Experience two of Alaska’s most iconic photographic subjects in a single unforgettable journey. Begin on the shores of Kachemak Bay in Homer, where hundreds of bald eagles gather against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains and pristine coastal wilderness. Over two full days on the water, you’ll photograph these magnificent birds from specially chartered boats, capturing everything from dramatic flight shots and aerial interactions to intimate portraits in one of North America’s premier eagle photography destinations.
From the rugged coastline of southern Alaska, we’ll travel north into the heart of the Interior to Chena Hot Springs, where the focus shifts from wildlife to the night sky. Here, beneath dark Arctic skies and far from city lights, we’ll pursue one of nature’s most spectacular displays the Aurora Borealis. With multiple nights dedicated to northern lights photography and opportunities to photograph Alaska’s winter landscapes, this expedition offers the chance to create a diverse portfolio of wildlife, landscapes, and night imagery. On clear days, we may even be rewarded with views of Denali rising above the Alaska Range, providing yet another unforgettable photographic opportunity.
During the daylight hours at Chena Hot Springs, participants will have opportunities to attend informal image reviews, photography lectures, and post-processing discussions with Art. These sessions provide a chance to refine techniques, receive feedback on recent images, and prepare for upcoming aurora photography outings. Topics may include wildlife photography workflow, composition, night photography techniques, aurora camera settings, and image editing approaches. The schedule will remain flexible to take advantage of weather conditions, photographic opportunities, and participant interests.
Whether you’re hoping to capture the piercing gaze of a bald eagle, the vibrant ribbons of the northern lights, or the grandeur of Alaska’s winter wilderness, this expedition is designed to maximize photographic opportunities while providing expert instruction and guidance throughout the journey.
Early Bird Pricing Through September 30th!
Led by Art Wolfe and Gavriel Jecan
Limited to 8 participants
Minimal hiking involved
Transportation and Accommodation
- All accommodations throughout the tour are included.
- We have secured a private luxury motor coach for the groups transport to Anchorage from Homer on February 13th.
- Flights to Fairbanks from Anchorage on February 13th are included in the tour fee.
- Shuttle services to and from the Chena Hot Springs resort from Fairbanks are also included in the tour fee.
- There will be 2 boat charter sessions provided per day while the group is in Homer. (gratuity for boat captain included)
- Evening aurora photo sessions while the group is staying at Chena Hot Springs are included as well.
Day 1 Tuesday, February 9, 2027
Arrive in Homer
Arrive in Homer, Alaska, a picturesque coastal community situated on the shores of Kachemak Bay and surrounded by dramatic mountains, forests, and winter landscapes.
After settling into our accommodations at Land’s End Resort, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and orientation with Art. We’ll discuss the photographic opportunities ahead, review equipment considerations for winter conditions, and introduce the remarkable landscapes and wildlife that make this region such a compelling destination for photographers.
As we look across Kachemak Bay toward the snow-covered mountains, we’ll begin our journey in one of Alaska’s most spectacular coastal settings.
Day 2 Wednesday, February 10, 2027
Bald Eagles of Kachemak Bay
Our first full day introduces us to one of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife subjects: the bald eagle.
We’ll venture onto the waters of Kachemak Bay aboard a private charter, photographing eagles in flight, perched along the shoreline, and interacting with one another against a spectacular winter backdrop. The combination of abundant wildlife, dramatic mountains, and changing coastal light provides an extraordinary setting for practicing wildlife photography.
After a midday break, we’ll return to the water for an afternoon session, when the lower winter sun can bring a different quality of light and atmosphere to the landscape.
Following dinner, Art will lead an informal image review, discussing flight photography, shutter speed, autofocus, composition, and the challenge of creating photographs that go beyond simply documenting wildlife.
Day 3 Thursday, February 11, 2027
More Time with Alaska’s Iconic Raptors
We’ll return to Kachemak Bay for another day of eagle photography, building on the techniques and experience gained during our first outing.
Rather than simply seeking more images, we’ll concentrate on observing behavior and anticipating photographic moments—interactions between birds, dynamic wing positions, takeoffs and landings, and opportunities to incorporate the surrounding landscape into our compositions.
The changing conditions of winter offer continual opportunities to work with different backgrounds, perspectives, and qualities of light.
During the midday break, participants may explore the Homer waterfront and harbor or take time to rest and review their images.
In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner and an opportunity to discuss the day’s photography and begin identifying images that are emerging as part of a larger visual story.
Day 4 Friday, February 12, 2027
More Time with Alaska’s Iconic Raptors
Today we broaden our photographic exploration of the Homer region.
After several sessions devoted to wildlife, we’ll turn our attention to the extraordinary winter landscape surrounding Kachemak Bay. Depending on conditions, our photography may include the Homer Spit and harbor, snow-covered shorelines, distant mountains, winter textures, and the intimate details that reveal the character of Alaska’s coastal environment.
This change of pace provides an opportunity to experiment with different lenses, perspectives, and compositional approaches while photographing the landscape at a more contemplative pace.
Art will lead an afternoon or evening image review focused on editing and sequencing, encouraging participants to consider how individual photographs can work together to tell a more complete story of place.
Tonight we’ll prepare for the next chapter of our journey as we leave coastal Alaska behind and travel north into the Interior.
Day 5 Saturday, February 13, 2027
Journey to Alaska’s Interior
After breakfast, we’ll depart Homer by luxury motor coach, traveling through the winter landscapes of the Kenai Peninsula toward Anchorage.
The journey itself becomes part of the experience as the scenery gradually changes from the maritime environment of Kachemak Bay to the vast forests and mountains of Alaska’s Interior.
This afternoon, we’ll fly from Anchorage to Fairbanks before continuing to Chena Hot Springs Resort, our home for the remainder of the expedition.
After dinner and an orientation to night and aurora photography, we’ll venture outside for our first evening beneath the Arctic sky. If conditions are favorable, the aurora may appear overhead, transforming the frozen landscape with ribbons of green, purple, and other colors.
Our first night will focus on learning how to work in the darkness and cold while balancing the aurora with the surrounding landscape to create compelling night photographs.
Day 6 Sunday, February 14, 2027
Aurora and Winter Adventures
Today offers an opportunity to experience the many dimensions of winter in Alaska’s Interior.
Participants may choose from a variety of optional activities, including dog sledding, electric snowmobile excursions, ice fishing, guided winter outings, or simply taking time to explore the grounds around Chena Hot Springs Resort.
These experiences provide photographic opportunities beyond traditional landscape and wildlife photography, from intimate winter details and snow-covered forests to images of people interacting with the Arctic environment.
During the day, Art will offer opportunities for image reviews, editing demonstrations, and informal discussions about photography in challenging winter conditions.
As darkness returns, we’ll head outside once again in search of the aurora. With the experience of our first night behind us, we’ll have an opportunity to refine our compositions, experiment with different approaches, and respond to whatever the Arctic sky presents.
Day 7 Monday, February 15, 2027
Aurora and Winter Adventures
Our final full day in Alaska provides time to slow down, explore, and reflect on the photographic journey.
After a relaxed morning, participants may enjoy the resort, revisit favorite locations, or work independently on their images. Art will lead a session focused on editing and developing a cohesive body of work from the expedition, encouraging participants to consider not only their strongest individual photographs, but also how images can work together to convey a sense of place and experience.
After dinner, we’ll embark on our final evening of night photography.
The aurora is never predictable, and that uncertainty is part of the magic of photographing it. If conditions cooperate, we’ll spend the evening working beneath the northern sky, looking for compelling relationships between the aurora, mountains, trees, snow, and the surrounding winter landscape.
This final outing offers one last opportunity to put the techniques developed throughout the expedition into practice and create photographs that capture the extraordinary character of Alaska in winter.
Day 8 Tuesday, February 16, 2027
Departure
After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to Chena Hot Springs and transfer to Fairbanks for onward flights home.
Our journey has taken us from the rugged shores of Kachemak Bay to the frozen landscapes of Alaska’s Interior, with opportunities to photograph bald eagles, dramatic winter scenery, Arctic life, and the northern lights along the way.
Participants depart with a diverse collection of photographs—and with new ways of seeing, composing, and telling stories through photography inspired by an unforgettable winter journey through Alaska.