Whales, Stellar Sea Lions, and Harbor Seals

Our first full day of the Magic of Alaska Workshop began with a wildlife cruise out of Seward. The seas were rough, rain showers came and went, and the boat pitched in the choppy water, but the conditions only added to the adventure. We still enjoyed spectacular opportunities to photograph Alaska’s incredible wildlife.

The rough water certainly tested our photography skills. Keeping a moving subject in the frame while balancing on a pitching boat wasn’t easy, yet everyone came away with photographs they were proud of. More importantly, we came away with unforgettable memories. The moody weather created dramatic landscapes, and it reminded us that wildlife doesn’t wait for blue skies. If we wanted to experience Alaska, we had to embrace Alaska on its own terms.

Lisa Langell did a phenomenal job arranging local guides for the trip. The only passengers aboard were the six workshop participants, our two workshop leaders, the captain, and two crew members. With plenty of room to spread out with our cameras and a comfortable cabin to escape the passing rain showers, we had everything we needed for a wonderful day on the water. This is Alaska, after all.

The Steller sea lions quickly became one of my favorite subjects. We were also fortunate to see orcas, tufted puffins, horned puffins, and harbor seals waiting to greet us as we returned to the marina. The day’s grand finale was a humpback whale repeatedly slapping its enormous tail against the water—a spectacular sight that none of us will soon forget.