December 1-8, 2022

One of the most remarkable migrating animals is found in Southeast Alaska, the summer home of the humpback whale.  Arriving in spring, they make their final departure in December and January for their winter breeding and calving range among the Hawaiian Islands.  Before heading out for this long migration, the whales have to feed, and feed a lot. “Lunge” feeding is common, with the whales surfacing to feed on large schools of fish. 

FirstLight is offering a very unique look into this world, with our Northern Star Photo Expedition: SE Alaska, Whales, Winter Light, Birds, & Glaciers-December 1-8, 2022, 8 days, 7 nights.

I’ve had the good fortune of getting to photograph in this magical world of the winter months when the light can be utterly spectacular, like having the “Golden Hour” from dawn to dusk. Photographic opportunities abound in this pristine, unique, and unforgettable environment.

Not only whales, often huge flights of birds congregate around the feeding areas to partake in this feast, which can present wonderful avian photo possibilities.  We’ll have up close and personal encounters with two active glaciers: Tracy Arm and Sawyer glaciers. I’ve photographed both of these, and the photo opportunities can be incredible. Calving glaciers, “shooters” or massive blocks of ice emerging from below the water surface, provide once-in-a-lifetime photographs

Jay will provide expertise in exposure, tracking, panning, and will answer your questions about photography and working in this remote location. Like-minded traveling companions ensures a wonderful group.

All this while motoring through the Inside Passage on our own private yacht, “The Northern Star” piloted by Captain Dennis Rogers. Shooting from the yacht, or on Zodiac rafts, able to do landings in areas of our interest, will be followed by incredible meals aboard the Northern Star. Essentially our days are at our command. Our delightful private expedition yacht is the beautiful, 84-foot Northern Song. Built in 1997, this steel-hulled cruiser offers the following: very roomy lounge area with a media suite, a pilot house that can seat 10 for wildlife spotting or sightseeing, a design ideal for photography, both in inclement or great conditions. Plus, a lot of bow space for photographing as we move through the channel..whales, birds, landscape, ice, you can even shoot a selfie from the bow!!

Evenings will be spent looking at your photos, discussing what works and those areas that can benefit from a another opportunity…and as we are calling the shots (along with Capt. Roger’s invaluable input & knowledge of the area) we can adjust our trip accordingly 

This will be an extremely limited number of participants due to just 3 cabins on the boat, so please register as soon as possible.  Your very comfortable 2-bunk cabin will be shared with another FirstLight photographer. 

Dining onboard the Northern Star:

To quote from our outfitter’s webpage, Alaska Sea Adventures “Wild sustainable Alaska seafood is world-renowned and on the Northern Song our guests have the pleasure of savoring it at the source. We understand that food is an important component in leisure travel and that regional foods bring a destination to life.”

With that in mind, our longtime chef takes pride in preparing the locally caught salmon, crab, halibut, shrimp, caviar and black cod that we purchase from Southeast Alaska fishermen or catch with our guests while they are onboard.

To introduce you to the Northern Star, here is a small gallery of photos of the boat

Cost of this FirstLight Photo Expedition will be $ 12,250.00.

What’s included. sharing a luxury cabin with another, same-sex, FirstLight participant or couples obviously share the same cabin. All meals are included, along with wine and beer with the meals. Tips are also included

What’s not included: Your transportation to and from Petersburg, Alaska (PSG). Lodging in Petersburg (contact us, we can provide information on preferred local lodging, The Scandia House, with special pricing). Alcoholic beverages, except as noted: beer and wine at dinner. Medical Evacuation Insurance (Required).  Trip Cancellation Insurance(Optional). Any personal items, and anything not mentioned as included.

Itinerary

November 30, Wednesday– arrive and overnight in Petersburg. Contact the “Scandia House” in Petersburg to make your your reservation: (907)772 4281

December 1, Thursday– board the Northern Star for a departure at noon

December 1- 8, Thursday ~ Thursday Keeping an open itinerary allows us to explore this amazing area in an absolutely unique time of year. We will visit the most photographically productive areas, looking for whales & birds, hiking, viewing glaciers for incredible images of calving, working in what can be the incredible, “golden-hour” light during the day, reacting to what Captain Rogers indicates is a unique situation. And, enjoying the stellar meals aboard the Northern Star. Evenings will consist of reviewing and critiquing your best photos in our small group. Bring your laptop so you can download and share your best 10-20 images per day. This will be a very photographically-active trip!!

December 9, Friday-Depart for home

Our ship for this adventure is the “Northern Star”.

To Register for this incredible event, click here

Let us know of interest as soon as possible, this will be limited to a total of 6 participants. Due to size of yacht, you will be sharing an extremely comfortable cabin with a same-sex participant. Click to register here