Going to Denali, suggestions?
May 19, 2015 10:41:26 #
While in Denali, definitely take the bus ride. I advise making reservations ahead of time. I would also suggest taking the ride out to the Eielson Visitor Center. Great views of the mountain (if it is out) and the surrounding BIG country. The trip beyond to the end of the road is time consuming and boring otherwise. (It gets you out to wonder lake, but if you are not there in the early morning or late night, the photo op is quite compromised.)
Here are the results of my trips up the road:
http://timenspace.smugmug.com/Collections/Alaska/Denali/
Here are the results of my trips up the road:
http://timenspace.smugmug.com/Collections/Alaska/Denali/
May 19, 2015 10:57:16 #
In Anchorage stop by the log cabin visitors center downtown. the tony knowles coastal trail runs along most of downtown anchorage out to the airport past earthquake park, beautiful views of sleeping lady (mt. Susitna) and Denali. Typically see moose out there but bears have been spotted by pt woronzof every summer.
Just south of anchorage on the Seward highway is potters marsh - there's a boardwalk from which you can typically view dozens of species of birds, salmon in season, moose & sometimes bears.
About 20 miles south of anchorage is beluga point, frequently spot Dahl sheep there & good viewing spot if the belugas are in the inlet. Also good viewing of the bore tide depending on the tides. Girdwood is about 50 miles south of anchorage, there's a tram to the top of Alyeska ski resort. 15-20 miles south of Girdwood is the wildlife conservation center. There are caribou, bears, bison, wolves & other wildlife easily photographed there.
Couple miles south from there is the road to portage glacier. There are salmon viewing streams, glaciers & possibly moose, bears & Eagles on the drive.
Just south of anchorage on the Seward highway is potters marsh - there's a boardwalk from which you can typically view dozens of species of birds, salmon in season, moose & sometimes bears.
About 20 miles south of anchorage is beluga point, frequently spot Dahl sheep there & good viewing spot if the belugas are in the inlet. Also good viewing of the bore tide depending on the tides. Girdwood is about 50 miles south of anchorage, there's a tram to the top of Alyeska ski resort. 15-20 miles south of Girdwood is the wildlife conservation center. There are caribou, bears, bison, wolves & other wildlife easily photographed there.
Couple miles south from there is the road to portage glacier. There are salmon viewing streams, glaciers & possibly moose, bears & Eagles on the drive.
May 19, 2015 13:16:45 #
saparoo wrote:
We are headed to Alaska in mid June. Staying in Denali 3 nights, then back to Anchorage one night, then Seward two nights. Any suggestions for photos? In Denali, we will be at the North Face Lodge and will be hiking some. In Seward, taking an 8hr cruise, whale watching, etc. More suggestions?
Thanks....
Thanks....
Like others have suggested, take a bus tour into the Denali Park. There are several: some are associated with cruise lines, some with other tours, and the "green bus," where you can buy a ticket and get on and off as you please along the route and then just flag down and board the next green bus awhile later. Make sure you get a window that opens and is not jammed shut. If bears are close to the road, the driver may not let you off. The driver we had on a "Princess tour" opened the door and allowed me to sit on the steps to shoot. I was using a 55-200mm kit lens and I could have used something longer. Good luck on seeing "the mountain." If it's not out, there are plenty of others to shoot alone the way.
View from the Denali Park bus while moving
May 19, 2015 13:56:15 #
Be sure you "bone up" on night sky photography techniques.
The Aurora Borealis is still performing its act.
The Aurora Borealis is still performing its act.
May 19, 2015 14:12:17 #
Kingmapix wrote:
Be sure you "bone up" on night sky photography techniques.
The Aurora Borealis is still performing its act.
The Aurora Borealis is still performing its act.
You won't have much of a night sky in June in Alaska. Fairbanks celebrates the solstice with a midnight baseball game. No lights required.
May 19, 2015 14:33:19 #
imageal wrote:
Like others have suggested, take a bus tour into t... (show quote)
We were on a Princess cruise and they offer a 4 to 5 hr bus tour of the park. (included) for and extra $50 you could get the 8 hr tour that included lunch. On it they saw a wolf, bear and mountain sheep and other winged wildlife they went 20 to 30 miles farther into the park. We only saw a few moose. We were there the first week of June.
May 19, 2015 14:49:46 #
One suggestion... Swing by Michigan and pick me up. I'll be on Gratiot and I94. You'll recognize me, I'll be wearing a Canon 70D and be carrying a small suitcase with a $100.00 bill pinned to my collar. I'm low maintenance and can sleep on the floor if need be.
May 19, 2015 17:27:43 #
saparoo wrote:
We are headed to Alaska in mid June. Staying in Denali 3 nights, then back to Anchorage one night, then Seward two nights. Any suggestions for photos? In Denali, we will be at the North Face Lodge and will be hiking some. In Seward, taking an 8hr cruise, whale watching, etc. More suggestions?
Thanks....
Thanks....
The weather changes very quickly in AK, especially for Mt Denali. Here are two pics taken an hour and a half apart. It took three days to get these due to Rain!! and clouds Dosen't take much to mess up the scene
May 19, 2015 21:26:17 #
Assuming you have a clear day, Wonder Lake for Mt Denali reflections. You are close to a small airport at the end of the road in Kantishna. Again if it's clear, they have evening flights around Mt Denali which will be lit up.
May 19, 2015 22:36:26 #
These are all great suggestions for things to do and places to go for photo opportunities. However, if I may, I would suggest and alternative to Gwennies. We ate there recently, and while it's an eclectic place, it's pretty run down inside. For lunch, The Moose's Tooth is an iconic pizza place that is worth the visit. For dinner, the Glacier Brewhouse downtown on 5th Avenue is a great restaurant. But if 4-star is your preference, go to Girdwood, 35 miles south of Anchorage and eat at The Double Muskie. It opens at 4 pm, but you need to be there well before that and stand in line, as it fills up quickly. The food is amazing.
The recommendations for a long telephoto or zoom are well-taken. I would suggest the SX50 with its 1200mm zoom or even better, the new Nikon P900 with its 2000mm zoom. If you can get your hands on one in time. So far, the reviews on it are very positive. I would also suggest a good, weather resistant camera bag or back pack. Also, don't forget to bring a good pair of binoculars.
Anchorage has two Costco's and two Best Buy's, so you can get all the storage media you want or need. And BB can be of good help for any of your photographic needs. Of course there is also Stewart's Photo shop in downtown Anchorage, where you will find professional service, help, advice, and, of course, cameras and equipment. They know Alaska.
You will have a good time in Alaska. Lots of wildlife and scenery to see and photograph. They are predicting an exceptional summer up here this year, with lots of dry, very warm weather. In fact, this evening they are forecasting temperatures up into the mid-80's this week! But bring clothing to cope with any kind of weather, as it can change quickly.
Just one other thing else comes to mind. I have no idea what kind of camera you will be using, but may I suggest that you bring at least one spare battery for your camera. Make the most of your trip up here.
The recommendations for a long telephoto or zoom are well-taken. I would suggest the SX50 with its 1200mm zoom or even better, the new Nikon P900 with its 2000mm zoom. If you can get your hands on one in time. So far, the reviews on it are very positive. I would also suggest a good, weather resistant camera bag or back pack. Also, don't forget to bring a good pair of binoculars.
Anchorage has two Costco's and two Best Buy's, so you can get all the storage media you want or need. And BB can be of good help for any of your photographic needs. Of course there is also Stewart's Photo shop in downtown Anchorage, where you will find professional service, help, advice, and, of course, cameras and equipment. They know Alaska.
You will have a good time in Alaska. Lots of wildlife and scenery to see and photograph. They are predicting an exceptional summer up here this year, with lots of dry, very warm weather. In fact, this evening they are forecasting temperatures up into the mid-80's this week! But bring clothing to cope with any kind of weather, as it can change quickly.
Just one other thing else comes to mind. I have no idea what kind of camera you will be using, but may I suggest that you bring at least one spare battery for your camera. Make the most of your trip up here.
May 19, 2015 22:55:45 #
You will be in great hands at The North Face Lodge. We stayed there in June of 2013. Get a seat on the left side of their bus for the drive in. They stop so you can photograph about any wildlife you see. Their buses have large horizontal sliding windows so virtually everyone can get shots without the glare of glass.
The lodge is less than 3 miles from Wonder Lake. I surely hope you have the luck we had while there - Denali was out in all its glory all 3 days - and nights. The photo I attached was taken about 1 o'clock in the morning --just half an hour after sunset. What specific dates will you be there? I can look on the photographer's ephameris and see what you might have for moonlight.
All the staff are amazing at North Face - most have at least masters degrees in some natural science and work there because of the passion they have for the park. Each day you will have a chance to go on various types of hikes. You can choose how strenuous you want. We chose the lesser physical hikes which spent more time studying flora and fauna and allowed more time for photography.
The bear photo below was taken on our hike back from a picnic lunch on the tundra.
The moose was captured from the bus window.
Enjoy your time there. It's a very special place.
Oh, yes you will likely need mosquito head nets. The lodge will provide them but I'd take my own. Also, our favorite clothing item were our fleece vests. Great on a cool morning or for more warmth under a rain jacket.
The lodge is less than 3 miles from Wonder Lake. I surely hope you have the luck we had while there - Denali was out in all its glory all 3 days - and nights. The photo I attached was taken about 1 o'clock in the morning --just half an hour after sunset. What specific dates will you be there? I can look on the photographer's ephameris and see what you might have for moonlight.
All the staff are amazing at North Face - most have at least masters degrees in some natural science and work there because of the passion they have for the park. Each day you will have a chance to go on various types of hikes. You can choose how strenuous you want. We chose the lesser physical hikes which spent more time studying flora and fauna and allowed more time for photography.
The bear photo below was taken on our hike back from a picnic lunch on the tundra.
The moose was captured from the bus window.
Enjoy your time there. It's a very special place.
Oh, yes you will likely need mosquito head nets. The lodge will provide them but I'd take my own. Also, our favorite clothing item were our fleece vests. Great on a cool morning or for more warmth under a rain jacket.
saparoo wrote:
We are headed to Alaska in mid June. Staying in Denali 3 nights, then back to Anchorage one night, then Seward two nights. Any suggestions for photos? In Denali, we will be at the North Face Lodge and will be hiking some. In Seward, taking an 8hr cruise, whale watching, etc. More suggestions?
Thanks....
Thanks....
Alpen glow on Denali as Super moon rises by Mt. Brooks
(Download)
Blonde grizzly in Denali
(Download)
Moose grazing in a pond
(Download)
Mosquito Mountaineers
May 19, 2015 23:15:12 #
TGanner wrote:
While in Denali, definitely take the bus ride. I a... (show quote)
Hey Tom, my friend, you have so many stunning photos on this link. Your B&W of Denai is one of the best I've ever seen. And what time of year did you photograph those luscious blueberries? Whenever it was, that's when I'm returning and we'll go take some pictures together.
May 20, 2015 01:15:28 #
DougS
Loc: Central Arkansas
I highly recommend 'Saltwater Lodge' in Seward for their small boat tour to Kenai Fjords! We used them last year, about the same time of year you will be there, mid June. Saw Fin whales, Humpbacks, Orca, Sea Lions, Seals, Dahls Porpoise, sea birds galore, and much more! Oh yes, the glaciers, and... BE SURE TO GO ON A SMALL BOAT TOUR! Six passengers. Short to long zoom lens, they may surface 50 feet away or 1/2 mile. Whales surface 3-4 maybe 5 times to breath, then on the last breath before a deep dive, they will arch their back, then show their fluke, and be underwater for 4-7 minutes. The porpoise will 'race' with your boat, putting on a show just inches away!
Try to be at the dock in Seward for the fishing tournament weigh-in. You may find it interesting. If you are subject to motion/sea sickness, use the 'patch behind the ear', works better than the pills (see your Dr. for it, good for 3-4 days)!
Bring memory backup. Walmart.com has good but cheap SD cards, about 1/2 price of everywhere else, including their stores. Take a portable hard drive for storage (or two!), just don't drop it. I am still editing my photo's from spending 31 days in Alaska last year.
Skip the aquarium in Seward, it's ok but not spectacular. Just if you have time to burn.
Misquitoes ARE bad around water that time of year. At the back of the Denali NP and elsewhere. You will need thick jackets to keep them away from your body, not so much for the cold though it will be cool, lol. And yes, the face masks. And repellant. Around Kantishna, you will possibly be able to get some shots of gold panners/miners. The only grizzly's we saw in Denali, were beyond the Eielson visitor center. Almost all of the buses turnaround there.
We did not see Mt. McKinley while in the park, but did on the way up the George Parks Hwy. At the State Park viewing location, we got to see it but had to wait for the clouds to clear (about 30 or so minutes of waiting, got lucky!). Ring side seat!!!
You did not say how you are traveling. We left George Parks Hwy. and went east on the Richardson a few miles, found some excellent photo locations there.
If you go to Juneau, skip the whale watching tours there, and go for the Kenai tour.
Tracy Arm is excellent out of Juneau.
Our 31 days in Alaska were not near long enough!!! And we drove our mini van, rode the ferry's. Excellent experience!
Go to Homer if you can swing it, spend 3-4 days there and go to Katmai NP, it is spectacular, see the grizzlys up close and lots more! Google it!
Try to be at the dock in Seward for the fishing tournament weigh-in. You may find it interesting. If you are subject to motion/sea sickness, use the 'patch behind the ear', works better than the pills (see your Dr. for it, good for 3-4 days)!
Bring memory backup. Walmart.com has good but cheap SD cards, about 1/2 price of everywhere else, including their stores. Take a portable hard drive for storage (or two!), just don't drop it. I am still editing my photo's from spending 31 days in Alaska last year.
Skip the aquarium in Seward, it's ok but not spectacular. Just if you have time to burn.
Misquitoes ARE bad around water that time of year. At the back of the Denali NP and elsewhere. You will need thick jackets to keep them away from your body, not so much for the cold though it will be cool, lol. And yes, the face masks. And repellant. Around Kantishna, you will possibly be able to get some shots of gold panners/miners. The only grizzly's we saw in Denali, were beyond the Eielson visitor center. Almost all of the buses turnaround there.
We did not see Mt. McKinley while in the park, but did on the way up the George Parks Hwy. At the State Park viewing location, we got to see it but had to wait for the clouds to clear (about 30 or so minutes of waiting, got lucky!). Ring side seat!!!
You did not say how you are traveling. We left George Parks Hwy. and went east on the Richardson a few miles, found some excellent photo locations there.
If you go to Juneau, skip the whale watching tours there, and go for the Kenai tour.
Tracy Arm is excellent out of Juneau.
Our 31 days in Alaska were not near long enough!!! And we drove our mini van, rode the ferry's. Excellent experience!
Go to Homer if you can swing it, spend 3-4 days there and go to Katmai NP, it is spectacular, see the grizzlys up close and lots more! Google it!
May 20, 2015 01:29:04 #
In Seward, you may want to go to the city's aquarium - Alaska SeaLife Center. I took the cruise into the Kenai Fjords. A wonderful trip and saw an amazing bunch of wildlife. I talked to someone that went the day before. He had high seas, many on his boat were sick and they didn't see anything. Skip the tour that gives you a dinner buffet on Fox Island. The food was not good. I'm not a fussy eater, but really thought the dinner was a waste of money. Everything else about the trip was wonderful.
If you haven't bought your ticket for the boat yet, don't. Wait to see what the weather is going to be like. Perhaps, get it the day you are sailing. I bought mine the day before, but when I arrived for the trip, they warned me that the seas were high and offered to let me go the following day. Boy, I'm I glad I took them up on the offer. I used the smaller of the two companies that make this tour available and they were great! Pretty sure the company's name was "Kenai Fjords Tours".
I may drive up there again this summer. If so, I'll take the tour again.
I'd recommend a DSLR camera with a medium long zoom. The boat is always in at least some motion, so it is hard to hold a long zoom lens steady, but a 200+ zoom is a good thing to have. You won't need a wide angel lens. I used a 55-300 zoom. That's also a good lens for Denali.
If you haven't bought your ticket for the boat yet, don't. Wait to see what the weather is going to be like. Perhaps, get it the day you are sailing. I bought mine the day before, but when I arrived for the trip, they warned me that the seas were high and offered to let me go the following day. Boy, I'm I glad I took them up on the offer. I used the smaller of the two companies that make this tour available and they were great! Pretty sure the company's name was "Kenai Fjords Tours".
I may drive up there again this summer. If so, I'll take the tour again.
I'd recommend a DSLR camera with a medium long zoom. The boat is always in at least some motion, so it is hard to hold a long zoom lens steady, but a 200+ zoom is a good thing to have. You won't need a wide angel lens. I used a 55-300 zoom. That's also a good lens for Denali.
This guy kept showing off for us.
Cliff coved with birds
May 20, 2015 07:20:37 #
WOW!!! I never dreamed I would get so much information. Thanks to everyone. Many ask what kind of camera...I have a canon 60D and Rebel XTi. The lenses I'll take are canon 18-135mm, 70-250mm and 10-20mm. Wish I had a longer one but I guess that's where photoshop comes in!
All the pictures posted are beautiful. Hoping for at least an hour of cloud break to see the mountain but, if not, I'm sure we will be in awe of all the beauty!
I have taken many notes that will make our trip even more enjoyable. I will post a few pictures upon our return. Thanks to everyone.
All the pictures posted are beautiful. Hoping for at least an hour of cloud break to see the mountain but, if not, I'm sure we will be in awe of all the beauty!
I have taken many notes that will make our trip even more enjoyable. I will post a few pictures upon our return. Thanks to everyone.
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