Photo Tour FAQs

These photo tours are a flexible itinerary designed to assist the serious photographer put together a productive photography adventure. It means the trip is scheduled around your photography. We follow the light, getting out early to shoot dawn and getting out late to shoot dusk.

The long days of Alaska, for example, might mean alpenglow is at 11:30pm, and again at 4:30am. There’s simply no way to catch both of those times and still have a regular breakfast, lunch and dinner schedule and hike an 8 hour day. Well, there IS, but doing that for a week straight is an arduous task. So I run these tours around photography time, which means we might be catching up on rest, etc, during the middle of the day, so we can be where we need to be in the golden light of the evening.

Everything is tailored around photography, whether it’s a bear photo tour, a wildlife tour, a landscape photo tour to Skolai Pass or the Aurora borealis in the dark of winter. We shoot when the shooting is best, and we eat, sleep and hike outside of those hours. You don’t want to miss that golden brown bear photo because you’re back at the lodge having dinner!

As a rule these trips are probably most beneficial for the intermediate to advanced photographers. If you’re looking for rudimentary photography instruction what I’d suggest is to consider one of the Day Trip photography excursions where we can work on some of the fundamentals and get things moving.

That said we’ve had some great tours over the years with all levels of photographers coming out and getting some really strong images. I’ve had professional photographers from across the world sign up on these trips and come back for more.

I’ve also had beginners and novice photographers come out and together we made some real inroads into their learning process. That’s just one example of a real benefit that comes with running smaller groups.

What these trips are not is a vacation. You’re more than welcome to come out on a trip for bear viewing or aurora borealis viewing but one of the real strengths of these trips is that they’re tailored for people interested in a focused serious photography adventure.

For the Alaska Landscapes photo tour to Skolai Pass, it’s a similar mix of folks, with the nature of the trip tailored somewhat to the skillset and diversity of the people on the trip. We’ve enjoyed trips with adventurous experienced backpackers where we trekked quite a distance and made some great images and we’ve also done trips for less experienced outdoors folks, being somewhat less mobile, but equally rewarding in both the wilderness experience and the photography efforts.

There’s simply no way to answer this question on a one size fits all web page. What gear you need depends entirely on the type of your trip you’re looking for, the subjects you’re shooting, the time of year, and most importantly, what gear you have.

— The first thing I might suggest is a tripod. The camera, 2nd. I really think anyone interested in trying to make some really strong photos should work with a sturdy tripod and ballhead. Don’t skimp and carry some flimsy bendy little rig that you don’t like using. Get a good tripod and ballhead, and use it; always.

— There are so many great camera setups around today, I’m not going to begin trying to recommend one. Whether you shoot with an many thousand dollar Nikon D5 and a 600mm F4 lens, or you shoot with a smaller compact Sony RX 100 you can still make some great photos. Work with what you have and learn how to use your camera setup. You might be surprised how much you can do with that rig that you weren’t previously aware of.

— Your lens, if you use an switchable lens setup like a DSLR, are important. Obviously sharper and faster glass matters, to some degree. That’s why we invest in it. But it does NOT matter as much as your willingness to work and learn. Whether you have a 300m zoom lens or a 500mm f4 you can still shoot some great photos.

— Bring a good pack or carrying system. If you’re on a backcountry trip like the Skolai Pass Photo Tour, where you’re hiking a lot, you want to have your camera gear with you, not back in the tent at camp. So something that carries well, and is user-friendly. Accessible and durable and helps pad your gear somewhat.

— If it helps, my camera gear is a Nikon D4, D750 and a D500, and lenses from 14 – 500mm, 2 tripods, a cable release, filters and a whole lot of finger crossing.

This will TOTALLY depend on which trip you come out on. The clothing you want for the northern lights tour and the clothing you want for the coastal brown bears tour are 2 entirely beasts. Clothing for Winter Photography would be a starter for the Northern Lights tour.

As a basic standard though, you want to be warm, dry and comfortable. For most tours we do, you want some rain gear.

For the Fat Bears in the Fall Photo tour you do NOT need waders.

Conversely, Bears of Summer, Grizzlies in the Mist and the Coastal Brown Bears tours you DO definitely want a pair of chest waders.

If you are interested in a particular trip give me a call or drop me an email and I’ll be glad to forward you with some more information specific to the trip you’re considering.

Like your camera gear, this subject is largely contextual. You want to be comfortable and don’t skimp on your gear.

Practice with your camera equipment before heading out on a trip. You don’t want to fly thousands of miles and spend thousands of dollars for that one chance to shoot a grizzly flying through the water and miss it because you weren’t sure how to adjust your camera/tripod/waders/shoelaces/etc. 🙂

For the Alaska Landscapes tour to Skolai Pass, see My Backpacking Gear.

Alaska is a huge state. More than twice the size of Texas and approximately 1/3 the size of the lower 48 states. Current Photo Tours are run in Wrangell-St. Elias, out of Fairbanks, AK, and also Katmai National Park and Preserve. I run one trip in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the bald eagles tour out of Haines, Alaska.

Visit the “About Alaska” page for some information on these parks. I also am in the process of putting together a couple of new photo tours that I’m excited about, and will be posting more info on those as possible.

For the next few years, I am focusing on Wrangell St. Elias National Park for a photography book. An astonishing place.

Travel Suggestions

3 pieces of advice

1. Do NOT book your commercial flight early the next morning. The later the better. Better still, the day after that,
2. Book a refundable/changeable ticket for your return flight home, and
3. Purchase travel insurance.

Weather delays are always possible in the backcountry with bush planes.

The more cushion you give yourself before a committed departure flight home, the better.

Definitely don’t try to book something out on the evening of our return. Or the next morning. We SHOULD be back by then, but there are so many moving pieces to these trips, it’s much better to not have the stress of having to re-arrange flight schedules. Even if it’s just for something simple like road construction delays or flat tires, or a healthy travel schedule is one with some slack built into it.

Rarely will I lead a trip with more than 5 people.

For the bear photo tours, more than 5 or 6 photographers simply clutters up the situation, often stresses the wildlife and never works out well for all involved.

For the wilderness trips I simply believe it’s not a good wilderness travel ethic to move 10 people or similar through the backcountry. The impact of larger groups camping and trekking in those regions can be somewhat destructive to the fragile ecosystems there. The focus of all these trips is to provide a wilderness experience and keeping group sizes reasonable enhances that provision.

The bald eagle and aurora tours I keep to a group of 4.

Reserving your place on a trip requires a 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. All trips MUST be paid in full 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date.

We can take online payments, either ACH or Credit Cards. Credit Card merchants charge a 2.9% processing fee which is passed on to you if you choose to pay with a card. We can also take Zelle payments, or a check or international wire.

1. Credit Card – 2.9% fee
2. ACH – No fees
3. Zelle – No fees
4. Check – No fees
5. Wire – No fees

Some trips will have a slightly different process, but that’s the gist of it for most of them. See our Cancellation Policy & Terms post for more info.

We’re excited to be part of your upcoming expedition. Your reservation reflects a commitment to an awe-inspiring Alaskan adventure. Our dedication to you includes careful planning, experienced curation, and a shared passion for adventure. It’s a commitment to the essence of Alaska.

In the spirit of consistency and transparency, we want to address our no-refund policy for trip deposits. While we understand unforeseen circumstances may arise, our consistent policies ensure fairness to all adventurers. This commitment allows us to maintain trip quality, prioritize safety, and provide the best experience for every participant.

With limited availability due to Alaska’s changing seasons, once you commit to a trip, we commit to it.

Understanding life’s unpredictability, we strongly recommend considering Trip Insurance. This additional layer safeguards your investment, offering peace of mind for the excitement and wonder in the Alaskan wilderness.

Your trust means a lot; our dedication to your adventure is unwavering. Let’s explore Alaska’s backcountry together.

Thank you for choosing us for this journey.

Thank you.

Reserving your place on a trip requires a 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. All trips MUST be paid in full 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date.

If the client cancels on a trip paid in full, 80% of the price can be deferred and applied to another trip that is scheduled to occur within the next 12 months, provided that all three of the following occurs: 

i) Expeditions Alaska, LLC is able to fill the cancelled spot,
ii) Expeditions Alaska LLC is able to fill the the trip that the client cancelled on, and
iii) 30 days (or more) notice is given.

If a client cancels a trip and Expeditions Alaska is not able to completely fill that trip, regardless of the number of original participants in that trip, Expeditions Alaska will not defer or refund any portion of the cancelling client’s payment. 

Expeditions Alaska, LLC cannot guarantee that a spot will be available on a scheduled trip in the next 12 months.  If no spot is available and you cannot use your deposit in those 12 months, the deposit is forfeited and non-refundable. 

If cancellation is within 30 days of the trip, only 50% of the fee can be carried over to a future trip. The remainder is forfeited and non-refundable.

No refunds, credit, or other reimbursements are given for cancellations within 14 days of the trip departure. 

Expeditions Alaska, LLC reserves the right to cancel and/or modify the itinerary of a trip for any reason. If Expeditions Alaska cancels a trip you will be refunded your payment in full, minus a $250 administrative fees plus any unrecoverable deposits Expeditions Alaska, LLC made to organize the trip.  If Expeditions Alaska cancels changes the date of a trip and you can no longer attend, you will be refunded your payment, minus a $250 administrative fees plus any unrecoverable deposits Expeditions Alaska, LLC made to organize the trip. 


If weather or other factors delay or impede your trip, there will be no refund of fees. Expeditions Alaska, LLC is not responsible for any other costs incurred by the client as a result of the cancellation, delay, or modification of a trip.

Additional costs incurred through weather delays and itinerary changes are the responsibility of the client.

Additional costs incurred by the client, such as changes to flights or additional costs, etc, are the sole responsibility of the client.

* May be Trip dependent. See trip details on each page regarding the terms for the photo tour you are interested in.

Three big things set us apart.

Local expertise, small groups, and genuine commitment to conservation.

I’ve been photographing Alaska’s wildlife for 30 years. Guiding photo tours since 2002. I live here year-round, which means intimate knowledge of locations, weather patterns, and wildlife behavior—plus the resources and flexibility to adapt when conditions change.

Small groups matter. I limit tours to 5 photographers. You’re not fighting 10 other people for the same angle.

Professional operation. As a Wilderness First Responder with all required state licenses and National Park Service permits, safety and legal operation are non-negotiable. We’re also Gold Level certified by Adventure Green Alaska and contribute 5% of profits to conservation.

I photographed many of the same bears for over a decade before ever leading a tour to see them. That level of familiarity with both location and subject can’t be replicated by operators who fly in for the season.

Every photo tour is different. Some are hotel-based in Fairbanks, others involve camping at remote bear locations or chartering private boats.

What’s always included

1. Professional guide service (25+ years experience, Wilderness First Responder certified)
2. All accommodations (hotels, camping, or boat-based depending on trip)
3. Safety equipment (satellite communication, comprehensive first aid)
4. Photography instruction and field assistance
5. All necessary permits and access fees

What varies by trip

1. Meals: Included on most bear tours and remote trips. Not included on hotel-based tours in Fairbanks or Haines where restaurants are available.
2. Transportation: Bush flights, boat charters, and ground transport are included when required for the trip. Your flight to/from Alaska is not.

What We Don’t Include

1. Airfare to Alaska
2. Alcohol
3. Trip insurance (we recommend it and suggest you call Travelex.)
4. Guide gratuities
5. Personal and camera gear

Check the specific trip page for exact details on what’s provided.

We Don’t Sell You

Short answer: We don’t sell your data. Period.

We’re a trip company, not a data company. Our money comes from you booking trips, not from selling your information to advertisers.

Here’s what we do

1. Collect basic information you provide (email, name, trip preferences)Use trusted tools like Google Analytics to improve our website
2. Process your data securely for trip planning and communication
3. Honor all privacy rights requests

Here’s what we don’t do:

1. Sell your information to third parties
2. Use your data for targeted advertising
3. Share your personal information outside of trip operations

You’re trusting us with your information. We take that seriously.

A comprehensive outline and explanation of that can be found on Privacy Policy page here.

Requests for private trips will typically require a separate approach to our cancellation policies and payment terms.

We’re happy to commit to a trip for you and your group or family with no other participants. Oftentimes these are wonderful, shared experiences. Typically, though, they start out as an idea and become an ever-changing string of plans and numbers. That often makes it difficult to piece together and stick to a pre-agreed plan and structure. Be aware of the countless logistical and participant challenges when you ask for a private trip.

Commitment

We’re a small company with a small, limited number of exceptional guides available. Our season is super-short, and committing to a trip means we forgo other opportunity to run trips. Our commitment to your trip, and the logistics included in planning and preparing the trip require a commitment from yourself as well.

With few exceptions, private trip terms are outlined as follows.

Pricing

Pricing is for the trip, not per person.

Trip add-ons are priced per person.

Payment

A 50% deposit on reservation.

Payment in full no later than 6 months prior to trip departure date.

Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations will not be refunded.

Partial cancellations, meaning one or more of the group cancel (but not the entire group) will not change pricing for the trip. A group of 5 becoming a group of 4, for example, will not lower the group trip price.

Trip Insurance

We strongly recommend all trip participants purchase Trip Insurance, and doubly so for private Group Trips.

We all do. Questions are good. That’s how we learn. Either give me a call or send me an email and we’ll go through them.

I also send out a comprehensive Trip Information Packet upon your reservation and that will usually answer your questions.

Cheers.