Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bears Mother and Cubs

In Katmai National Park, Alaskan brown bear mothers exhibit extraordinary vigilance, especially when raising twin cubs. Facing threats from larger males and the park's challenging environment, these mothers are perpetually on guard, their focus unwavering whether fishing or navigating dense vegetation. Remarkably, the cubs themselves mirror this vigilance, often standing on their hind legs to scan for danger. The powerful bond between mother and cubs is evident in these displays of maternal protectiveness, highlighting the harsh realities of survival and the lengths to which a mother bear will go to ensure her offspring's safety within the park's wild expanse.

Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bears Mother & Cubs (Ursus arctos) Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, Alaska. From my Ultimate Alaska Bear Boat Trip. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @560mm ISO 320, f/4 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full Frame. Join me in Alaska for the Ultimate Brown Bears Galore Workshop Adventure. LEARN MORE HERE.

Katmai's Coastal Giants: An Unforgettable Bear Photography Expedition

Capture the Majesty of Alaska's Brown Bears with Christopher Dodds

Imagine yourself immersed in the breathtaking wilderness of Katmai National Park, Alaska, the world's premier destination for photographing Coastal Brown Bears. Join world-renowned Canadian nature photographer, Sony ambassador, and X-rite Master Coloratti, Christopher Dodds, on an exclusive 8-day expedition designed to capture the raw beauty and untamed spirit of these magnificent creatures.

Why Katmai?

• World's Highest Concentration: Witness and photograph an unparalleled density of Coastal Brown Bears in their natural habitat.

• Unrivalled Beauty: Experience the stunning landscapes of Katmai National Park, a photographer's dream with dramatic mountains, glaciers, and pristine coastlines.

• Intimate Encounters: With a maximum of only seven participants, enjoy personalized instruction from Chris and maximize your time behind the lens, free from the distractions of large groups.

• Diverse Wildlife: Beyond bears, capture stunning images of bald eagles, sea otters, seals, and other incredible Alaskan wildlife.

Your All-Inclusive Adventure:

• Seamless Travel: Begin your journey with a breathtaking floatplane flight from Kodiak, Alaska, over the majestic landscapes of Kenai Fjords and Katmai National Park.

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from Christopher Dodds' extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of bear behavior and photography.

• Prime Photography Opportunities: Spend your days immersed in the field, capturing unforgettable moments of bears in their natural environment.

• Comfort and Convenience: Enjoy comfortable shared accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guiding aboard our privately chartered vessel.

• Tailored Instruction: Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Chris will provide personalized guidance to help you elevate your photography.

Choose Your Experience:

• June (8 Days/7 Nights): Mothers & Cubs Focus: Witness the heartwarming interactions of mother bears and their cubs, capturing tender moments of play, nursing, and exploration.

• September (8 Days/7 Nights): Bears Fishing Focus: Capture the power and grace of bears as they fish for salmon, bathed in the golden light of the Alaskan autumn.

Who Should Join?

This expedition is perfect for photographers of all skill levels who are passionate about wildlife and adventure. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as participants should be comfortable walking over uneven terrain and wading through shallow streams.

What's Included:

• Roundtrip floatplane flight from Kodiak, AK, to Katmai National Park.

• 8 days of expert photographic instruction with Christopher Dodds.

• 8 days of expert bear guiding.

• All meals and snacks.

• Shared accommodations on a Coast Guard certified vessel.

• Experienced captain and crew.

What's Not Included:

• Transportation to Kodiak, AK (ADK).

• Hotel accommodations before or after the expedition.

• Personal items and souvenirs.

• Suggested crew tips (US$500.00).

Your Journey Begins in Kodiak:

Our adventure starts in Kodiak, Alaska. Upon booking, you'll receive a detailed itinerary, hotel recommendations, gear suggestions, and a comprehensive clothing checklist.

Limited to Seven Participants:

Ensure an intimate and personalized experience with a small group of fellow photographers.

Ready to Capture the Wild?

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph the magnificent Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai National Park with Christopher Dodds. Secure your spot today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Kissing Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear Cubs

The ethereal dawn breaks over the rugged Alaskan coastline, a veil of mist clinging to the emerald shores of Katmai National Park's legendary Hallo Bay. We awaken to the rhythmic drumming of rain, a symphony of the wild. After a hearty, soul-warming breakfast, we embarked on a skiff, a vessel carrying us into the heart of ursine majesty.

The world is hushed, a canvas of grey, as the mighty brown bears, denizens of this untamed realm, slumber in the mist-laden rain-filled air. Then, a stirring. Two young titans, their coats glistening with raindrops, emerge from their slumber. These are not mere animals; they are the embodiment of raw power and playful grace, a pair of two-year-old cubs igniting the dawn with a spectacle of nature's raw beauty.

They approached, not aggressively, but with tender curiosity, their eyes reflecting the soft, grey light. There was a moment of quiet interaction, a silent exchange. Then, they touched, a gentle nuzzle, a brief contact.

This interaction seemed to spark a burst of energy. The bears, now invigorated, began a playful joust, a spectacle of untamed beauty.

Kissing Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear Cubs (Coastal brown bear, Grizzly bear, Ursus arctos, ours brun) Hallo Bay along the Katmai Coast from my June Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai workshop in Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony 200-600mm Lens (@560mm) ISO 10,000, f/6.3 @ 1/3,200s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Unleash Your Inner Wildlife Photographer: The Ultimate Brown Bears of Katmai Workshop!

I will never forget the excitement in the group as this Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear emerged from the fog and headed toward us to say hello during my Ultimate Brown Bears of Alaska Workshop last June.

Curious Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear (Coastal brown bear, Grizzly bear, Ursus arctos, ours brun) Ninagiak Island on the Katmai Coast from my June Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai workshop in Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony 200-600mm Lens (@478mm) ISO 3,200, f/6.3 @ 1/3,200s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Unleash Your Inner Wildlife Photographer: The Ultimate Brown Bears of Katmai Workshop!

Imagine spending eight days immersed in the raw, breathtaking beauty of Alaska's Katmai National Park, capturing the majesty of the iconic brown bear. This isn't just a photography workshop; it's a transformative adventure.

Your Journey Begins:

• Day 1: Soar Above the Wild. Experience an exhilarating float plane flight from Kodiak, AK, tracing the stunning Katmai coastline. Your destination? Our exclusive private charter ship is your floating base camp for this extraordinary expedition. After a quick meal and a short skiff ride to shore, we dive straight into the action and are face-to-face with the bears!

• Days 2-7: Katmai's Living Canvas. We'll spend our days in the heart of Katmai National Park, capturing unforgettable moments with these magnificent creatures. Expert guidance and personalized instruction will elevate your photography to new heights. We return to the comfort of our charter ship for gourmet meals prepared by our onboard chef.

• Day 8: Farewell to the Bears. One last breathtaking morning shoot before our float plane whisks us back to Kodiak, carrying with us memories and images that will last a lifetime.

Why Choose This Workshop?

• Exclusive Access: Private charter ship ensures unparalleled access to prime bear viewing locations.

• Expert Guidance: Learn from a passionate photographer with extensive experience in Katmai for decades and over forty years as an acclaimed wildlife photographer.

• Unforgettable Experience: Witness the raw power and beauty of brown bears in their natural habitat.

• Gourmet Dining: Enjoy delicious, chef-prepared meals onboard our comfortable charter ship.

• Adventure of a Lifetime: This is more than a workshop; it's an immersive experience that will change your perspective on wildlife photography.

Don't just dream of capturing the ultimate brown bear image. Live it!

Secure your spot on the Ultimate Brown Bears of Katmai Workshop today!

“It is definitely not an overstatement when I say that I had one of the most incredible times of my life this past June while on Chris’ Alaska Coastal Brown Bear Boat Trip. This experience was much more than just a workshop: From start to finish, it was an extremely well-organized adventure into a pristine wilderness area that produced many unforgettable memories and images for each member of our group.

After meeting Chris and the rest of the team in Homer (Note from Chris: The trip now departs from Kodiak, AK), the weather cooperated, so soon the floatplane was loaded with our gear and supplies, and then we all climbed on board to begin our journey. For the next hour and twenty minutes, we flew over breath-taking scenery to the boat that would act as our home base for the next 6 days. Chris had worked hard at finding a vessel that was of ample size and had what it would take to better meet our needs and be much more comfortable for us than the other available boats – and I can attest to the fact that he was successful.

The crew was extremely warm, friendly, and eager to assist us in any way that they could, both while onboard the ship, as well as during our times on the smaller boat that was used to transport us to and from our daily drop-off and pick-up locations. The food was plentiful and simply out of this world meal after meal. It was amazing to see what could be done by one very creative and talented cook in the middle of a wilderness area. It didn’t take long for all of us to feel at home and develop a real sense of friendship and enjoyment of each other’s company, which only grew as the days of our adventure together went by. Although we had to obviously keep our voices down while in the field, there was more and more joking, laughter, chatter and other signs of camaraderie in the dining area and while travelling in the shuttle boat as we got to know each other better and better. It was one terrific group, which just added to the fun of experiencing a new place! Chris couldn’t have done a better job of putting the team together.

Before our flight out of Homer, Chris shared with us that he was delighted that he had been able to get us an exceptionally experienced bear guide and naturalist for our trip, and it quickly became apparent that Chris knew what he was talking about. Chris himself also has experience as a guide and is very familiar with bears and the areas that we would be exploring. So… when a bear was spotted, it was very interesting to watch and listen to the two of them work together to “get inside of the bear’s mind” and attempt to predict what it was going to eventually do. Time after time, within a few minutes, the bear that we had chosen to photograph did exactly what Chris and the guide had told us what it was likely to do. Therefore, since we had already moved into position and had our camera gear all set up for action, we were ready to greet the bear as it casually approached us in an ideal location to photograph it. This ability to anticipate the bear’s next move was especially helpful when it was a sow with cubs. As a result, we got to photograph them when they came out of the tall grasses that had pretty much concealed them because of their small size – enabling us to get unobscured images of them eating, nursing, playing, standing, and exhibiting all of the other entertaining things young bears do! Chris and our guide coached us in techniques as to how our group could earn the bears’ trust and, as a result, the bears were completely comfortable with us and went about their routines just as if we weren’t there. Amazing job gentlemen!” — Mike Fuller, NY | USA

Coastal Brown Bear Photobombed by a Wolf

This is an image from my June 2010 Ultimate Brown Bear Photo Tour in Katmai National Park, Alaska. This wolf spent the day foraging the bear’s leftovers. This image was made after the sun had set.

In Katmai, the documented encounters between the species include wolves stealing fish from bears, wolves harassing courting bears, wolves displacing bears from a moose carcass, bears briefly chasing wolves, wolves travelling with bears, and wolves fishing alongside bears.

“Enjoyed the trip completely. Your input was perfect for my taste and I learned several things I had suspected but didn’t understand completely. Now going trough the images and an very pleased.”

— Otto (Chuck) Guedelhoefer | Illinois, USA - Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Workshop 2024

Coastal Brown Bear and Wolf (Ursus arctos or Grizzly Bear and Canis lupus) from June 2010. Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, Alaska, from my Ultimate Brown Bear Photo Tour. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. 500mm ISO 1,600, f/4 @ 1/320s. Manual exposure.

Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear Cub showing off fresh salmon in golden light

The light was spectacular, the out-of-focus autumn background perfect, and the bear cubs played with dinner directly before us —what could be better?

This image was made during my Ultimate Fishing Brown Bears of Alaska Adventure last September.

There are still two spots left for my Sept. 17-24 Ultimate Brown Bears of Alaska Adventure Workshops. All-inclusive from Kodiak, Alaska, we spend eight full days (7 nights) photographing the many Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bears of Katmai National Park.

A Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear Cub showing off fresh salmon in golden light. (Ursus arctos, ours brun) From my Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai adventure workshop in Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens. ISO 800, f/4 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full Frame Image.

Coastal Brown Grizzly Bear with Salmon for breakfast

A Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear sow (female) with freshly caught salmon for breakfast from my Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Alaska Adventure in Katmai National Park.

ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT!

September 17 to 24, 2024 (8 Days / 7 Nights) BEARS FISHING: This is the very best time to photograph the many fishing bears of Katmai National Park. The gorgeous light from the lower sun illuminates the glowing, rich fur of the Brown Bears as they pounce and gorge on Salmon to prepare for winter hibernation.

Embark on a truly exclusive adventure with our specialized Brown Bear photography tour. This unique experience includes photography on all eight days, a return float-plane flight to and from our private yacht, meals, instruction, guiding, and accommodations.

• Tour groups are strictly limited to only seven photographers + leader, expert bear guide, Coast Guard-certified vessel, Captain, and crew (Buyer beware: Other workshopspert bear guides; instead, the photographer tries to play host, instructor, don’t employ expert bear guide/safety officer…).

• The small group size means more assistance, one-on-one guidance, and coaching for every participant.

• Long lenses are not mandatory for this tour. 100-400mm, 100-500 mm, and 200-600mm zoom lenses are adequate to make an impressive portfolio.

• Photographers of all levels are welcome and catered to on this tour. The pace is designed to suit everyone’s needs and skill level, ensuring a rewarding experience for all.

Coastal Brown Bear eating fresh salmon

Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Alaska Workshop Update:

Join me for my Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai Adventure from September 17 to 24 for an incredible 8-day/7-night photographic adventure on a private charter along the Katmai Coast of Alaska. We will photograph the numerous Coastal Brown Bears congregating along streams overflowing with salmon as they fatten up for the long and harsh Alaskan winter. Unlike many other tours, our Itinerary starts by flying out to the ship from Kodiak, Alaska, on day 1 (flights from Kodiak to the boat and back are included), and we remain there until we fly back to Kodiak on day 8. We photograph bears from day 1 to day 8, so eight days of epic brown bear photography! There are only two spots left!

Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear Cub Eating Fresh Salmon (Ursus arctos, ours brun) from my Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai adventure workshop in Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Tele extender @840mm. ISO 20,000, f/5.6 @ 1/1,000s Manual exposure. Full-frame image.

Coastal Brown Bear Fishing Workshop Update

Ultimate Brown Bears of Alaska Adventure Last Minute Openings:

A Coastal Brown Bear Sow (female) slams salmon during my Ultimate Brown Bear Fishing Adventure in Katmai, Alaska. I love the out-of-focus cub in the background, as it tells the story of who mom is fishing for :)

I still have a couple of spots open for the Ultimate Brown Bears of Katmai Fishing Bear adventure from September 17-24. Join me for the ultimate 8-day/7-night adventure along the Katmai Coast with loads of close-up fishing bears!

Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear Sow Fishing for Jr. (Ursus arctos, ours brun) from my recent Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai adventure workshop in Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X Tele extender @1,200mm. ISO 3,200, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full-frame image.

Bald Eagle Look Back Portrait

This is a fun portrait of a Bald Eagle from the second day (March 6, 2024) of my first Bald Eagles Galore and so much more Workshop in Alaska. Once the fishing action stops, the Eagles sit pretty and allow close approaches—smile.

Bald Eagles Look Back Portrait (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) March 6, 2024 near Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X Tele-extender @1,200mm ISO 800, f/16 @ 1/200s. Manual Exposure mode. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop next March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Bald Eagles LOCK ON

Here is one from our last day of the second Eagles Galore Workshop in Alaska. I can’t say enough about the advantages of a camera (Sony A9 mark III) that captures 120 images per second! The time it takes to go through the photos is well rewarded with perfectly timed images like this one—smile!

Bald Eagles Lock On (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) March 14, 2024 near Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X Tele-extender @1,200mm ISO 8,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Slight crop. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop next March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Bald Eagle The Call of the Wild

This is another portrait of an Adult Bald Eagle calling from my recent Eagles Galore Workshops in Alaska. The new Sony A9 Mark III proved to be an incredible tool for any action. In this case, having so many frames to choose from ensured direct eye contact with open eyes. As always, I chose manual mode and exposed for the light falling on the subject to ensure a perfect exposure for every frame.

Bald Eagles Calling Portrait (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) March 13, 2024 near Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Tele-extender @840mm ISO 2,000, f/9 @ 1/800s. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop next March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Bald Eagle Blizzard Flight

An immature Bald Eagle on final approach during my Eagles Galore Workshop in Alaska. I chose the newly released combination of the Sony a9 mark III and Sony 300 f/2.8 lens for the 120 fps frame rate of the a9 III and the incredible sharpness and extremely narrow depth-of-field of the 300 f/2.8 to ensure I captured direct eye contact while obliterating the background to make the subject pop. The snow was the icing on the cake :)

Immature Bald Eagle Blizzard Flight (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) March 12, 2024 near Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 G Master OSS Lens @300mm ISO 4,000, f/2.8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop next March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Surf Scoter in flight

We returned to town after an incredible and action-filled four-hour Eagle photography session during my Eagles Galore Workshop on March 8, 2024. We visited my favourite, The Bagel Shop, for a fabulous lunch and superb coffee. After a short break, we set up outside the hotel, and despite it being relatively quiet, there were some Long-Tailed Ducks within reach and a couple of other species of ducks appeared. I was tracking a few Common Goldeneyes that were slightly off-camera angle when this female Surf Scoter made a single pass and almost landed.

Thanks to the new Sony a9 mark III, the short encounter produced 65 images, allowing me to choose the best pose and angle.

Surf Scoter in flight (Melanitta perspicillata, Macreuse à front blanc, SUSC) March 8, 2024, Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X Tele-extender @1,200mm ISO 1,600, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full-frame image. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop next March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Bald Eagles Decisive Moment

A Bald Eagle steals a fish during a high-speed chase over Kachemak Bay. Most Eagles drop their prized fish just as they are about to get slammed by another Eagle.

120 frames per second doesn’t change everything, but it makes capturing split-second events much more effortless!

I used my Sony a9 III paired with the Sony 600 f/4 and 1.4X Tele-converter and waited for Eagles to chase each other. Imagine if their wings were spread wider and the light was still golden….. I guess I will have to return to Alaska again - smile!

Bald Eagles Decisive Moment (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) March 8, 2024 near Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Tele-extender @840mm ISO 2,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Slight crop. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop next March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Bald Eagle About to Strike

Photographing at the maximum frame rate of the new Sony a9 III (120 frames per second) adds a whole new level to capturing that decisive moment. I have TOO MANY frames from my recently concluded Eagles Galore Workshop in Alaska.

I chose this one for the less-than-perfectly-clean talons; some grass is stuck to its frosty left talon.

Join me next March for my Eagles Galore Workshop and five incredible days of Eagle photography. Note that others offering similar (or less) field time are charging more than USD$1,000 more for the same trip, but they are timed too early and risk their boat being stuck frozen in the harbour, as was the case for many Eagle photographers this year.

Bald Eagle about to strike (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) March 6, 2024 near Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Tele-extender @840mm ISO 10,000, f/5.6 @ 1/8,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop next March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Bald Eagle in flight Sony a9III with Sony 300 f/2.8 and doubler

Here is another Bald Eagle from my recently concluded Eagles Galore Workshop in Alaska. I used the new Sony a9III paired with the new Sony 300 f/2.8 and the Sony 2X tele-extender. My settings were wide open at f/5.6, ISO 6,400 and 1/5,000 of a second shutter speed.

When I picked up the Sony a9 Mark III for the first time, I noticed how fast the autofocus was. I didn’t expect much, as the Sony a1 has worked flawlessly for me since its release in January 2021. The new a9 mark III acquires autofocus quicker and reacts to unpredictable movement even better than expected; it is faster and more capable than the Sony a1.

The new Sony 300 f/2.8 lives up to my expectations. It has faster autofocus than the 400 f/2.8 and incredible edge-to-edge image sharpness. It is also light, compact, and easy to hold.

I was blown away by the autofocus and image quality when paired with the Sony 2X tele-extender. This full-frame image is a good example of how well the autofocus of the combined lens and tele-extender works; captured at the near end of the autofocus limit, this is the point where auto-focus usually fails.

I am so impressed that I am considering selling off my Sony a1 inventory!

Bald Eagle in flight (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) March 11, 2024 near Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X @600mm ISO 6,400, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop next March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Bald Eagle in a Snow Storm a la Sony a9III and 300 f/2.8 & KUDOS

I am home from hosting two epic back-to-back Eagles Galore Workshops in Alaska. The weather was excellent, with both groups using all of their boat time (we loved the daily four-hour trips). Both groups got a fair mix of weather, including the prized SNOW!

There is so much to say about the incredible new Sony a9 III and the new Sony 300 f/2.8; perhaps I should keep it all to myself to keep an edge and stay one step ahead of the competition - smile.

Bald Eagle in a Snow Storm (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) March 12, 2024 near Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 G Master OSS Lens @300mm ISO 2,500, f/2.8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop next March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

“This is the second time I have attended this eagle workshop. I came back as the imaging that Chris helped me obtain was stunning in 2017 and now in 2024.

The weather is always challenging, but Chris’s over 40 years of experience with photo opportunities here in Alaska help produce stunning eagle images, from in-flight to charming head portraits.

Chris is a host that you will enjoy – he knows how to tease out the birds for that special photo opportunity, irrespective of local weather challenges. His ability to assist both the casual amateur and full-fledged pro-level individuals is amazing, and with all brands of mirrorless cameras. He knows lenses, bodies and settings to assist all users.

Chris’s special gift is the immense bird knowledge that he possesses – once you come on one of his trips and experience this reality, you will realize how special his skill set is.

Over the years, I have attended numerous workshops with Chris. I have never been disappointed, and I always look forward to the next time with him.”

— Wynne Powell - British Columbia, Canada

Bald Eagle Portrait a la Sony a9III

What a nightmare! The new Sony a9III, at 120 frames per second, offers incredible choice, but the subtle differences between images are an absolute nightmare to edit after each of the four-hour action-filled sessions that we have had with the Eagles so far. The autofocus is even more impressive than the Sony a1, so there is no easy way to rule out anything that is not tack-sharp. A great problem to have - smile!

Since it is a lot easier to choose a portrait, here is one of the last images I made yesterday using the new Sony a9III dialled down to only 30 FPS (I like some choice to get the best head and eye position - smile. I used my Sony 600mm f/4 lens paired with the Sony 2X tele-extender and stopped down to f/20 while the camera easily focused on the eye.

Bald Eagle Portrait (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) near Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X Tele-extender @1,200mm ISO 1,000, f/20 @ 1/160s. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop next March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Coastal Brown Grizzly Bear Sow with Pink Salmon

My group was treated to more than a few phenomenal moments during my Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai Adventure Workshop. This is the mother of the Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear Yearling with Pink Salmon I posted yesterday. She put on quite a show with her yearling twins, and my “secret spot” on the Salmon River, with its amazing backgrounds, made the images surreal.

Join me for my Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai Adventure Workshop

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Join me for my Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai Adventure Workshop 🧸

Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear Sow with Pink Salmon (Ursus arctos, ours brun) from my recent Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai adventure workshop in Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens and Sony 2X Tele extender @1,200mm. ISO 8,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Bald Eagle The Strike

A Bald Eagle making a head-on final approach poised to strike from my Eagles Galore Workshop in Alaska.

Once prey is located, Bald Eagles dive at a gradual incline and catch prey with their powerful talons, inflicting a vice-like killing grip. They fly off carrying their prey, often weighing half as much as the eagle. 

I just sold the last spot for this year, which opened due to a medical emergency, and next year’s workshops are filling already. Don’t miss out! Learn more or sign up for Eagles Galore HERE.

Bald Eagle The Strike (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) near Homer, Alaska. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @600mm ISO 1,250, f/4 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Full frame left to right; cropped top & bottom to 16:9 aspect ratio. Join me for my Eagles Galore workshop in March. To learn more, CLICK HERE.