Alaska Brown Bear Photography Workshop

July 31 – August 6, 2026

Overview

On this trip of a lifetime we’ll journey deep into the Alaskan experience, including four unforgettable nights at a remote lodge in the heart of bear country. Each day will bring new opportunities to witness and photograph coastal brown bears in their natural rhythm; fishing for salmon, digging for clams in the mudflats, and grazing peacefully in the meadows, Often just a few steps away, offering encounters you’ll never forget. This workshop isn’t only about the bears, it’s about fully experiencing Alaska’s raw beauty and learning to capture it through your lens. You’ll come away not only with a portfolio of images but with stories, memories, and a deeper connection to the wild.

Ahead of the workshop, we’ll meet virtually to prepare for the adventure. We’ll review the full itinerary, discuss what to expect in the field, talk through camera equipment and techniques for photographing wildlife, and go over a detailed gear checklist. That way, when you arrive, you can focus entirely on the experience.

The adventure isn’t limited to bears… during our stay in Lake Clark National Park, we’ll head out by boat to a nearby seabird colony, home to horned and tufted puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, murres, oystercatchers, and more. For those who want even more, I’ll also be offering an optional, full-day boat excursion before the workshop begins with opportunities to photograph humpbacks, orcas, seals, and sea otters. A visit to a glacier will round out a day on the water you’ll never forget.

Come ready for wild encounters, unforgettable photographs, and a chance to feel closer to nature than you ever thought possible!

• Number of Attendees: 5
• Number of Instructors: 1
• Level of Difficulty (fitness requirements): Moderate

Schedule

June 20: Zoom meeting to discuss our itinerary, do a gear check, and answer questions.

July 30: Optional full-day boat excursion out of Seward. We will stay overnight in Seward after the boat trip and drive back to Anchorage the following morning.

July 31: Arrival in Anchorage
Our adventure begins in Anchorage, where we’ll gather as a group for introductions and then head out for dinner together, we’ll go over the travel logistics for the following morning.

August 1: Into Bear Country
We board a bush plane for a breathtaking flight down the coast (an experience in itself) to Silver Salmon Creek Lodge. After settling in and a brief orientation, we’ll head out for our first photography session, followed by lunch, more bear viewing, and then wrapping up after dinner.

August 2, 3, & 4: Immersed in the Wild
The heart of our journey. Each day unfolds with endless photographic opportunities as we shadow the bears through their daily rhythms. The bears here are remarkably tolerant of our presence, offering intimate encounters few people ever experience. For the rare moments we’re not in the field, we’ll gather for image reviews, editing sessions, and discussions about technique; ensuring you return home not just with extraordinary images, but with new skills and confidence in wildlife photography. Depending on weather, one of these days might include a boat excursion to a seabird nesting colony.

August 5: Farewell to the Bears
We rise early for one last chance to photograph the bears. After our session, we return to the lodge for breakfast, then board our bush plane back to Anchorage. After getting settled back in to our Anchorage hotel, we’ll meet for an image review and editing session, followed by dinner together.

August 6: Farewell to Alaska
Following a casual breakfast, we’ll gather one last time for a final image review. Then, whether you’re flying home or traveling deeper into Alaska, we will say our goodbyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t this dangerous?

The guides we work with at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge are trained to understand bear behavior and know very well the parameters surrounding safe bear viewing. Most of the bears we encounter are acclimated to the presence of humans. There has never been a serious negative encounter with bears in SSCL’s 20 year history of providing bear viewing services. With that said, the bears at SSCL are wild animals and need to be approached with caution, the guides will ensure your safety while assessing behavior and possible stress signs of the bears. The guides carry bear spray with them at all times, you do not need to bring your own (and should not). On a personal note, not once did I feel threatened or scared while with the bears here, my experience was quite the opposite.

Are brown bears different than grizzly bears?

Brown and grizzly bears are classified as the same species but are distinguished by geographic location, which influences diet, size, and behavior. Brown bears typically live along the southern coast where they have access to salmon and clams. The coastal areas also provide a rich array of vegetation they can use as food as well as a milder climate. This allows them to grow larger and live in higher densities than grizzly bears which live in the northern and interior parts of the state.

Do I need a lot of expensive gear to take this workshop?

No! You can make great images with simple equipment. That said, it does help to have a camera with advanced autofocusing options such as eye-tracking, but it is not necessary. A telephoto zoom lens such as 100-400mm, 100-500mm, 150-600mm, etc. will get you most of what you need. The sweet spots for focal length on this workshop for a full-frame camera will be 70-200 and 500-600mm.

What are the fitness requirements?

There will be no strenuous hiking involved during the workshop, that said, we will be walking off-trail for short distances across uneven ground. A modest level of health and fitness will greatly enhance your experience. The elements in Alaska can be unforgiving, so having a moderate threshold for discomfort will also improve your experience.

What equipment do you recommend I bring?

• DSLR or mirrorless camera
• For bears and other wildlife, lenses covering 70-600mm on a full frame sensor are recommended, 50-400mm on a crop sensor.
• For landscape opportunities, you will want a wide angle zoom such as 14-35 or 24-70.
• A sturdy tripod
• Gimbal head for heavy lenses
• Ball head for landscape work
• Rainproof camera backpack (a shoulder bag is not recommended)
• Rainproof covering for your camera and lens (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Laptop Computer with editing software (we use Adobe Lightroom Classic)
• Card Reader
• Extra Batteries
• Extra Memory Cards

If you plan on using two camera bodies I recommend a tripod with gimbal-head for the long lens and a Cotton Carrier or something like it for the shorter lens.

What about transportation?

We recommend flying into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). From there you will be able to get a taxi or call for an Uber to bring you to the hotel. Transportation from the hotel in Anchorage to Silver Salmon Creek Lodge is included in this workshop. You will not need a rental vehicle during this workshop.

What about lodging?

All lodging during the dates of the workshop is included. Hotel information will be provided upon registration.

What should I wear?

Temperatures in Alaska can vary greatly, and the elements can be harsh. We will spend long hours in field rain, wind, bugs, or shine. For that reason we recommend bringing a range of clothing:

• Quick drying pants and shirts (at least two pair)
• Wool or synthetic socks
• Sun hat
• Winter hat
• Gloves
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants
• Down or insulated jacket
• Head net for bugs
• Knee boots (optional – these will be provided at SSCL if needed)
• Hip waders (optional – these will be provided at SSCL if needed)

Try to pack enough clothing for all four nights at SSCL, though laundry service is available if needed.

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

It’s Alaska, the weather will not cooperate. That said, being out in bad weather usually leads to great photo opportunities! Rain and clouds can add mood and provide even lighting to work under. My least successful day with the bears was the sunny one! That said, because we use chartered small aircraft for getting to and from SSCL, there is always a chance that bad weather may delay a flight, but it’s unusual and delays are often only a portion of one day. If we loose an entire day at the lodge you will be refunded the cost of that day. In the event weather forces an extra night at SSCL, there is a $200 charge per person for room and board.

Will there be bugs?

You either get wind, rain, or bugs… you don’t get none. Bug spray is available at the lodge but you are welcome to bring your own. I also recommend a head net. That said, though present, the bugs never overwhelmed me or took away from the experience. Most of the time they were not an issue.

Price: $9750

SOLD OUT – Wait List Only

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A $2000 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking, the full payment is due by May 1, 2026.

Included in the Price:

• One-on-one instruction from your’s truly.
• Two nights in Anchorage (single occupancy)
• 4 nights at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge (double occupancy)
• Private air charter from Anchorage to Silver Salmon Creek Lodge and back
• All meals at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge
• Experienced bear guides at SSCL
• Half-day boat excursion out of SSCL to a puffin nesting colony (weather permitting)
• Transportation between the hotel in Anchorage and our charter to SSCL
• Classroom space in Anchorage on August 5th and 6th
• Gratuities for SSCL staff

Attendees are responsible for:

• Transportation to and from Anchorage before and after the workshop, including flights
• Transportation from the airport to our hotel ahead of the workshop and back again after the workshop ends
• All Meals outside of Silver Salmon Creek Lodge
• Travel Insurance: www.squaremouth.com

Cancelations:

Cancelations made by May 1, 2026 will receive a refund for any amount paid over $2000. Cancelations made after May 1, 2026 will receive no refund. If a canceled spot is able to be filled before the start date of the workshop a full refund will be given, including the deposit. We cannot give out credit for cancelations. This is an expensive trip to run so our cancelation policy is non-negotiable. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance: www.squaremouth.com

Acknowledgement of Risk:

Even though there has never been an incident at SSCL where serious bodily harm has occurred, you will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Risk by both J.K. Putnam Photography and Silver Salmon Creek Lodge.

Seward/Resurrection Bay Boat Excursion:

As an added opportunity before the workshop begins, I’ll be offering an optional full-day boat excursion out of Seward, where we’ll have the chance to photograph humpbacks, orcas, sea otters, seals, puffins, coastal scenery, and more. Final details for this excursion will be confirmed once registration is complete.

All of the images on this page, and many more, were captured during a single week in Alaska. You can view the full collection from this trip on my website: jkputnamphotography.com

Meet Your Instructor: