Alaska Brown Bears Photography Workshop


June 22-28th, 2027 | Lake Clark National Park Coast, Alaska |

Tuxedni Bay Exclusive, Private Bear Photography Tour in Alaska Backcountry

Alaska Brown Bears Photograph Tour with

  Nick Selway & Joe Garza

This photo tour will bring you to the the backcountry of Alaska where you'll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience observing and photographing majestic brown bears. This is truly a bucket list adventure where you'll immerse yourself with Alaskan wildlife including coastal brown bears, moose, foxes, eagles and more for six nights and five days.

We'll fly you in to an exclusive location and only people signed up for this workshop will be on-site for this incredible adventure. You'll settle into the rhythms of the Alaskan wilderness with beautiful vistas and stay in cozy cabins. With exclusive access at this location there's no waiting in line to get your photos. You'll be first in line with 22 hours of daylight to capture incredible photos of Alaskan coastal bears and wildlife as well as landscapes.

On this workshop we'll have professional bear guides to ensure safety and success in capturing the images you're after. Sign up now to join in this epic Light Chasing Photo Tours adventure where you'll bring home incredible images and unforgettable memories.

Workshop Information

Group Size: Limited to 10 people

Cost: $10,895.00

Deposit: To reserve your spot, a deposit of $3,631.66 is due when you register (just scroll to the bottom of this page to get started). The remaining balance will be split into two more payments of $3,666.66, both due by March 23, 2026.

Booking: The workshop will need to be paid in full by March 23rd, 2026. Refunds are not available after the 90 day mark unless we can find another person to fill your spot.

Included:

  • 6 nights of lodging
  • 3 delicious meals per day, prepared by a professional chef
  • All required backcountry permits
  • Experienced bear guides and safety guards
  • Ground transportation throughout the trip
  • All bush plane flights included
  • Abundant laughter and good company

Not Included: Airfare from your home to Anchorage and back, meals in Anchorage the first night, gratuities for bear guides.

Workshop Instructors

Led by Joe Garza and Nick Selway, this incredible Light Chasing Photo Tours Workshop is one you don't want to miss. Both Joe and Nick are professional landscape and nature photographers with years of experience leading workshops and helping individuals at all levels enhance their photography skills. (See bios below)

Joe and Nick create a relaxed, fun environment where you feel comfortable asking questions about your camera gear, settings, techniques, and composition so you can bring your photography skills to the next level. Workshops are a great opportunity to learn as the guided photography tour will bring you right to the best locations and sites so you can focus on your photography and taking in the breathtaking views that will surround you. We hope you'll sign up so we can hit the ground with you in one of our upcoming workshops! Feel free to contact Nick directly with any questions.

TUXEDNI BAY VIA BUSH PLANE

Alaska Brown Bear Photography Workshop Highlights

Premier location to observe and photograph majestic coastal brown bears in their natural habitat

📸 Embark on the Ultimate Alaska Bear Photography Workshop
Step into a world few ever witness. Our exclusive Alaska Bear Photography Workshop offers unparalleled access to private land, where you’ll experience rare, uninterrupted encounters with majestic coastal brown bears—far from the crowds and competing tours.

Here’s a sneak peek at the two meadows where we’ll be photographing brown bears and other wildlife each day. With scenery like this, your camera basically does the work for you—just point, click, and try not to faint from excitement.

🌲 Why This Workshop Is Unlike Any Other:

  • 🐻 Exclusive Bear Viewing – Photograph coastal brown bears in complete solitude, surrounded only by the untamed Alaskan wilderness on private land.
  • 📷 Distraction-Free Creativity – No tourists, no crowds—just pure focus, nature, and the moment.
  • 🍽️ Gourmet Dining – Enjoy three chef-prepared meals daily, refueling your body and senses with delicious, hearty cuisine.
  • 🦌 Abundant Wildlife – Besides Brown bears keep your lens ready for possible sightings of foxes, eagles, black bears. moose, and  wolves, 
  • 🏞️ Breathtaking Landscapes – From snow-capped peaks to wild coastlines, shoot stunning vistas that make your portfolio stand out.
  • 📚 Guided by Experts – Learn fascinating wildlife facts, local lore, and photography tips from seasoned, friendly guides.

✨ This isn’t just a photography trip—it’s a rare, once-in-a-lifetime immersion into the wild heart of Alaska. Whether you're an amateur looking to grow or a professional seeking a new frontier, you'll leave with not just images, but stories worth telling.

    Workshop Schedule

    Day 1 Arrive in Anchorage on June 22nd- Accommodations and shuttle from airport to hotel included.

    Day 2 / June 23rd - Journey to the Backcountry:  We will be picked up the hotel in Anchorage at 5am with ground transportation to the bush plane airport, which is located in Kiniski 3 hrs south of Anchorage from there we will take a 45 min bush plane flight to our remote location Tuxedni Bay/Lake Clark National Park situated on a private land along the ocean coastline and head out to the field to start observing/photographing Brown Bears and other wildlife in the afternoon.

    Day 3-6 / June 24-27th- Daily Schedule: Start the day at 6:00 AM with an early wake-up, followed by a hearty breakfast at the lodge at 6:30 AM. Afterward, we'll spend the day observing and photographing bears in their natural habitat. Lunch will be enjoyed either out in the field or back at the lodge, depending on the day's activity.Dinner is served at 6:00 PM, and after we eat, we’ll head back out for an evening bear photography session, making the most of the soft evening light.

    To wind down after our evening shoot, we’ll gather around a beach bonfire, letting the day fade into the sound of waves and crackling flames. We’ll kick back, share stories and the kind of bad jokes that only get funnier as the night goes on. With the ocean nearby and a few snacks in hand—maybe even some s’mores—it’s the perfect low-key way to wrap up the day and enjoy some time together in a laid-back setting.

    Day 7 Wrap up, head back to Anchorage on June 28th: Breakfast and morning bear viewing. Check out by 1pm and fly back to mainland/Kiniski, ground transportation back to Anchorage where you'll be dropped off at the Anchorage Airport or your choice or hotel around 6pm (accommodations not included).

    Each day, we'll cultivate a relaxed, fun, and enjoyable atmosphere to create an unforgettable experience. You'll build confidence in taking your photography skills to the next level—while sharing plenty of laughs and making lasting memories on this bucket-list adventure!"

    Lodging, Travel & Transportation

    You'll fly in to Anchorage where you'll spend the first night of the workshop. Lodging is included for this stay and details on which hotel will be sent to you once you sign up. Lodging before the first night of the workshop is not included so if you choose to arrive early/before June 22nd you're responsible for your own accommodations. Accommodations in the backcountry include three cozy cabins, each comfortably sleeping up to five guests. Every cabin features single beds outfitted with fresh linens and pillows. For added comfort and privacy, each bed will be separated by a screen—though not shown in the photos below.

    A shared day lodge serves as the central gathering space and dining area. All cabins are equipped with electricity, heating, and a water refill station. A clean, well-maintained outhouse is available nearby, along with a shower for your convenience.For those who need to stay connected, we’ll also have Starlink internet available.
    Travel: You'll fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and a shuttle will bring you to your hotel.

    Transportation: Transportation from the hotel to the bush plane flight office is included as is the bush plane flight to and from Tuxedni Bay.

    Difficulty of Workshop and Recommended Gear

    Each day, we'll set out on a hike covering approximately 4 to 5 miles in total, visiting two scenic meadows located just beyond the beach and a short walk from our cabins. These daily treks will offer breathtaking views of Tuxedni Bay’s rugged landscape, along with countless  opportunities to observe/photograph brown bears, snow-covered peaks, and the surrounding wilderness.The meadows themselves have grass that reaches a height of about 10-15 inches. Beneath the grass lies a soft, uneven layer of water, mud, and fine silt, about 2 to 4 inches deep. Be prepared to be on your feet from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. most days. Walking in and around the  meadows is slow and deliberate, but it can still be surprisingly hard & tiring at times.

    What to bring-

    • Your favorite snacks & a water bottle that can be refilled at cabins
    • Waterproof rain jacket and 2-3 water resistant hiking pants
    • Bring layers for varied weather conditions-temps will be around 65-70 degrees in the day and 40-45at night/mornings
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunscreen
    • Rubber boots and hip waders are provided but you can bring your own if you prefer
    • Hiking poles with basket
    • Lounge pants and t-shirt for back at the lodge
    • Bath/body wipes,shampoo,soap,towel
    • Double layer socks and fresh socks for each day(Wrightsock are double layered)
    • Foot tape, moleskin for blisters, ibuprofen
    • Cash or Venmo for gratuities for instructors and/or guides

    Recommend Camera Gear

    • 📸 DSLR or Mirrorless Camera Body – Reliable and fast, with good low-light performance. A backup body is also a smart move!
    • 🔭 Telephoto Lens (600mm F.4) – Essential for intimate wildlife shots from a safe distance.No need to buy a prime  telephoto lens you can rent one at-
    •  lensrentals.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorhv4kd162zkp2kXZwNhjaSaW74noSt0RHJUToGjaRg9J8kL80q
    • 🧭 Additional Lens (24-70)  (70-200) – Perfect for capturing epic Alaskan landscapes and wildlife portraits.
    • 🦿 Sturdy Tripod and a Gimbal ballhead– Stable support for long lenses and low-light conditions.
    • 👜 Weather-Sealed Camera Bag – Protect your gear from the elements with a rugged, waterproof pack.
    • 🔋 Extra Batteries & Memory Cards – Cold temps drain batteries fast—bring more than you think you’ll need.
    • 🧼 Lens Cleaning Kit – Dust, sea spray, and moisture are common—keep those lenses spotless.
    • ☔ Rain Covers for Camera & Lens – Weather in Alaska can change in minutes—stay prepared.

    Instruction Provided During the Photography Workshop Includes:

    • 📸Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your craft, we’ve got you covered. During the workshop, you'll receive personalized, in-the-field guidance designed to boost your confidence, unlock your creativity, and take your images to the next level!Here’s a taste of what we’ll dive into:
    • ⚙️ Master Manual Mode – Learn how to confidently shoot in manual using shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and depth of field to get full control over your exposure.
    • 📸 Lens Secrets – Discover which lens to use and why—whether you’re chasing soft light, tight details, or sweeping scenes.
    • 🎨 Unleash Your Creativity – Go beyond documentation. Learn how to shoot with vision and emotion.
    • 🧭 Compose Like a Pro – Understand powerful compositional techniques like the rule of thirds, simplicity, and leading lines to make your images sing.
    • 🌿 Find the Foreground – Learn how to use nearby elements to create depth and visual interest.
    • 🏔️ Grand Landscapes – Capture the full drama of the scene, from sky to earth, in ways that stop viewers in their tracks.
    • 🖼️ Panoramic Magic – Stitch together wide, immersive images that do justice to the epic views in front of you.
    • 🌈 Filter Like a Pro – Learn how and when to use polarizers and ND filters to enhance skies, control light, and make your photos pop.

    THE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS

    NICK SELWAY-

    Born and raised in Lake Stevens, Washington along the Northern Cascade Mountains, he grew a profound appreciation for the natural world at a young age. He spent his childhood traveling and exploring the Pacific Northwest with his family as his love for mother nature grew. He has been photographing for the last 18 years. He'd lived in Kailua Kona, Big Island of Hawaii for the last 14 years where he ran 2 photography galleries "Lava Light Galleries" and did photo tours to the volcano and around the island. In 2018 Nick moved with his beautiful wife Sarah Buzzetti and embarked on a new journey his lifelong dream by opening his very own photography gallery on June 1st, 2018 located on main street in Breckenridge, Colorado. He currently travels up to 150 days a year photographing mother nature’s beauty and teaching a variety of photography workshops.

    JOE GARZA-

    Born and raised in Westland, Michigan his photography has always been a passion for him that took off while serving in the United States Navy in the early 90's. He learned that landscape and astrophotography was his passion. His work has been showcased throughout the Midwest and continues to grow throughout the National and state parks. His home gallery located in Stoughton; Wi at Woodland Studios displays his work from across the country. Joe resides in Madison,Wisconsin with with his 3 children.