Adventure Collective
null - Anchorage

Denali Photo Excursion

Denalimoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4–6 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in average physical condition to comfortably walk and stand for extended periods.

Overview

Discover the beauty of Denali through your camera lens on this private photography tour led by expert guides. Capture Alaska’s iconic landscapes and wildlife while enhancing your skills in a personalized setting. An unforgettable experience for photography enthusiasts eager to create stunning images amid Denali’s breathtaking scenery.

Photography Tour
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Denali Photo Excursion

3 Hours • Perfect for all skill levels!

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Adventure Photos

Denali Photo Excursion photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska on a personalized photography tour limited to just four participants. Led by professional photographers, you'll explore stunning vistas and receive tailored instruction to enhance your skills. Capture unforgettable moments in Denali's wilderness, making this an immersive adventure for photographers of all levels.

Take home awe-inspiring photographs of Alaska!

Come discover and capture the unique beauty of the interior while receiving personalized photography instruction. With a maximum of 4 participants per tour, you will have a premier photography experience featuring panoramic landscapes, majestic mountains, and reflection ponds.

Our photo guides are professional photographers and expert light-wranglers; they will be your location scout and instructor – seeking out the best locations and the most dramatic lighting in real time. You will be provided with individualized instruction so you can hone your skills as you capture beautiful images that will last a lifetime.

This guided excursion offers one-on-one attention and allows you to feel like you have the locations all to yourself for a truly immersive experience.

Details

  • The main focus of this tour is landscape photography.
  • Your guide will drive you to multiple locations to shoot photos in the field.
  • If we are lucky enough to find wildlife, we will take the opportunity to photograph them. We often see moose on this tour, but keep in mind that animals can be difficult to find.
  • Your guide will give you tips on how to make the most of your stay at Denali National Park.
  • Instruction topics may also include portraits, pets, sporting events, editing, etc.

Where We Go

The only ways into Denali National Park are by private vehicle, bicycle, plane, or a park bus. The only commercially guided tours allowed in the park are a few hiking tours in the entrance area and the park’s own bus tours. Our tour travels along the edge of the park boundaries and into a nearby wilderness area via the Denali Highway, which offers equally stunning vistas as the park road. As photographers, we think the locations on the Denali Highway offer even more photogenic landscapes.

Cameras

The best camera is the one you have! Our tour is designed to benefit all skill levels with any type of camera (smartphones welcome). No matter what gear you have, our guides will be able to help you progress as a photographer.

Beginners will learn techniques to get more out of their equipment; how to read light and adjust their exposure settings to photograph Alaska’s stunning scenery and wildlife in a way that “does it justice.”

Advanced photographers will enjoy the luxury of being shown the best locations without having to scout on their own.

Digital cameras with long zoom lenses are available to rent and you keep the memory card.

Our Promise

Safety and quality of experience are our top priorities. We want you to feel assured that you will have a good experience. Our tours operate rain or shine, but we don't force anyone to go. We make conservative decisions and we will do our best to share our knowledge of the conditions with you on an individual basis. We are constantly monitoring the surrounding areas and often there may be rain at your hotel, but great lighting in the areas that we will be photographing. If we don't think the tour will be a good fit for you at the time of the tour, we will try to reschedule or offer a refund.

We do our best to create opportunities for viewing wildlife and "The Mountain" (Denali), but we cannot guarantee it because the weather and behavior of animals are out of our control. Guides will take guests to the best locations given the current weather conditions, light, and wildlife activity.

Please read our policies in full here.

What to Bring

  • Weather can change quickly in Denali so bring an extra layer and a raincoat.
  • Comfortable shoes are recommended - there may be some walking on variable terrain if desired.
  • Don't forget your camera, lenses, and extra battery!
  • We provide tripods & filters.
  • In an effort to reduce waste, please bring your own reusable water bottle and your own snacks.

Notes

  • Activity level is easy.
  • This trip is suitable for all skill levels and all cameras, including smartphones.
  • There are limited opportunities to use a bathroom during the tour, however, there are many “facili-trees” that you can use at any time. We do not have scheduled stops for bathroom breaks but we will stop if needed. There is a gas station and a coffee shop that could be used after the first 40 minutes to an hour and again in the last 40 minutes. The bushes are always an option and we carry toilet paper, trash bags, wipes, and hand sanitizer in all of our trucks.
  • For more information, please see our FAQs.

Transportation

  • Transportation is provided to and from all Denali area hotels.
  • We travel in a luxury truck that is comfortable and easy to get in and out of.
  • Tours begin upon pick up; there is no shuttling and no caravanning.
  • If you are traveling by bus or train immediately prior to your tour, please bring your desired camera gear with you as a "carry-on" on the bus or train in case of delay.

Duration

3 hours

Availability

This tour operates May 14 - September 3, 2024.

This tour can be booked privately!

Adventure Tips

Arrive early for the best light

Golden hours around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography.

Bring multiple lens options

Having wide-angle and telephoto lenses allows you to capture a variety of scenes and wildlife details.

Dress in layers

Weather in Alaska can change quickly, so layering ensures comfort and readiness for sun, rain, or chill.

Respect wildlife guidelines

Maintain a safe distance to ensure both your safety and the animals’ well-being while photographing.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Dall sheep
  • Moose

History

Denali National Park has been protected since its establishment in 1917 and is home to America's tallest mountain, Mount Denali, which stands at 20,310 feet.

Conservation

Denali Photo Guides emphasizes Leave No Trace principles, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting sustainable tourism in Alaska.

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Adventure Hotspots in Anchorage

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera

Essential

A quality camera with manual controls will help you capture high-resolution images in varied lighting conditions.

Wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm)

Essential

Ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and mountain vistas.

Telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm or 100-400mm)

Great for wildlife photography and detailed shots from a distance.

Extra batteries and memory cards

Essential

Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly, so bring spares to stay prepared.