Coastal Brown Bear with Cubs
A Creative Adventure Workshop
June 14-21, 2016- $8999.
Join Donna Bourdon and Harold Klein on a spectacular adventure to Katmai National Park, AK to photograph Coastal Brown Bears with cubs. June is prime time for viewing and making images of small, young milk-laced mouth cubs. In addition to making portraits of both adults and cubs, we hope to photograph the wrestling youngsters and the tender nursing scenes. At this time of year the bears are either grazing in lush grass or clamming. There will also be some two- and three-year old cubs to add to the fun. And we will get to photograph it all!
Itinerary-
June 14th-arrive via float plane from Kodiak to Katmai (where our yacht will be mooring)
The float plane will pick everyone up from the Best Western Kodiak Inn - departure time from the hotel is 8:00am. It is best to arrive the night before or even two nights prior to the start of the trip - this is Alaska and fog is an issue for flights-so be prepared. The float plane trip is not included in the price and runs approximately $850.00 for the round trip fare. It is about a 45 minute flight (those suffering from motion sickness should be fine, as I (Denise) never get sick on this flight and I suffer terribly from motion sickness. I also never got sick on the boat. I think because it is anchored just off-shore in relatively calm waters. And we get off the boat frequently.
We should have time for an afternoon photoshoot with the bears on our first day.
Our daily schedule: June 15-20th
Just after breakfast (when the fog usually lifts) we will travel by skiff to just outside the shore area - which requires about 250 feet of walking in water, wearing hip waders (provided by the boat). You will need to carry your equipment. In the past we have only had a few times where this was difficult and everyone helped each other. Some women were in their 80’s when they did this, so it is not too hard, but you need to have decent balance to walk in the water with your gear. You can place your camera gear in a dry bag/backpack for safety if you need to. The water is usually knee deep.
Once on shore, we walk with the bears and photograph for around 3-4 hours depending on the action/weather/light. Our knowledgeable guide will assist everyone along with Donna and Harold--both have done this trip multiple times. After our adventure we will return to the boat for a delicious dinner together.
Each day we will have 2 outings, sometimes we will be photographing on land, and other times from the skiff depending on location/conditions. As we continue to explore parts of the Katmai Wilderness, each new day will unfold unique photography situations. The beauty of Alaska will keep you coming back year after year; it just seeps into your soul. Photoshop, Lightroom, image review, gear assistance will be done on our downtime.
*There should be time in between our outings to photograph from the boat, both landscapes and marine life. There will also be time to fish for halibut for those interested, you will need to get a permit ahead of time.
June 21st- the last day
Early morning photo shoot - typically on land, then we will pack up our gear and get ready for the float plane pick up which is usually late morning/early afternoon to fly us back to Kodiak.
I recommend booking a night’s stay at the Best Western in Kodiak after our trip as there can be delays with weather, high seas, fog, etc… This will make your flight home a more relaxed experience.
*This itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions, weather and boat captain.
Included:
All accommodations onboard the yacht
All meals and beverages
Guide fees
Permits for Katmai NP
Hip wader rentals
Daily transport from boat to shore
Shared accommodation- 2 per room, no single supplements available
Not Included:
Airfare to Kodiak
Float Plane
Hotel bookings before/after trip
Excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages, laundry or personal items. (Laundry is available at a fee)
Tips for crew (approximately $300pp)
Any emergency services, if needed.
*A detailed PDF will be sent to all participants with all logistics, gear and clothing suggestions. This trip needs a minimum of 8 -please don’t make any flight arrangements until we have reached our minimum.
Deposit Information: A non-refundable deposit of $2,000. Final payments are due February 10, 2026. Final payments are via check or wire transfer only. If paying via wire transfer- fees for both ends of the transfer are your responsibility. Credit cards will not be accepted for any payment other than deposit. Full payments are always welcomed via check or wire transfer. All checks made payable to: Denise Ippolito LLC.
Please be sure to check your calendar carefully and to check out my Workshop Policy Page.
*Note: Purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended.
