With Michael Snedic

12th to 28th of August 2019

Would you like to spend 17 days in one of the greatest wilderness and wildlife locations on the planet, camera-in-hand, learning how to take the BEST images? Then why not join Michael Snedic on this exclusive 17 day Alaska Photo Adventure?

hoonah orca

Alaska At Its Best!

 

Photography opportunities may include Brown and Grizzly Bears fishing for salmon, Humpback Whales, Orca Whales (possibly breaching or bubble-feeding), Porpoises, Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Moose, Caribou, Ground Squirrels, Wolves, Porcupine, Fox, Golden Eagles, Puffins and loads of other wildlife and birds. Add in lots of incredible scenery, including calving and tide water glaciers, coastal mountains and gravel beaches.

Our exclusive, boutique itinerary has been designed from ‘the ground up’, so as to give you, the customer, every possible photographic opportunity, in the most stunning natural places. Every single detail has been designed to give you the BEST possible photographic experience.

Limited to 9-10 participants and led by Professional Wildlife and Nature Photographer and Tutor, Michael Snedic, you will be in for an unforgettable photographic experience of a lifetime!

Contact Michael Snedic directly
on +61 408 941 965

Highlights include:

  • Breathtaking Helicopter Adventure To Dog Sled Camp, then Dog Sledding on a Glacier
  • Denali to Anchorage Alaska Railroad Trip
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Private Cruise - Get Close To Glaciers Whilst Small Ship Cruising
  • Seward to Anchorage Alaska Railroad
  • 7 Nights Staying At The Exclusive Katmai Wilderness Lodge, the only private establishment on the coast of Katmai National Park’s 3.6 million acre wilderness. Highlights include Brown Bears interacting and fishing for salmon

flying eagle

Itinerary:

Our itineraries are always subject to weather conditions, but the basic plan is as follows:

Mon 12 Aug:

Arrive in Anchorage, staying at The Historic Anchorage Hotel.


Tues 13th of Aug – Talkeetna

Today you will be transferred from Anchorage to Knik River Lodge in Palmer and enjoy a Helicopter Adventure Glacier Dog Sled Tour.

After a 1-1.5 hour transfer (one way) from Anchorage you arrive at Knik River Lodge. From Knik River Lodge you will take a breathtaking 15 minute helicopter ride. After landing, you will experience a dog sledding adventure that you will never forget. Meet an experienced Iditarod Musher who will teach you to mush your own dog sled team along one of the most scenic snow covered glaciers! (approx. 1 hour on the glacier).

PS - If snow conditions do not allow for dog sledding, your helicopter flight will take you to a glacier for a trek.

Important – Helicopter Weight Restrictions

There are strict passenger weight limits applicable to helicopter flights. 

Staying at Susitna River Lodge - Talkeetna

Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Denali backcountry lodge

Wed 14 Aug to Fri 16th Aug – Denali National Park

Today take the minicoach transfer to Denali.

From the Denali Park entrance you will be transferred by private bus from the train station to Denali Backcountry Lodge. Your Denali Wildlife Drive from the park entrance to the lodge offers the opportunity to search for bears, moose, and caribou.

We will spend a few days searching for the best photographic opportunities, with our experienced local Alaskan Guides there to help us achieve this.

Staying at Denali Backcountry Lodge

Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included on 14 Aug
Breakfast, lunch and dinner on 15 and 16 Aug

denal mt mckinley

Sat 17 Aug Anchorage

Denali to Anchorage Alaska Railroad

You will know from the very moment you climb aboard the Alaska Railroad, you are riding on one of the best trains in the world. The charm and scenic appeal of this great and vast land is amplified through panoramic windows and underscored by historical narratives of lifelong Alaskan conductors and tour guides. The scenery is sublime and there will be photographic opportunities everywhere!

Staying at Historic Anchorage Hotel

Meals:
Breakfast at lodge, lunch and dinner on the train

Sun 18 Aug Anchorage

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Whether you are onboard the Steller Sunrise or Steller Explorer you will enjoy heated cabins, bathrooms, salon areas, sleeping areas, life rafts, and walk around decks for excellent viewing. Each is equipped with the most modern navigational equipment such as radar, global positioning system (GPS), video chart plotters, video depth sounders, and marine radios which allow us to contact other vessels and the USCG at all times. These small vessels will give you the opportunity to get really up close with glaciers and various marine life and wildlife.

Following your cruise take the Alaska Railroad train journey to Anchorage.

Staying at Historic Anchorage Hotel

Meals:
Breakfast at the hotel, boxed lunch on cruise and dinner on train

Mon 19 Aug – Anchorage to Kodiak

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Kodiak.

Staying at Best Western Kodiak InnPlease note that this flight from Anchorage to Kodiak is not included in the price at this stage.

Important - Luggage Weight Restrictions

There is a suggested luggage limit of 20 kg for the float plane flight to Katmai including hand held luggage and
camera equipment. A soft sausage-type bag should be used. Excess luggage and hard suitcases can be
stored at Andrew Airways in a secure room until your return.

Meals:
Breakfast at the hotel

fairbanks dog sled

Tue 20 Aug to Mon 26th of August – Katmai Wilderness Lodge

Today you will be met and transferred by float plane from Kodiak to Katmai Wilderness Lodge.

Katmai National Park is located on the northeast coast of the Alaska Peninsula. The park was first named a national monument in 1918 after exploration following the eruption in 1912 of Novarupta Volcano. In 1980 the monument was enlarged and designated a national park. Katmai has a large population of protected brown bears - more than 2000. As they are not hunted and food during summer is plentiful, the bears are extremely tolerant of humans and extraordinary viewing is possible. Katmai Wilderness Lodge is the only private establishment on the coast of Katmai National Park’s 3.6 million acre wilderness, located in Kukak Bay against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Comfortable accommodation is provided in modern log cabins with private bathrooms. Deluxe meals are served in the dining room and a basic assortment of beverages is included. The lodge is powered by solar, wind and gas generator. Whilst at Katmai Wilderness Lodge all meals and drinks (excluding spirits) are included.

Staying at Katmai Wilderness Lodge

Meals:
Breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner at lodge on 20 Aug
All meals at Katmai Wilderness Lodge 21-26 Aug

bear and cub

Staying at the Katmai Wilderness Lodge offers guests an exclusive and small intimate bear/wildlife viewing opportunity to experience a true Alaskan adventure. Each day you will set out on landing craft boats (vessels specially designed) in which the bow of the boat lowers into a ramp for easy get on and off access to explore this beautiful wilderness area. Activities include guided bear viewing & hikes, sea kayaking and fishing. Since the lodge is located on the coastline, guests are able to appreciate both the land and the marine wildlife.

Tue 27 Aug- Anchorage

Today you will be flown back to Kodiak to connect with your onward flight to Anchorage.

Please note that the flight from Kodiak to Anchorage is not included in the price.

Meals:
Breakfast at the lodge

Tue 28 Aug – Anchorage / Tour ends

After breakfast, transfer to Anchorage airport where your adventure concludes.

Meals:
Breakfast at the hotel

Your 
Experienced Photography 
Leader – Michael Snedic

On this expedition you will have access every day to professional nature photographer and instructor, Michael Snedic. He will be there to help you photograph the stunning scenery and wildlife we will encounter. He will be conducting a series of classes throughout the voyage, as well as being on-hand throughout the outings. As a full-time professional, Michael is an accredited member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP). As well as being experienced an photographer, he is an experienced photographic tutor, with 15 years experience presenting photography expeditions and adventures across the globe.

He is also a widely-published photographer and writer. Michael’s photography articles and images have featured in numerous publications in Australia and across the world, and he has been a feature writer for Australia’s largest-selling photography magazine ‘Australian Photography’, since 2006.

Michael is also an Australian Ambassador for Lowepro, LensCoat and the Nature Conservancy Australia. Michael loves sharing his photographic knowledge and passion with workshop participants, helping them improve their photographic skills.

Australian Institute of Professional Photography

Nature Conservancy

Photo Competition Ambassador 2015, 2016 and 2017

LensCoat

Australian Ambassador

Photographic Locations and Subjects Include:

 

Anchorage

  • Anchorage has over 2500 resident moose that may be found in the metropolitan parks or even downtown. 
  • Anchorage sits at the convergence of Knik Arm and Turnagain Arm, tucked between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.  Sleeping Lady mountain sits across the Inlet, outlined by the Alaskan sunset. Explore the mountains and get a birds-eye view of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city with the Tordrillo Mountains in the background.

Talkeetna

  • Talkeetna is the starting point for most climbers, embarking on the journey to climb Denali.  Talkeetna is actually closer to the mountain than the Denali Park Entrance.  It is home to three converging major glacial rivers and with the Alaska Range and Denali in the background, it is an unforgettable sight.
  • A variety of hiking trails weave through the area offering alpine forests, pristine lakes, and stunning vistas.  Moose and bear may be seen throughout the forests as well as wildflowers and loon on the lakes.
  •  

Denali National Park

  • Travelers in Denali National Park see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,310' Denali.
  • During your visit to Denali search for and photograph wolves, Dall sheep, moose, grizzly bears, caribou, ground squirrels, rabbits, the elusive lynx, porcupine, Alaska’s state bird the ptarmigan, golden eagles, and fox

icy mountains

Girdwood

  • Located between the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm, the resort community of Girdwood is in the northern most rainforest.
  • Girdwood offers a maze of walking trails allowing guests to get into the wilderness just steps from their hotel.  The lush forest is home to wildlife such as moose, bears, ground squirrels, porcupine, and a host of birds., which will be great fodder for your cameras!

 
Seward

  • At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests around this vast expanse of ice.
  • Kenai Fjords National Park photography landscape highlights include active tide water glaciers, coastal mountains, gravel beaches, and hanging glaciers
  • Search for and photograph sea lions, whales, porpoises, sea otters, eagles, mountain goats, Steller sea lions, bears, and birds such as puffins and kittiwakes.

Cost:

Approximately $AU19 950 per person, twin share (Single Supplement available upon request).

(NB - ALL PRICES QUOTED FOR 2019 ARE PROVISIONAL & SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS NEXT SEASONS PRICES ARE YET TO BE FINALISED, HOWEVER EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO KEEP THE PRICE SIMILAR TO THE ONE QUOTED HERE)

We have incorporated the best accommodation locations, gourmet food, various trips (helicopter, dog sledding, boat cruises, train trips etc) and the most AMAZING experiences to make this one very special trip!

Maximum Number of Participants: 8 - 10

cub on bear

Inclusions

  • Professional photography tuition throughout the expedition by Michael Snedic.
  • All accommodation, as per itinerary
  • All meals, as per itinerary
  • Helicopter Glacier Trip, with dog sledding
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Private Cruise
  • Seward to Anchorage Alaska Railroad
  • All activities at Katmai Wilderness Lodge
  • Pre-departure materials.

Exclusions

  • International and domestic airfares
  • Airport/hotel transfers unless specifically stated
  • Passports
  • Visas
  • Passenger taxes
  • Travel Insurance
  • Extra meals not shown in the itinerary
  • Laundry
  • Tips
  • Items of a personal nature including medication
  • Excess baggage charges

Bookings:

For more details or to book one of the limited spots: please contact Michael Snedic either via the Contact Form or call him on +61 408 941 965.

Contact Michael Snedic directly
on +61 408 941 965

Would you like a FREE copy of my new Ebook?

Download Button

ebook_The Art of Wildlife Photography by Michael Snedic

You have Successfully Subscribed!