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Get ready to check Alaska off your Top 10 list!  

Year after year, participants have said: "This is just SO magical!" This inspired the name of the tour.  

 Prepare for a truly magical, private, small-group experience as you explore Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula with us each day. This unique region is often called "Alaska in Miniature" because virtually every Alaskan wildlife habitat type except Arctic tundra is represented here. This tour will provide any nature-loving individual with an experience of a lifetime!  

The crowd-free atmosphere gives you the peace, flexibility, and mental and physical space to photograph Alaska from your own unique point of view.  Your caring leaders are experienced and skilled photographers who can help provide advice, instruction, and guidance that enables you to capture incredible images of Alaska through your lens. This truly is a world-class experience.

Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of our location! In 2024, we moved to a new location nestled on a seaside bluff overlooking the Cook Inlet and the magnificent Alaska Mountain Range. Our cabins offer an awe-inspiring view of Mt. Redoubt, a beautiful dormant volcano. The cabins are spacious, inviting, and include modern amenities like Wi-Fi, full kitchens, and access to laundry facilities. We are confident that these amenities will provide an elevated experience for all workshop attendees. 

• In our August/September workshops,  this is the time when bears become the stars of the show! We will head to Lake Clark National Park and/or Lake Clark Wilderness to focus on bears on two different days!  This time of year it's not unusual to find 10-15 bears, including sows with cubs!  They will be catching and feeding on salmon--making photography a joy!

• Our bird sightings in mid-to late August include bald eagles, horned and tufted puffins, common murre, pelagic cormorant, pigeon guillemot, mottled murrelet, black-legged kittiwake, glaucous-winged gulls, common redpoll, common loons,  mergansers, shovelers, scaup, harlequin ducks, Steller's jays, Canada Jays, boreal and black-capped chickadees, and more.  

• Additional wildlife we will seek includes cow moose with calves, bull moose, coastal brown bear, black bear, northern sea otter, harbor seal, harbor porpoise, ochre sea stars, puffins, whales if we are lucky, and more. 

• Landscapes, seascapes, foliage, flora, and detail shots are especially rewarding this time of year, thanks to the vibrant colors and varied textures the season and changing weather provide.  

• Only 6 participants on each wonderfully private, one-of-a-kind, first-class adventure. 

• You are never without support!  You will be joined by either Lisa or one of her professionally trained photography guides (and often both) on each daily excursion and at the lodge throughout the tour. This offers you a tailored photographic experience with plenty of guidance and support. In addition, the boat captains, local wildlife guides, and other experts will further support your experience. 

• This incredible experience  is designed to be original and unlike any other photography tour offered in Alaska. 

Suggested Physical Fitness level:  Level 3 – Moderate
Appropriate for those who are in good health.  Involves half- to full-day activities that may include light- to moderate-intensity walking or light hiking on mild terrain for periods of 5–30 minutes, or standing for 1+ hour at a time on location. May require ascending/descending one flight of stairs. Elevations range from approximately 0-3,000 feet. May involve off-road travel in SUVs, multi-terrain vehicles, small planes, or boats, any of which can make riding a bit bumpy.  Must be able to get in and out of small boats and board or deplane bush planes with light to moderate assistance. May also involve varying weather conditions from about 40°F (4°C) to 90°F (32°C) with sun, rain, sleet or wind. Modern restroom facilities and/or vault toilets available in most cases. You must be able to carry all of your own gear and belongings at all times.

Elevation:  0 to 3,000 feet, with most excursions below 500 feet.

Photography Skill Level:   All levels. Hands-on instruction is provided by your instructors.  Knowledge of your camera’s manual settings is strongly recommended. A free on-demand tutorial created by Lisa Langell is included with your registration to help you learn manual exposure settings. 

 Visit the Magic of Alaska FAQ page 

The following information is an excerpt from our full Terms and Conditions (click link to view full terms).

Cancellation:  We understand that unexpected situations may arise that result in your inability to join us for this event. We will definitely miss you and realize this is a difficult decision for you. We very strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance  as soon as you book to protect your investment in case you need to cancel before the event or leave early. Additionally, travel insurance may help cover any emergency medical care, remote evacuation, ambulance services, etc. that are needed while you are with us.  You must contact us in writing and complete a cancellation form provided to you at that time in order to engage the cancellation.

Refunds & reselling your seat: If you need to cancel and do not have travel insurance, we will make every reasonable effort to resell your seat. If we are able to do so, we will refund the amount you have paid, minus a $350 administration fee to cover the costs of marketing, selling, and processing the transfer. Please note that the ability to resell your seat, even if discounted, is not guaranteed.  If we are unable to resell your seat, all deposits and payments are non-refundable.  No credits, transfers, vouchers, etc. are available.

Deposit:  Due at registration

1st Installment: Sept 1, 2025

2nd Installment: November 1, 2025

3rd Installment: January 1, 2026

Final Installment: March 1, 2026

Non-payment of installments:  Payments not made on time will have a five-day (120 hour) grace period for you to complete payment so that your registration remains active. If your payment is not completed by that time, your seat may be cancelled and no refund issued. For your convenience, we offer auto-billing to your credit card so that you never miss a payment.

If you choose to pay for the entire event up front in one lump sum,  should you need to cancel, your refund will be prorated according to the due dates for each installment, compared to your cancellation date.  (For example, if you canceled after the 3rd installment was due but prior to the final installment due date, the amount equal to the portion calculated for the final installment will be refunded to you.) 

Langell Photography, LLC reserves the right to resell, gift or otherwise utilize your cancelled reservation for any purpose at the discretion of Langell Photography, LLC without further obligation or consideration to you.

Substitutions/Transfers: If you wish to substitute another individual in your place, we will gladly transfer your reservation to another individual, provided you notify us in writing via email and include their name, address, phone number, and email address. 

The individual to be transferred or substituted in your seat must be approved by Langell Photography, must be over 18 years of age, confirm they are mentally and physically able to participate, agree to all terms, and pay Langell Photography in full for any amounts remaining by the due dates provided in your reservation. There is a nominal transfer fee.   

We will pick you up at the Kenai airport at approximately noon and take you to the lodge.  You will be able to settle in to your cabins and then join us in the main cabin.  A delicious late lunch will be served, followed by a helpful "Camera Clinic." This event helps everyone get further acquainted while your instructors provide photography tips, helpful settings, important techniques, and give you time to ask questions, learn more about settings and get prepared for afternoon nature photo shoot.

We will start out at the grounds of the lodge.  With spectacular views of three volcanoes, eagles flying by daily, flowers, birds wildlife present, and a beach within reach -- this will be the perfect way to test those skills, learn new ones, get support from your leaders and work out any kinks before we head out for our first excursion for bears in the morning.  

We will embark by air to a remote location in Lake Clark National Park for bear viewing and photography for the day.

This scenic ~30 minute flight provides stunning views, abstract photography opportunities, and more as we fly over mud flats, tundra, volcanoes, mountains and glaciers. 

We will land in an area with habitat that draws coastal brown bears from around the region, offering photographic opportunities for these incredible, iconic animals! Guided by professionals who understand bear behavior and safety and accompanied by your photo instructor, we will spend the day looking for photographic moments of the bears and scenery in the area before returning by air to the Kenai Peninsula.

 We'll board a private helicopter for a scenic flight over the dramatic beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park. Via clear windows, your pilot will orient you toward stunning mountain forests, ridgelines, deep valleys, and shimmering ice fields, you'll have the opportunity to photograph breathtaking vistas—including the sprawling, otherworldly Bear Glacier, the park’s largest glacier and a confluence of three massive ice flows.

Our helicopter will land at a remote location near Bear Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.  This glacier is accessible only by air. Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to do the following: 

• Paddle among icebergs in ultra-stable, raft-like kayaks for an unforgettable, close-up photographic perspective of icebergs for dramatic images.  (Paddling is optional. You will have a guide with you.) 
• You may also walk the shoreline, capturing the glacier's scale, icebergs, textures, surrounding wildflowers, birds, and endless landscape and seascape  compositions.

Whether you're drawn to grand scenes or intricate abstracts, this location offers once-in-a-lifetime creative opportunities in one of Alaska’s most photogenic and remote environments. A gourmet picnic lunch and snacks are provided so you can relax and stay fueled amid this stunning wilderness.

Bears are SO active this time of year that we are spending a second day in remote Alaska to capture their dominance and beauty!
 

With the opportunity for different weather which produces different lighting, viewing different areas of our location(s), and more, you will have a second day to refine your techniques, capture images on your bucket list, and spend time in a place very few get to visit.
 

After a hot breakfast on our way to the private airport, we will head out on our bush or float plane for more striking aerial photography followed by the excitement of capturing images of bears in the wild!
 

Board our private boat for an exclusive 6-hour excursion into Kachemak Bay. Situated in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, this customized tour, offers new unique experiences not available in previous years and is designed to showcase the unparalleled beauty of the area. 

While exploring the serene waters of Halibut Cove and various other bays and coves, you'll enjoy a Langell Photography exclusive--pause at a beautiful location to enjoy have a delicious, hot, hearty picnic style lunch while dining along the shores of one of Kachemak Bay's beautiful remote coves, and then continue exploring the coast and islands for birds and wildlife.  

During lunch, our Captain will join us!  He will answer your questions while also sharing fascinating local stories, history, and knowledge about the local ecology here.  Our special lunch will definitely add breadth and depth to your experience in this region!

Our guide and expert birder will take us throughout the bay to locations that are known for a variety of bird and wildlife species including:  

•  Horned and tufted puffin 

•  Common murre

•  Harbor porpoise

•  Harbor seal

•  Northern sea otter 

•  Pelagic cormorant 

•  Harlequin duck

•  Marbled murrelet

•  Black oystercatcher

•  Bald eagle

•  Pigeon guillemot

•  Black-legged kittiwake

•  Glaucous-winged gull 

One of the highlights of this tour are the close-up views we typically see of northern sea otters and their young, along with epic seascapes that give you the backdrop for incredible photography.  

Afterward, weather and tide-permitting, we will explore the Homer Spit for other images of the beach and harbor to capture the unique seascapes and details that Homer has to offer.   The "spit" offers picturesque scenes along the marina docks, shopping areas, and seashore!  

On our way back, as time permits, we will explore additional points along the Cook Inlet that often give us opportunities for photographing eagles, an active nest (hopefully), moose, songbirds, and more.  

Birds we may see this time of year include:

• Golden crowned sparrow

• Common redpoll
• White crowned sparrow

• Orange-crowned warbler

All provide wonderful opportunities for wildlife and scenic photography, allowing you to capture the essence of Alaskan wildlife and landscapes.

Explore the Kenai Peninsula Wildlife Refuge via the waters of the Kasilof River, known for its serene, peaceful beauty. As we venture through this hidden gem, prepare to capture wildlife and scenic images that will forever etch Alaska's untamed spirit into your memory.

The Kasilof River, with its pristine waters and magnificent surroundings, provides the perfect backdrop for capturing nature's fleeting moments. Imagine the soft morning light illuminating the forest and reflecting off the shimmering river, offering a painterly palette for your lens.  

As we quietly drift along the river, be prepared to witness majestic bald eagles soaring through the sky, common loons feeding, and myriad mergansers, ducks, kingfishers, Bonaparte's gulls, Arctic terns, and more.  We will also seek to photograph moose, beaver and other species we may encounter along the way. Each encounter will leave you feeling peaceful and alive, having experienced a part of Alaska few see in this beautiful way.  With every click of your camera, you'll capture the essence of Alaska's magical allure.

Whether you are an experienced photographer looking to refine your craft or a nature enthusiast eager to preserve Alaska's natural wonders, this photo tour on the Kasilof River is an extraordinary opportunity to deepen your connection with the wild and unlock your creative potential.  

Species we seek to find include:

•  Moose

•  Beaver

•  Common and red-breasted merganser

•  Greater & Lesser scaup

•  Common raven

•  Bald eagle

•  Common loon

•  Belted kingfisher

•  Varied Thrush

•  Greater and lesser yellowlegs

•  Spotted sandpiper  

You will return to the lodge in the early afternoon so that we can pack your things and be escorted to the Kenai airport to begin your trip home.