Katmai Alaska 2027 Photography Adventure
Bears of the Midnight Sun
Bears in Their Element – Photograph powerful coastal brown (aka grizzly) bears as they fish, roam, and interact along Katmai’s remote, windswept shores.
Luxury Afloat, Wilderness Ashore – Stay aboard a private yacht for unmatched access, comfort, and mobility—your floating basecamp in the wild.
Wildlife & Wild Places – photograph sea otters floating in kelp beds and bald eagles hunting the tidal shallows. Changing weather and light creates endless variety—from mirror-still coves to dramatic coastal storms.
Fishing the Frontier – Between sessions, experience the thrill of casting for wild salmon and halibut in some of the world’s most pristine waters.
At A Glance
Dates:
July 21-28, 2027
$12,500 double occupancy,
single occupancy +2000;
Deposit: $2,000
Instructor:
Ken Lee
Max Group Size: 8
Difficulty:
Easy
What's Included: Lodging; Meals (as stated in itinerary); Transportation including private charter flights and Local Guides and Photography Instruction.
What's Not Included: Airfare to/from Kodiak; Travel Insurance (highly recommended); Fishing License and fish Cleaning and Processing Fee (if taking fish home); Personal Expenses; Gratuities; Anything not specifically listed as included.
Bears at Eye Level
Travel deep into the remote coastal wilderness of Katmai National Park, where massive coastal brown (aka grizzly) bears rule the shoreline. Photograph these apex predators up close – as they fish for salmon, spar, and roam freely.
A Floating Classroom
Our private yacht is both home and headquarters—a comfortable, mobile base that puts you right where the action is. Equipped with private cabins, chef-prepared meals, and dedicated workspace, the yacht offers the ideal balance of comfort and access.
Travel by skiff to shore for photography sessions, then return to a warm meal and an evening of image review or Lightroom workflow instruction. This approach ensures flexibility and freedom to follow the best light, weather, and wildlife activity across Katmai’s rugged coastline.
Alaska, Unfiltered
Beyond the bears, this wild coastline teems with sea otters, bald eagles, and glacier-carved cliffs. With a small group and seasoned guides, you’ll have the time, space, and support to focus on your craft while immersed in one of North America’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Fishing the Frontier
Between photography sessions, you may choose to fish for wild salmon and halibut in some of Alaska’s most pristine coastal waters. Fishing is entirely optional and dependent on conditions and group interest. Local guides provide gear and instruction, making it easy to participate whether you’re a first-time angler or simply curious to try.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
| Day | Date | Itinerary | Overnight | Meals Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 21 | Arrival in Kodiak, Alaska – Arrive in Kodiak, take the free airport shuttle, check into our hotel, and get settled. At 5:00 PM, we’ll get together for an Introductions and Workshop Overview meeting, followed by a group dinner. | Kodiak Hotel | D |
| 2 | July 22 | Kodiak–Katmai Coast – After breakfast, we’ll board our private floatplane charter flight across the Shelikof Strait to meet our luxury yacht on the Katmai Coast. Once settled and unpacked, we’ll head ashore for our first day of encounters with the massive brown bears of the Katmai Coast. | Aboard Ship | B–L–D |
| 3-7 | July 23-27 | Katmai National Park – Each day begins early to make the most of the best light for photography. We’ll head out on our skiff for the morning session, returning for lunch. Afterward, enjoy some down time or do some fishing before heading back out for our evening photo session. Some days, we’ll also take a skiff cruise to photograph sea otters, seals, bald eagles, and other wildlife. During mid-day breaks or after dinner, we’ll gather to discuss photography techniques, review images, and provide one-on-one critiques to help you refine your skills. | Aboard Ship | B–L–D |
| 8 | July 28 | Katmai–Kodiak – On the morning of July 28, we’ll pack up and depart on the floatplane, arriving in Kodiak mid-morning. Before leaving, we’ll have time for a skiff ride in the bay or a short trip to shore for some final photos. End of service We recommend spending the night in Kodiak and beginning your travel home the following day, as charter flights can often be delayed due to weather or other factors. | – | B |
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Ken Lee, the founder Art of Seeing Photography Adventures is as passionate about helping others grow as photographers as he is about creating his own images. Ken’s Whole Brain approach to teaching photography addresses both the Craft (gear, technique, post-processing) and Creative (Composition & the Photographer’s Eye) aspects of image-making – and the completely different approaches needed to master both. Click the links to read more about Ken Lee and The Art of Seeing, what you can expect from an Art of Seeing workshop, or to see examples of Ken’s photography.
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We understand life happens and plans may change. If you need to cancel your reservation, the following policies apply :
Deposits are NOT refundable but may be transferred to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from date of cancellation in accordance with the following schedule:
Regardless of when you cancel, if we fill your spot*, you will receive a refund of all fees paid less your deposit and $150 processing fee. If we cannot fill your spot, the amount of your refund is based upon the cancellation date:
Cancellation 120 days or more from workshop start date: 100% refund of fees paid less deposit and $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable up to 24 mos.
Cancellation 90 – 120 days from workshop start date: 50% refund of fees paid less deposit and $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.
Cancellation less than 90 days from workshop start date: No refunds.
*Canceled spots are filled after the workshop reaches full capacity
All cancellations must be made in writing. Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.
Payments made for private workshops that you arrange with us are not refundable.
Travel Insurance
A travel insurance policy which covers medical evacuation is a requirement for participation in this workshop. Such policies typically also provide other benefits, including coverage for lost luggage or trip cancellations.
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If you've traveled with us before, thank you! You're the reason our passion is our profession, and we are deeply grateful for this blessing.
To express our appreciation, we've launched our Alumni Rewards Program which gives our 'frequent flyers' discounts on future Art of Seeing Photography Adventures. Click here for full details
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Q: Can we fish and take fish home?
A: Yes, absolutely! Please note that an Alaska fishing license must be purchased ahead of time, as there may not be any service or Wi-Fi once we leave the dock. If you plan to take your catch home, you'll need to have it processed (this service is not included). For more information, please refer to the link below: Kodiak Fish Processing
Q: How should I book my flights?
A: Book your inbound flight to arrive in Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport, Alaska (airport code: ADQ) no later than 1 p.m. on July 21, 2027, and your homeward flight to depart from Kodiak, Alaska after 5 p.m. on July 28.
Note: Our return flight is expected to arrive around noon on July 28. However, delays due to weather or other reasons are common. Consider overnighting in Kodiak and beginning your travel home the following day (July 29).
Q: Why Travel by Boat?
A: Katmai’s remote coastline is otherwise accessible only by a single lodge or by camping—both of which limit mobility and wildlife encounters. Traveling by yacht allows us to follow bears and other wildlife as they move along the coast, greatly increasing photographic opportunities. The yacht also serves as a warm, comfortable base for meals, rest, and preparing gear between sessions. When we’re not traveling between bays, the vessel remains anchored in calm waters, so seasickness is rarely a concern.Q: What sort of photography equipment and other gear do I need for this trip?
A: Most modern dSLR or mirrorless camera bodies are suitable options. The Animal Eye Tracking feature available in some mirrorless cameras is particularly helpful for wildlife photography. Your medium and long telephoto lenses will be the workhorses of this trip. A detailed information packet with photo equipment, clothing and other recommendations will be provided to registered participants.
Q: What fitness level is required for this trip?
A: This trip is rated Easy overall, but you must be able to walk through shallow rivers and some possibly rocky or slippery terrain. Most of the photo locations will be easy to reach for people of average fitness. There are a few short hikes the group may have to do if the skiff cannot make it.
Q: I’m traveling solo. Can you arrange a roommate?
A: Yes, select the Shared Lodging option when registering and we will pair you with a same-gender roommate. If a roommate is not available, you will get a private room, but the Single Lodging fee will apply.
Q: Can my non-photographer friend/partner attend?
A: Absolutely, we welcome travel partners who may not share your passion for photography. Just make sure they can handle being part of a group that wants to do nothing but eat, sleep and talk about photography. Unfortunately, we cannot offer discounts or alternate activities for non-photographer partners.
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