. If you’re going to be on or around the water, take extra layers; Alaska waters are frigid most of the year, and you’ll get cold soaked quickly if you’re not prepared for it. If you’re going to be in an area with a lot of insects, bring good head nets and plenty of repellent. Nothing can spoil your visit more quickly than being swarmed by biting bugs when you’re not prepared.
As to photographic equipment, choose carefully and have a backup system in mind. Bring a selection of films – including some with higher ISO ratings (those using digital capture can vary the camera’s light gathering capability internally). Polarizing and graduated neutral-density filters can help manage glare and minimize the white skies that come with overcast conditions. Lens selection will be driven by what you intend to photograph. If birds or large mammals are on your list, then a 500mm or 600mm lens should be in your arsenal. Don’t let the threat of inclement weather dampen your enthusiasm. Remember that cloudy skies can reduce contrast and saturate colors in pictures of flowers and foliage, working to your advantage. If you intend to shoot when it’s nasty, plan for protection for your equipment as well as you. Modern photo gear is pretty tough, but treating it with respect will make it last longer and yield better results.
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The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is a great resource.
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That depends. While there are flowers blooming from May through September, June and July are the best months. Latitude and elevation also affect when individual species bloom, and there can be a lot of variation throughout the state and from season to season. Fireweed is one of the most spectacular blooms, especially along the road system. It is usually at its peak in early to mid-July.
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If you would like to upload images to present for the Member Images presentation at an upcoming meeting, you can upload them to our Dropbox account.