Exploring Alaska
Reaching all 50 states before turning 40 had been a longtime goal of mine, and a summer trip to Alaska finally made it happen. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this was no ordinary destination. The scale, light, and raw natural beauty were overwhelming in the best possible way, and it quickly became one of the most exciting places I’ve ever photographed.
Before this trip I didn’t really think of myself as a landscape or wildlife photographer, but Alaska has a way of changing that mindset fast. Everywhere you turn, there is something worth stopping for, whether it’s a sweeping mountain range, dramatic coastline, or unexpected wildlife encounter right along the road.
I shared the trip with my oldest son, Landon, which made the experience even more meaningful. We spent much of our time exploring the Kenai Peninsula, taking in the scenic drives and soaking up the character of the fishing towns of Homer and Seward. Every stretch of road seemed to deliver another postcard-worthy view.
One of the true highlights of the trip was flying by float plane from Homer to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. Watching brown bears feed on spawning salmon was nothing short of incredible. We saw around 15 bears that day and were close enough to truly appreciate their size, strength, and personality. It was one of those rare moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.
That unforgettable day was followed by an equally amazing whale watching experience. Seeing more than 30 whales, including humpbacks and orcas, was thrilling, but witnessing humpback whales bubble net feeding was the moment that really stood out. It felt like nature putting on a private show just for us.
After exploring the Kenai Peninsula, we headed north to Denali National Park. While Denali itself stayed hidden in the clouds during our visit, the park still delivered incredible wildlife sightings, including bears, moose, and caribou. Even without clear views of the mountain, the landscape and sense of scale were unforgettable.
By the end of the trip, Alaska had climbed near the top of my list of favorite places I’ve ever visited. Experiencing it alongside my son made it even more special, and it’s a place I’ve already returned to with my camera in hand. Watch for a future blog post about that incredible trip!