Dutch Harbor, Alaska

#1 01-06-2006, 02:44 PM

Hi,

does anybody has some experience with the location of Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians ?
where to stay and possibilities to rent a car ?
and about special tips for Wildlife Photography (in June) ?

Thanks to all in advance.
Claudia

JoeMcCabe · #2 01-06-2006, 04:25 PM

Another one of my favorite places (I enjoy the tundra). I've only been there once so I can't give you many tips other than the only decent hotel on the Islands is the Grand Aleutian. Flying in and out can be a challange so be prepared for delays that could last days. I was there on business and didn't get a chance to explore photographically but from a wildlife pespective, I don't think it has much to offer besides birds. Dutch isn't a very tourist friendly place but you may be able to find a charter to take you out and about to shoot puffins, etc. It does have interesting WW2 fortification ruins and a large fishing fleet that can be an interesting photographic subject. The weather there is generally cold and rainy. Once again, rent a car so you can explore. Have you thought about going to the Pribiloffs for birds and seals, etc? Kodiak is very nice also for birds, bears and marine mammals.

CHeers!

#3 01-06-2006, 06:25 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Another one of my favorite places (I enjoy the tundra). I've only been there once so I can't give you many tips other than the only decent hotel on the Islands is the Grand Aleutian. Flying in and out can be a challange so be prepared for delays that could last days. I was there on business and didn't get a chance to explore photographically but from a wildlife pespective, I don't think it has much to offer besides birds. Dutch isn't a very tourist friendly place but you may be able to find a charter to take you out and about to shoot puffins, etc. It does have interesting WW2 fortification ruins and a large fishing fleet that can be an interesting photographic subject. The weather there is generally cold and rainy. Once again, rent a car so you can explore. Have you thought about going to the Pribiloffs for birds and seals, etc? Kodiak is very nice also for birds, bears and marine mammals.

CHeers!

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi again,

I thought about going to the Pribiloffs but this is quite expensive ... so, this time with Nome and Dutch Harbor will give a good trip (I hope).
I have been in Kodiak but just on the north side, I had no time to fly for the bears .. have you been photographed the Bears at Kodiak ? if yes, which trip did you do ? did you stayed a few days outside or just a day or a half ?

Take care,
Claudia

JoeMcCabe · #4 01-07-2006, 04:02 AM

Hi again :-) I understand the expenses involved going to far away Alaskan places - it's even expensive when you live here :-) I went to Kodiak on business but did have some time to travel around with my photo gear and shoot landscaspes and birds and take a charter boat out to shoot marine mammals and pelagic birds. I wasn't as interested in bears since I can photograph them in Southeast Alaska much easier. As I've said, I really love Nome and I think you'll find it fascinating from both a historic perspective and wildlife perspective (I'll get you the location of a musk ox crossing right outside of town where they hang out right next to the road). For me, Dutch is fascinating for its history, Alaskan, end of the world attitude, fishing fleet, WW2 ruins and tundra. I haven't yet been to the Pribiloffs but plan on going within the next couple years to photograph birds and seals.

If you're interested in photographing large mammals (bears and whales) and eagles, the gulf coast of Alaska has much to offer, from eagles in Homer during the winter to black and brown bears and whales in Southeast in the summer. If you'd like suggestions for a gulf coast AK trip next time you come out this way, let me know :-)

Cheers!

Designs by Gregus · #5 02-12-2007, 12:20 AM

The last week of Aug. and first week of Sept. we are going to Alaska. We fly into Fairbanks and work our way down to Anchorage to board a cruse ship. Do you have any photographic tips for this? I plane on taking a Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8, a Tamron 200-500mm, 17-50mm f/2.8 lens. Do you recomend bring a tripod? If so which one? I'm only going to get there once and don't want to miss much. So can you help me out, please?