The Allure of Alaska: A Journey for the Soul

Alaska is a land of unmatched beauty and wildlife, where every corner offers new opportunities for adventure and discovery. From its towering glaciers and vast wilderness to the incredible wildlife, including bears, whales, and eagles, Alaska captivates the soul and inspires awe.

See below for our 2025 and 2026 Alaska photo tours and workshops.

Breaching Humpback Whale, Kenai Fjords

Portage Glacier

Brown bear with cubs

The Charm of Alaska

As a child, I developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors during family camping trips, creating cherished memories that stayed with me. Over time, my love for nature and wild places grew, fueling a desire to explore untouched landscapes and witness their beauty firsthand.

My early adventures took me to the wilds of New England, followed by extensive travels to Florida and the Greater Yellowstone region. Each destination held its own magic, and I returned to them often. My journey then expanded to the Pacific Northwest, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Canadian Rockies, and the Southwest. North America offers an incredible range of breathtaking places, but one destination always stood out in my dreams: Alaska—the Last Frontier.

I imagined Alaska as a land of incredible beauty and wildlife: breaching whales, eagles diving for fish, bears, moose, crimson tundras, calving glaciers, active volcanoes, and the northern lights. When I finally arrived, it exceeded every expectation.

After a long flight from the East Coast, I couldn’t wait to explore. On my first trip to Alaska, the sheer excitement was overwhelming. I checked into my hotel but immediately ventured out, eager to see what surprises this incredible place had in store. The vast, rugged landscape captivated me; I walked, drove for miles, took photos, and eventually fell asleep in my rental car, unable to tear myself away from the beauty surrounding me.

Alaska has a way of changing you. Its raw beauty and untamed wilderness inspire self-discovery and personal growth. For me, Alaska became more than just a destination—it became a guiding force through life's transitions. The endless stars and boundless landscapes have a unique way of connecting with the soul.

From my first visit, I was hooked. One trip turned into an annual journey, and now I visit 3 to 4 times a year, spending about eight weeks in Alaska annually. Yet, it never feels like enough. Every trail I hike and road I drive brings new surprises, whether it’s a bear by the roadside, an eagle fishing, or a great gray owl gliding through the boreal forest.

What makes Alaska even more special is sharing its wonders with others. Watching someone experience their first bear sighting, witness a glacier calve, or see the northern lights dance across the sky is truly magical. Alaska is a place of love, joy, and mystery—a place that transforms you in unforgettable ways.

Alaska FAQs

Alaska, the largest U.S. state, spans 586,412 square miles—bigger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. Despite its size, it is sparsely populated, offering vast wilderness and solitude. With over 3 million lakes, countless rivers, towering mountains, and 34,000 miles of tidal shoreline, Alaska’s diverse landscapes range from temperate rainforests to Arctic tundras. Its glaciers and icefields not only shape the terrain but also provide habitats for remarkable wildlife.

Ecosystem Richness and Biodiversity

Despite a short growing season, Alaska’s tundra teems with hardy plants and animals adapted to its extreme conditions. The lush forests are rich in biodiversity, providing shelter to countless species. Alaska is home to over 1,000 vertebrate species, including an impressive 32 carnivores—more than any other state. The state also supports an astonishing variety of birdlife, serving as a vital stopover for migratory species.

Marine Marvels and Freshwater Abundance

Alaska’s freshwater ecosystems are deeply connected to the North Pacific Ocean, supporting an abundance of wildlife. Its pristine rivers teem with wild salmon, a keystone species that sustains both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Bald eagles, often seen soaring above these rivers, rely on the salmon as a vital food source. Alaska’s marine life is equally remarkable, with waters home to several species of whales, seals, sea lions, and sea otters, along with seabirds and all five species of Pacific salmon

A Haven for Public Lands

Alaska’s public lands span an astonishing 220 million acres, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Iconic destinations like Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park showcase Alaska's unspoiled beauty and unparalleled opportunities for adventure.

Slonina Nature Photography Tours to Alaska - 2025 & 2026

Experience the magic of Alaska with Slonina Nature Photography's exclusive tours, offering incredible opportunities to photograph the breathtaking beauty of this wild frontier.

  • Alaska Bears, Ocean Life, and Glaciers
    July 12–18, 2025 – 2 spaces left

    From fishing bears and their playful cubs to towering glaciers and majestic mountain landscapes, this tour immerses you in Alaska's wonders. Capture detailed shots of bald eagles, humpback whales, and orcas, while enjoying sightings of sea otters, seals, sea lions, and puffins. Each day is filled with chances to witness and photograph Alaska's incredible wildlife and natural beauty. • LEARN MORE

  • Alaska Land and Sea: Eagles, Bears, Glaciers, and More
    July 20–27, 2025 – 2 spaces left

    Designed for both wildlife and landscape photographers, this revised 2025 tour explores Alaska's wild beauty by both land and sea. Highlights include four full-day private boat excursions to get up close to glaciers, whales, sea lions, and more. From moose and puffins to dramatic glacier vistas, this tour promises unforgettable experiences. • LEARN MORE

  • River of Bears Alaska Photo Tour
    July 19-26, 2026 – 2 spaces left
    Join us for an extraordinary bear photo tour on a wild Alaskan river. This tour is timed for the peak salmon season. This is a great time of year to photograph a large variety of bears including cubs. We will photograph bears with different backgrounds and behaviors like fishing. You will have the chance to capture thousands of bear images. On our last trip, we photographed 25-30 different bears daily. Our accommodations are in a lodge uniquely situated along a picturesque river. We will take small boats which provide incredible opportunities to photograph bears in the river and on land. • LEARN MORE

  • Alaska Private Yacht (Whales, Bears, Eagles, Glaciers & more)
    July 29-August 6, 2026 – 3 spaces left
    We are set to photograph some of the most incredible bear and whale hotspots in the awe-inspiring Inside Passage on a private yacht. Experience Alaska’s incredible wildlife and landscapes up close including fantastic fjords and glaciers. We will photograph brown and black bears feeding on salmon. We will visit beautiful areas that are abundant with wildlife like Admiralty Island, Fredrick Sound. Stephen’s Passage and Southern Chatham Straight. Some of the famous bear locations include Pack Creek and Anan Creek. • LEARN MORE

Spaces are limited—don’t miss your chance to capture the essence of Alaska with these amazing photography adventures!

Kenai Fjords, Alaska

From the River of Bears Tour, Alaska