Alaska Through The Lens

Wildlife Photographic Magazine

My feature article, “Alaska Through The Lens” for Wildlife Photographic Magazine is about photographing wildlife in Alaska. My writing is illustrated by my wildlife photographs and video, The Return Of The Salmon.

My photo story starts in Southeast Alaska where I was awestruck by one of the wonders of the natural world, a run of salmon numbering thousands of fish. The article continues by focusing on the challenges of photographing bears. I recount my experiences in search of black bears in the remote coastal rainforest of Southeast Alaska. I contrast this experience with Brooks Falls, a popular bear viewing location in Southwest Alaska, where crowds pose more of a challenge than elusive bears.

Supplementary materials include photography tips and list of wildlife watching locations.

Misty Sunrise In Tongass National Forest, Alaska by Tim Plowden

Spawning Pink Salmon in Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska

Salmon Creek, Tongass National Forest, Alaska by Tim Plowden

The view from the plane delivered the promise of a wilderness beyond my wildest dreams. The untamed coast of Southeast Alaska. Swathes of cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees covering rugged islands in temperate rainforest. Wild rivers winding their way through green valleys into expansive estuaries. Countless glaciers spilling into secluded fjords and flat plains. Snow-capped mountains as far as the eye could see. “Alakshak” – a great land home to spectacular wildlife. My home for September.

Black Bear Fishing for Salmon in Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska

Black Bear Eating Salmon in Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska

Within 5 minutes of arriving an epic scene unfolded before my eyes. I pressed the breaks to crawl over the bridge that crossed this creek. The creek acted like a filter draining salmon from the ocean. In the water, these determined long-distance swimmers hustled and bustled. The number of salmon was overwhelming, almost as overwhelming as the smell.

Travel in Southwest Alaska: Coastal Brown Bear Fishing For Salmon At Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park

Bears are number one at Brooks. This means in the likely event that you encounter a bear on the path, the bear takes priority.

Wildlife Photographic Magazine Issue 14, November/December 2015

Article Details

Publication Title: Wildlife Photographic Magazine

Edition: Issue 14 , November/December 2015

Format: Writing, Photography, Video

Theme: Wildlife Photography

Location: Alaska

Species: Pacific Salmon, Black Bear, Brown Bear

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