Alaska Photography Workshop in Lake Clark National Park
Join Summit Workshops in Lake Clark National Park for a world-class Alaska photography workshop focused on wildlife, landscapes, and immersive field learning.
Six Days Inside Alaska's Brown Bear Country
Flights from Anchorage · Lodging · Meals · Field transportation included
July 24-29, 2027 | Lake Clark national Park
Tuition: $9,340 | Deposit: $3,000
Deposit due upon registration, full tuition due 120 days before the workshop. Workshops limited to 7 participants.
Spend six unforgettable days photographing coastal brown bears, puffins, bald eagles, and breathtaking Alaskan landscapes from one of North America’s premier wildlife lodges. Based in the heart of Lake Clark National Park, you’ll experience extraordinary wildlife encounters while learning to become a more thoughtful, intentional wildlife photographer.
This isn’t simply a photography trip. It’s an immersive educational experience designed to help you create stronger images, better understand wildlife behavior, and develop the confidence to tell compelling visual stories.
Whether you’re hoping to photograph a bear fishing at sunrise, puffins returning to their nesting cliffs, or sweeping coastal landscapes under Alaska’s endless summer light, you’ll be supported every step of the way by professional instructors in an intimate learning environment limited to just seven participants.
An all inclusive, trip of a lifetime
Once we depart Anchorage, nearly every aspect of your Alaskan experience is included so you can focus entirely on learning, photographing, and enjoying one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations on Earth.
Just as importantly, you’ll receive personalized instruction throughout the week. With only seven photographers, we’re able to spend time answering questions in the field, reviewing your images, helping with camera settings, discussing composition, and adapting instruction to your individual goals.
This workshop is designed for photographers who value learning as much as adventure.
- Round-trip bush plane transportation between Anchorage and Silver Salmon Creek Lodge
- Five nights of lodge accommodations
- All meals during the workshop
- Daily guided wildlife photography field sessions
- Sunrise and sunset photography opportunities
- Puffin boat excursion
- Portfolio reviews and image critiques
- Classroom sessions on wildlife storytelling and conservation photography
- Sony Alpha camera and lens loan program
- Ground transportation throughout the workshop
Why photograph alaska with Summit workshops?
There are plenty of opportunities to photograph Alaska. What makes this experience different is how you’ll photograph it.
Rather than rushing from location to location collecting snapshots, we’ll spend six immersive days slowing down, observing wildlife behavior, understanding changing light, and learning how to anticipate meaningful moments before they happen.
We’ll help you move beyond simply taking technically sharp images toward creating photographs that communicate behavior, place, and story.
Our goal isn’t just to help you return home with incredible images. It’s to help you become a better wildlife photographer.
A Complete Photography Experience
Up-Close Wildlife Encounters
Experience unforgettable encounters with Alaska's iconic wildlife while learning to photograph ethically and responsibly. Discover how to observe animal behavior, anticipate meaningful moments, and create beautiful images.
Master Nature Photography
Learn to see beyond the obvious. Work confidently in changing natural light, compose more intentional images, and use light, timing, and perspective to create photographs that tell the story of Alaska's incredible landscapes and wildlife.
Grow Beyond the Workshop
Daily image critiques, personalized instruction, and collaborative discussions will help you refine your editing workflow, strengthen your visual storytelling, and build cohesive collections of images—not just individual photographs.
Small Group. Big Difference
We intentionally limit every Alaska workshop to just seven participants, not because it’s exclusive, but because it’s the best environment for learning.
A small group gives you more one-on-one instruction, easier access to your instructors, and the flexibility to respond when wildlife behavior changes. You’ll have time to ask questions in the field, receive personalized feedback during image reviews, and photograph without competing for space.
By the end of the week, you’ll know everyone in the group, and many participants leave with lasting friendships as well as stronger photographs.
Our Trip
Each day in Lake Clark National Park follows the rhythm of the wild, with flexible timing based on weather, light, and wildlife activity to ensure the best photography opportunities.
We spend extended time in the field photographing Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes, including brown bears along the coastline, bald eagles, and marine life. Instructors are present throughout the day, offering hands-on guidance with camera settings, composition, and wildlife photography techniques.
Breaks are built in for rest, image review, and group discussions to help you refine your skills as the week progresses. Evening light often provides additional photography opportunities before we return to camp and prepare for the next day in the field.
Please note that the final workshop schedule will be provided one month prior to the event. Keep in mind that the schedule is tentative and may be adjusted as needed during the workshop.
July 24
We will wake up early to catch our plane to Silver Salmon Creek. After taking a wildly scenic flight to the lodge, we’ll have time to check in and get settled. Depending on when we arrive there will likely be time to explore the area around the lodge for wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
Similar to yesterday, we will grab our cameras before the sun and head out in search of more brown bears. Rather than returning to the lodge for lunch, we will hop on a boat and head towards Bird Island to spend the rest of the afternoon photographing nesting puffins. We’ll return to the lodge in the afternoon for another lecture, some downtime, and another evening bear excursion.
July 27-28
We will rise early before breakfast to photograph the sunrise and look for bears along the coast in the mornings. After our early morning outings, we’ll return to the lodge for breakfast and some time to edit the morning’s images before a brief critique session followed by lunch. The afternoons will be spent around the lodge learning about conservation and wildlife photography. We will head back out to the beach around sunset in search of more bears and spectacular scenery.
Getting there & Travel Details
We will meet in Anchorage, Alaska on the morning of July 24 for our flight to the lodge. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Anchorage.
To allow for any travel delays, we strongly recommend arriving in Anchorage on July 24 and staying overnight before departure. We suggest the Courtyard Marriott, which is conveniently located near the airport and our meeting point.
At the end of the workshop, we will fly back to Anchorage on July 29. We recommend booking return flights for July 30 to ensure a relaxed travel day in case of delays.
Health & Fitness
Please note that this workshop involves long days in the field with substantial walking over uneven terrain. Participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable spending extended periods outdoors, sometimes in variable weather conditions.
- Field sessions may include short walks on uneven terrain such as dirt paths, sand, or marsh edges.
- Expect extended periods of standing while photographing wildlife.
- Early mornings and time outdoors in varying weather conditions are part of the experience.
Additional Information
Spouse and companion discounts are available for this workshop for non-photographers who would like to share in the experience. Please contact us for details. Pricing is based on double occupancy, with the option to inquire about a single supplement at an additional cost.
What to pack
Packing for Alaska is all about being prepared for changing weather, long days in the field, and a wide range of shooting conditions. You will likely experience sun, wind, rain, and cooler coastal temperatures all in the same day, so layering is essential.
We recommend building your packing list around layers, protection, and comfort in the field.
CLOTHING:
- Moisture-wicking base layers (tops and bottoms)
- Warm insulating layers such as fleece or lightweight down
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants are ideal)
- Comfortable field pants suitable for hiking and crouching for long periods
- Warm hat and gloves
- Extra socks (we recommend bringing more than you think you’ll need)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Comfortable camp shoes for downtime at the lodge
OTHER:
- Pack for carrying gear in the field
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Personal medications and basic first aid items
- Binoculars (optional)
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR:
- 2 camera bodies
- Wide angle lens
- Medium zoom lens
- Telephoto lens (ideally 400mm–800mm range)
- Tripod or monopod (optional, depending on preference)
- Camera bag
- Extra batteries and chargers
- Laptop or tablet
- Memory cards
- Hard drive
- Camera cleaning supplies (blower, cloths, etc.)
- Beanbag or support system for camera
Sony Gear
We are proud to partner with Sony, giving students the unique opportunity to experience some of the latest professional camera bodies and lenses in the field during the workshop. Throughout the week, participants can check out Sony gear to test and use in real shooting conditions in the field. This hands-on access allows you to explore new equipment, refine your technique, and see how different tools can impact your creative results, all while receiving guidance from our instructors in real time.
Meet Your Instructor
Chris Steppig
This Alaska trip in 2027 marks his 15th trip to Lake Clark. Chris brings his experience as an educator, conservation advocate, and photography mentor to help participants create stronger images while gaining a deeper appreciation for the landscapes and wildlife they are photographing.
Images from past students
Frequently asked questions
No! Summit Workshops is available to any photographer, regardless of what brand of camera you use. We often have camera gear available to borrow, free of charge, but you are not required to use that gear or any specific brand.
ALL travel while in Alaska is included
*Includes float plane from Anchorage to Silver Salmon at beginning of workshop and from Silver Salmon to Anchorage at the end of the workshop
ALL meals and Silver Salmon lodging are included
Travel to and from our departure point in Anchorage is NOT included
Lodging while in Anchorage is NOT included
Our workshop is for shooters of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans. We all learn from and help one another, that is what makes the Summit Community so special.
There are few places on Earth where you can spend the morning photographing brown bears, afternoons learning from professional instructors, and evenings surrounded by one of the wildest landscapes in North America. If you’ve dreamed of experiencing Alaska through your camera, we’d love to share it with you.
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