A trip to Alaska is guaranteed to be filled with amazing moments and lifetime memories. Part of the fun of traveling through the Last Frontier is capturing these moments on camera so you can share them with your family and friends back home. While selfies and photos of your group are pretty easy, capturing the amazing wildlife you see is a bit trickier.
I’ve spent years traveling Alaska with my partner, a professional wildlife photographer. We both use varying gear to ensure we’re capturing the perfect shot (including something as basic as a GoPro or iPhone to more sophisticated mirrorless and DSLR cameras). In this guide, I’ll run through how to capture the perfect wildlife shot, regardless of the gear you are bringing along.
iPhone vs. Professional Camera: Which is Better
While both have their merits, it definitely comes down to what you are comfortable carrying and using. If you are more familiar using your smartphone than a fancier camera, then stick with your phone during your trip. If you are determined to get that perfect shot of a bear, definitely consider investing in a quality camera to help add that level of detail to your photo.
iPhones
iPhones, while physically small, pack a big punch in terms of technological advances. They are handy, always within reach, and have undergone impressive enhancements in recent years that make them capable contenders for wildlife photography.
Here are a few tips to elevate your iPhone wildlife photography:
- Maximize Your Phone's Capabilities: Consider investing in a small telephoto lens to attach to the outside of your phone to increase your zoom. These 3-party lenses are readily available online and can easily fit into a small bag to have handy throughout the day.
- HDR and Night Mode: Make the most of the HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode to balance the light in your shots, particularly useful for high-contrast scenes. Night mode can help in low-light scenarios, a common occurrence in Alaskan winters and in dense forests.
- Third-party Apps: Consider using advanced camera apps like Halide or ProCam that allow manual control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and focus to give you more control over your phone’s capabilities.
- Editing Apps: Utilize editing apps like Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or VSCO for post-processing. You'd be amazed at how a little bit of tweaking can enhance your images.
Professional Cameras
A professional camera—DSLR or mirrorless—provides superior image quality, an extensive range of settings, and the ability to switch lenses based on the subject. These aspects can be critical when you're dealing with fast or distant wildlife subjects in the varied light conditions of Alaska.
Here are some tips for using a professional camera:
- Understand Your Settings: Learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and how they interact. This understanding allows you to adapt to changing conditions, whether it's a bear suddenly breaking into a run or a change in the weather. For sharp images of fast-moving animals, use a faster shutter speed (1/1000s or faster). A wide aperture (f/2.8-f/5.6) will allow more light in and create a blurred background effect.
- Lens Choice: For wildlife, a telephoto lens of at least 200mm is essential, but a range of 400mm to 600mm is even better. A wide-angle lens (24mm-70mm) will serve you well for landscape shots.
- Manual Focus: There will be times when auto-focus may let you down, particularly in scenes with obstructing elements like grass or branches. In these situations, don't be afraid to switch to manual focus.
- Shoot in RAW: RAW files capture more detail and allow greater flexibility during post-processing. They can be a lifesaver when dealing with tricky light conditions.
Capturing the Best Photo
Regardless of the equipment you bring along, you can still optimize your trip to ensure you have the best shooting conditions. Check out these tips on how to ensure you have the best light, location, and safety precautions when photographing Alaska’s wildlife:
1. Perfect Lighting:
Capture the Golden Hours: Whether it's dawn or dusk, the soft, warm light during these hours casts an irresistible glow on the Alaskan landscape and its inhabitants. Especially in the summer, when Alaska experiences the 'Midnight Sun,' these 'golden hours' extend for much longer, offering ample opportunity to get that perfect shot.
Don't shy away from adverse weather: While clear skies are excellent for photography, don't pack up your gear just yet when clouds roll in. Overcast conditions can provide a soft, diffused light that's ideal for wildlife and landscape photography. Plus, a photo of an animal in the snow or a light drizzle has a certain captivating charm that's hard to replicate in perfect weather.
2. Locating Wildlife:
Do your homework: Spend some time understanding the animals you're hoping to photograph. This includes knowing their behaviors, preferred habitats, and the times of year when they're most active. For instance, if it's bears you're after, coastal areas during the summer when the salmon are running are your best bet.
Tap into local knowledge: Local residents, park rangers, and even fellow travelers can prove to be invaluable resources when it comes to recent wildlife sightings. Checking in with visitor centers can provide up-to-date information about the best places to see wildlife.
Leverage Technology: In this digital age, apps like iNaturalist make finding wildlife a breeze. These platforms offer real-time tracking of wildlife sightings and also allow you to contribute your own observations. This creates a shared database that benefits all wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Safety and Respect for Wildlife:
Always maintain a respectful distance: One of the golden rules of wildlife photography is to never get too close to the animals or attempt to feed them. It's not only dangerous but can also be disruptive to the animal's natural behavior and in many areas, it's illegal.
Choose the right equipment: If you're after those stunning close-up shots, a telephoto lens is essential. It allows you to capture detailed images while maintaining a safe distance. However, if you're using a smartphone, don't try to get too close. Instead, focus on capturing the animal in its environment.
Stay aware and cautious: Keeping an eye on your surroundings is critical when you're in the wilderness. It's important never to corner an animal or get between a mother and her young. If an animal seems disturbed, it's best to slowly and quietly move away.
Get Ready for Your Adventure
Whether you're armed with a professional camera or an iPhone, remember that the beauty of wildlife photography lies in capturing the spirit of the wild. The rustling of leaves as a fox darts through the underbrush, the solemn gaze of a bear as it fishes for salmon, or the graceful flight of an eagle soaring through the sky - these are the moments that make this adventure truly worth it.
Use the tools at your disposal, whether it's local knowledge, handy apps, or guided tours, to enrich your journey. Be patient, be respectful, and above all, be present. Because in the end, it's not just about the photos you take, but the memories you make and the stories you'll tell.
