2025 Alaska Arctic Adventure | Northern Lights Photography Workshop


FEBUARY 19th-24th, 2025 | COLDFOOT,ALASKA

WITH NICK SELWAY & JOE GARZA

CLIENT REVIEWS

Embark on a mesmerizing photography tour to witness the enchanting Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle in Alaska. Capture the breathtaking dance of vibrant colors in the night sky as you explore the remote and pristine landscapes of this unique region. Let us take care of the logistics and driving so you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Aurora Borealis and let your camera capture the magic of this natural phenomenon.

We will take you 55 miles north of the Arctic Circle to the legendary Coldfoot Camp which will be our base for this workshop. During the day we'll see the incredible views of the Brooks Range along the Dalton Highway and over Atigun Pass. At night, we'll make sure you're in the right place at the right time to see the Northern Lights dance overhead - from when the action starts in the night until the early morning hours. This is a no-holds-barred bucket list adventure to get you to the lights in one of the most amazing settings on the planet.

February and March are considered to be the best months for viewing the northern lights. While there can be no guarantees when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights and getting clear skies,Nick & Joe have years of experience of finding the lights and clear skies most, if not all, nights of the workshop. However, Mother Nature is the boss and always has the last say.

This is the bucket list adventure you've been waiting for and it will fill up quickly! Check out the information below and secure your spot today!


WORKSHOP INFORMATION

Professional Photography Instructors- Nick Selway & Joe Garza

Group Size: Limited to 6 people

Cost:
$5,800.00 double occupancy only

Deposit:
50% deposit due at the time of registration which can be completed at the bottom of this page.

Included:
Lodging, Permits, Guiding, Photography Instruction, Transportation, GPS Communication Device for emergency purposes.

Not Included:
Airfare, meals, gratuities for instructors.

Booking:
The workshop will need to be paid in full 90 days prior to the day the workshop begins on Feb 19th. Refunds are not available after the 90 day mark unless we can find another person to fill your spot.


WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS

Led by Nick Selway & Joe Garza, this incredible Light Chasing Photo Tours Workshop is one you don't want to miss. Both Nick and Joe 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.



ARCTIC ADVENTURE: ALASKA NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

On this bucket list adventure our stops will include these stunning locations for you to capture amazing images:

  • The famous Arctic Circle
  • The famous Dalton Highway (Ice Road Truckers)
  • Coldfoot Camp
  • Wiseman, Alaska
  • Brooks Range
  • Atigun Pass
  • Wildlife that may include caribou, moose, arctic fox, lynx, and musk oxen

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

February 19: Check in to the Westmark Hotel, Fairbanks, AK and meet in the lobby at 5pm to kick off our workshop. Well take time to introduce ourselves to everyone and answer any questions. Then we'll head out for dinner together before our adventure begins the next morning.

February 20:
We'll meet in the lobby at 7:30 am with all your gear and check out of your room. We'll head out to breakfast and then head 6.5hrs north toward Coldfoot. We'll stop for views of the frost covered trees and other landscape views along with any wildlife we might see. We'll arrive at Coldfoot and check into our rooms. Dinner will be at The Trucker's Cafe at Coldfoot Camp and then we'll head out for our first night of viewing Northern Lights!

February 21, 22, 23:
Activities these days will be determined by weather and the forecast for the Aurora Borealis. We'll go where we have clear skies at night and capture landscapes during the day along with wildlife.

Depending on the weather, each night we could drive up to 200 miles one way to find clear skies just to put everyone in the right spot to capture the aurora. Each night we could possibly be out until sunrise the next morning capturing the Northern Lights. Prepare for very long nights, little sleep and extremely cold temperatures ranging for -40F to 30F.

February 24:
We'll meet for breakfast at 8am and then start our drive back to Fairbanks. We should be back to Fairbanks around 5pm and will say our goodbyes as we end the tour.

Throughout the tour, Joe and Nick create a relaxed, fun, and enjoyable atmosphere for an incredible experience. You will have fun while you gain confidence in taking your photography skills to the next level.


LODGING, TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

Lodging for our first night of the workshop will be at the Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks Alaska and will be double occupancy. You do not need to make a hotel reservation. We will reserve your room for you and send you a reservation number for your room prior to the workshop.

Aerial view of Coldfoot Camp (https://www.coldfootcamp.com/s...) Lodging four the remaining four nights will be in Coldfoot at the Slate Creek Inn. This is not your typical hotel stay. The Inn was established to house workers who traveled to Alaska to build the pipeline. Made of trailers, it has been refurbished and redecorated, but still remains rustic. Each cozy room has two twin beds, and a private bathroom with a shower. All rooms will be double occupancy due to limited availability.

Amenities include the onsite restaurant and the Frozen Foot Saloon which offers beer and wine. There is no WiFi and cell service is typically available but can vary by carrier.

Slate Creek Inn Accommodations (https://www.coldfootcamp.com/s...)Travel: Plan to arrive in Fairbanks and be ready to check in at 3pm on February 19th. The Westmark Hotel is 4.5 miles away from the airport so you would need to take a cab or Uber to and from. We will return to Fairbanks by 5pm on February 24th so plan your departing flight accordingly.

If you prefer more modern accommodations while experiencing the Northern Lights, check out our
Alaska Northern Lights Photo Tour based out of Fairbanks.

Transportation:
We will be renting a very comfortable sprinter van to take everyone from the hotel in Fairbanks, up to Coldfoot, and to our shooting locations each night in and around Coldfoot,Wiesman,Brooks Mnt Range and Atigun pass. You only need to book transportation to and from the airport.


DIFFICULTY OF WORKSHOP AND RECOMMENDED GEAR

Some areas will require short hikes thru mountain terrains with some mild elevation gains less than 150 ft. Our shooting areas will give you the most remote breathtaking views to enhance your experience. The following clothing and equipment are recommended.

    • Snow Hiking boots we recommend Sorel boots or equivalent to
    • Warm base layers top and bottom
    • Snow jackets
    • Warm hoodies
    • Snow pants
    • Beanies, gloves, face mask covering
    • Wool socks
    • Headlamp
    • Hand/toe warmers
    • Make sure you always bring water and some snacks for the nights.

      RECOMMEND CAMERA GEAR

      Depending on how bright the Northern Lights are on any given night we will be doing long exposures anywhere from 5 sec - 15 sec also make sure you have a cable release for your camera!

      • DSLR or mirrorless camera
      • Lenses: 16-35mm, 20mm Prime, 24-70mm, 70-200mm
      • Solid tripod with a ball head
      • Remote shutter release
      • Filters (Circular Polarizing Filter, Graduated ND Filters and Solid ND filters for daytime exposures)
      • Extra batteries; at least 3 full batteries charged every night
      • Memory Cards
      • Lens cloths, rocket blower


      INSTRUCTION PROVIDED DURING THE WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

      • Long exposures night time photographyShooting in manual mode (Shutter speed, aperture, ISO, depth of field)
      • Lens selection for composition and lighting
      • Creating stunning compositions (rule of thirds and simplicity)
      • Finding foreground elements
      • Capturing grand landscape photos
      • Creating intimate, abstract images
      • Creating panoramic images
      • Filters - how and when to use them
      • Focus stacking, bracketing, histogram usage




      THE ALASKA 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 22 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 conducted photo tours to the volcano and around the island. After living in Hawaii for 14 years In 2018 Nick embarked on a new journey his lifelong dream by opening his very own photography gallery on July 1st, 2018 located in Breckenridge, CO. He had his gallery there from 2018-2021 but after 4 years he wanted to live closer to family. In late 2022 Nick and his wife Sarah moved to Scottsdale,Arizona and plan to open a new Photography Gallery in the near future located in The Famous Art District in Scottsdale,Arizona.He travels around 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 ,Wisconson with with his 3 children.