My Alaskan journey began with a journal, a testament to the awe-inspiring experiences of this untamed land. As winter’s icy grip tightened, my journal entries echoed a common theme: the ethereal quality of light in the far north. From the golden hues of a low-hanging sun to the cool blue shadows painting the snow, Alaska’s winter light was a revelation. It sparked a renewed passion for photography, a desire to capture the magic of this unique landscape. Decades later, that passion remains, fueled by the thrill of winter wildlife photography on the Alaskan coast. It’s a pursuit where the dramatic interplay of light and shadow becomes as essential as the magnificent creatures that grace this breathtaking wilderness.
In 2024, I led two photography tours, eager to share the wonders of Alaska’s winter with fellow enthusiasts. Our destination: Kachemak Bay, a place where the raw beauty of the coast collides with a rich tapestry of wildlife. The weather, as expected, was a symphony of contrasts, offering a dynamic range of lighting conditions. On crystal-clear days, we captured stunning images of eagles against pristine backdrops, their every detail etched in sharp relief. Then came the blustery days, testing our skills as we pushed our cameras to their limits, freezing the action as eagles swooped and dove through the icy air above Kachemak Bay.
Our days were structured around two boat excursions, timed to make the most of the fleeting daylight hours. Whenever possible, we’d set sail at dawn, eager to capture the ethereal glow that bathed Kachemak Bay in a soft, otherworldly light. These morning shoots would typically last around three hours, a symphony of shutter clicks and shared excitement. After a midday break to warm up, recharge, and share stories, we’d head out again for an afternoon session, culminating in the fiery drama of sunset over the bay. Only twice in our two tours did the untamed spirit of the Alaskan sea force us to remain ashore, a testament to the unpredictable nature of this wild frontier.
Our vessel was captained by a local legend, a man whose knowledge of these waters was matched only by his unwavering dedication to providing us with the best possible experience. The boat itself was brand new, offering not only a comfortable ride but also a stable platform from which to capture the wildlife spectacle unfolding around us. We watched in awe as eagles swooped down, talons outstretched, to pluck fish from the icy depths, their aerial prowess easily documented from the boat’s rails. Curious sea otters would often swim alongside, their whiskery faces peering up at us with a mix of caution and curiosity, offering yet more captivating photo opportunities. And for those moments when the biting wind and chill demanded a respite, the boat’s warm cabin provided a welcome sanctuary. The innovative drop-down bow allowed for seamless transitions from sea to land, making it effortless to capture eagles perched majestically against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness.
A Lifetime of Eagle Encounters in a Single Trip
In Alaska, bald eagles are a common sight, their presence woven into the fabric of everyday life. Yet, it wasn’t always this way. My first encounter with a bald eagle in the wild occurred long before my Alaskan adventures, at a time when these majestic birds were a rarity in the lower 48 states, their very existence threatened by habitat loss and the use of pesticides. Back then, for a wildlife photographer, capturing the beauty of a bald eagle was a distant dream, hampered by the scarcity of sightings and the limitations of photographic equipment. Thankfully, due in large part to the Endangered Species Act and tireless conservation efforts, bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback, their numbers soaring once more. Those early, rare encounters left an indelible mark on me, igniting a fascination that eventually led me, and many of my fellow photographers, to Kachemak Bay.
However, this journey is about more than just eagles. It’s about witnessing these magnificent creatures against the backdrop of Alaska’s breathtaking coastal wilderness. It’s about the sheer number of eagles—hundreds within reach—creating endless photographic possibilities. Each day brings new opportunities to capture them perched on snow-laden branches, soaring effortlessly through the sky, or diving with balletic precision to snatch fish from the turbulent waters. We strategically chose locations where over fifty eagles were frequently seen performing their aerial acrobatics. With favorable winds, we could anticipate their flight paths, allowing us to capture intimate close-ups and stunning action shots that encapsulated the essence of these avian masters.
Our photography expeditions extended beyond eagles, encompassing the diverse wildlife that call Kachemak Bay home. We explored offshore islands, sheltered bays, and hidden coves, each location teeming with life. We captured images of sea otters playfully navigating the rocky coastline and, on occasion, were fortunate enough to spot mountain goats nimbly traversing the steep seaside cliffs. Sleek Steller’s sea lions, effortlessly gliding through the dark waters, became a favorite subject, their movements creating mesmerizing ripples in the serene coves. We even had the opportunity to cruise past a beach frequented by harbor seals, their sleek bodies basking in the winter sun. The calm, protected waters also provided ample opportunities to photograph an array of waterfowl, including goldeneye, harlequin, and long-tailed ducks, their vibrant plumage a stark contrast to the wintery landscape. And often, as we were engrossed in capturing one subject or another, a common loon or pelagic cormorant would surface near the boat, as if curious about our presence in their domain.
One of the most remarkable aspects of our Kachemak Bay adventure was the frequency of moose sightings. These gentle giants were so prevalent that we rarely had to venture far for an encounter. Both photography groups were treated to multiple sightings, often spotting them during our short commutes to the harbor or even en route to the airport. One particularly memorable experience occurred when our second group returned to the hotel for lunch, only to find a moose casually strolling through the parking lot, a testament to the close proximity of wildlife in this remarkable region.
It’s understandable to wonder how a group of photographers could spend nearly a week solely focused on eagles. The answer becomes abundantly clear upon witnessing the unparalleled beauty of the Alaskan backdrop, the sheer abundance of eagles, and the rich tapestry of wildlife that thrives in this environment. The overwhelming sentiment at the end of each trip was a desire for more time, a testament to the immersive and awe-inspiring nature of this experience. From remote beaches to the deck of our sturdy boat, Kachemak Bay offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with Alaska’s incredible coastal wildlife, creating memories that will last a lifetime.