I’ve just returned from three extraordinary weeks on Kodiak Island, Alaska, where I led a series of photo workshops—and I’m still processing what an unforgettable adventure it was.

My connection with Kodiak goes back to August and September of 2023, when I first joined a workshop there with Bryan Peterson. The beauty of the island, the abundance of wildlife, and the sense of wild remoteness stayed with me long after I left. Coming back this year to lead my own groups felt like coming full circle, and it was every bit as magical as I’d hoped.

Rediscovering and Expanding

While we revisited some of the favorite locations from my original trip with Bryan, this time I was able to explore far more of the island with fresh eyes. Every group brought their own energy and curiosity, and together we discovered new photographic opportunities.

We wandered through the “fairy forests,” where the spruce trees wore moss covered coats, with woodland mushrooms and fungi growing out of every pocket and crease. We also explored wide tidal beaches where the retreating ocean revealed delicate textures and patterns in the sand. We found rugged overlooks with sweeping views, where the island’s jagged coastline met the gray-blue Pacific.

And of course, we sought out the island’s most iconic residents: the mighty Kodiak brown bears. This year, I also added something new—wildlife boat tours—which opened up an entirely different world of photographic possibilities.

The Wildlife Experience

One of the defining joys of these workshops was the sheer abundance and variety of wildlife we encountered.

On land, we captured:

• Coastal brown bears (both on Kodiak and at Katmai National Park)
  
  

• Mountain goats perched high on steep cliffs (spotted from the air during our flights)
  
  

• Red foxes and, excitingly, the elusive cross fox—a striking dark variation of the red fox that I had never seen before
  
  

• Sitka black-tailed deer moving gracefully through the underbrush
  
  

• And of course, the ever-energetic chipmunks and squirrels skittering along the trails
  
  

In the skies and trees, the birds were equally captivating: kingfishers darting over the water, elegant cormorants, oystercatchers combing the shorelines, flocks of gulls (don't call them seagulls), and more bald eagles than I could have imagined. (Back in 2023, I remember spotting just two eagles at a distance. This year, they seemed to be everywhere—soaring, perched on snags, and even carrying freshly caught salmon.)

From the sea, the wildlife boat tours gave us a front-row seat to the vibrant marine life surrounding Kodiak. We photographed gray, humpback, and fin whales as they surfaced and dove, massive tails slicing through the waves. Sea lions basked on rocky haul-outs while harbor seals bobbed in the swells nearby. Sea otters floated lazily on their backs, clutching shellfish to their chests. Puffins—both horned and tufted—flapped frantically across the water before lifting into the air, while oystercatchers patrolled the rocky shores. The sheer variety of life was staggering, and every outing brought new surprises.

Landscapes and Seascapes Beyond Imagination

Even when wildlife was scarce, the island provided endless photo opportunities.

The glacially smoothed mountains often wore a shroud of mist and fog, their peaks appearing and vanishing as the clouds shifted. Harbors dotted with fishing boats, their reflections dancing in the still water. Even on the rare rainy days, beauty revealed itself in quieter ways—like a dragonfly sheltering from the downpour on a strand of kelp, or the delicate pattern of raindrops rippling across a tidepool.

Everywhere we turned, there was something worth photographing. The challenge wasn’t finding subjects—it was trying to tear ourselves away.

The Bears of Kodiak

Of course, the crown jewels of our experience were the Kodiak brown bears. These awe-inspiring animals were the reason many participants came, and they did not disappoint.

We saw them almost every day: a mother with her yearling cub; pairs and trios of siblings; solitary bears fishing the salmon-choked streams. Each encounter told a story.

We watched a yearling cub clumsily tumble off a log, while others stood tall to get a better view of their surroundings. Some sparred and wrestled playfully in the shallows, while others dozed peacefully on the riverbank. Most often, they were laser-focused on fishing—snatching, chasing, and devouring salmon with astonishing skill and power. Witnessing their behavior up close, while keeping a respectful distance, was humbling. It’s an experience that leaves you with a deep sense of reverence for wild places and the creatures that call them home.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Kodiak has become one of my favorite workshop destinations anywhere—and one I knew I wanted to build on.

For 2026, I’m planning to expand the Kodiak #1 workshop to be even more bear-focused. It will grow to 5 days/6 nights and include two floatplane trips for the best possible bear-viewing opportunities, along with an optional wildlife boat excursion.

The Kodiak #2 and #3 workshops will remain at 4 days/5 nights with an optional boat excursion, though if enough people are interested, I may extend another workshop as well.

If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing bears in the wild, or simply immersing yourself in one of the most beautiful and untamed places on Earth, I can’t recommend Kodiak enough.

It’s a place that creates a special place in your heart. I’m so grateful I had the chance to return this year and to share it with so many wonderful friends, both old and new.

I’d love to hear what you think—would you be interested in joining me in Kodiak, or is there something specific you’d love to see or photograph on this incredible island? Please contact me at the email below.