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INTRODUCING 2018 PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURES

HANDPICKED FOR THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY EVER!

ALASKA

NEW TRIPS AND EXTENSIONS NEVER OFFERED BEFORE

With the last of the 2017 safari season behind us, SPOTLIGHT PHOTO SAFARIS is proud to announce a stellar line-up of photo workshops offered in 2018 with wildlife photographer RICK COLLINS.

We're expanding our ever-popular 5-day ALASKAN GRIZZLY BEAR PHOTO WORKSHOP from the sedging fields on the shores of Lake Clark National Park to include three full days photographing fishing bears at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. When you're into bears, it doesn't get better than this!
Dates: 30 June - 9 July 2018.

For those of you wishing to see more of Alaska while on this safari, we're offering an optional day excursion to Katmai's volcanic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and a 3-day trip extension to the Kenai Fjords to photograph whales in Seward and to Homer in Katchemak Bay to shoot eagles, puffins and the local marine life. The extension will preface the main tour and must be booked at the same time as the tour.
Extension dates: 27-30 June 2018.

"There's nothing Rick doesn't know about bears! Having been a bear guide at the lodge for many years and being a photographer himself meant we always felt safe and were put in the best possible spot for photos. Absolutely brilliant experience!" Lori B.

2018 ALASKAN GRIZZLY BEAR SAFARI
30 June - 9 July 2018

What wildlife photographer doesn't dream of capturing the iconic Mangelsen shot of the salmon jumping into the mouth of the brown bear perched above Brooks Falls? Now's your chance!

Silver Salmon Creek, Lake Clark National Park

Early July is the optimum time for showcasing sows with newborn cubs in the idyllic environment of Silver Salmon Creek. We'll spend four full days photographing bears - particularly mums with cubs, juveniles and mating pairs - in their natural habitat on the coastal shores of Lake Clark National Park. 2017 was a record year for bear numbers and included numerous rare sightings of lynx, wolves, moose, black bears, a den of fox kits and a pod of orca whales. If this is any indication of what to expect in 2018, you won't want to miss out!

What you won't find at Silver Salmon Creek in early July are fishing bears as the local salmon run isn't until late August. So if the fishing bears won't come to us in July, we'll go to them!

Welcome to Brooks Falls!

Twice a year salmon spawn the upper reaches of Brooks River in Katmai National Park - once in July and again in September. To reach their destination they have to traverse 6-foot Brooks Falls where the bears congregate for a much-needed feed. We'll be there amongst them - but at a safe distance. Unlike Silver Salmon Creek where the bears are habituated to humans and there is no distance restriction regarding bears, Brooks is a controlled environment and we'll be shooting from a raised platform. But who cares?....Look at the pictures!

Images of Brooks Falls used under license from Shutterstock.com

(Because I don't have my own yet:)

OPTIONAL EXTRA
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

It's always important to book an extra day when shooting wildlife as you can't predict the weather or animal behavior. On DAY 3 at Brooks - assuming both the bears and weather have been agreeable - the possibility exists for a Day Excursion to Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a valley caused in 1912 by the largest volcano eruption in the 20th Century.

Image used under license from Shutterstock.com

"Over the past few years I have been fortunate to have Rick as my guide while photographing brown bears in Alaska. His professionalism, sense of humor and understanding of animal behavior rank him among best guides anywhere. The only thing that may outshine his own images is his ability to get the best out of each photographer he guides." Andrew C

EXTEND YOUR TRIP!

(27-30 June 2018)

Alaska has so much to offer that it's hard to fit everything into one trip. But let's try! We're offering a three-day extension to the grizzly bear workshop - prior to the main safari - which will give you a chance to shoot whales and glaciers in the Kenai Fjords and eagles and a variety of marine life in Homer's Katchemak Bay.

SOARING WITH EAGLES......

Come aboard the GRANITE CAPE for two adventure-packed day trips shooting eagles, puffins, kittiwakes, sea otters and stunning landscape in beautiful Katchemak Bay.

We'll be overnighting in the swank Land's End Resort at the end of Homer Spit where you'll enjoy views of the bay and further photo ops of mariner life and the local fishing fleet.

.....FLOATING WITH WHALES

The port town of Seward is gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. The park is renowned for the glaciers that flow into coastal fjords that are habitat to whale and porpoise. The scenery is exquisite and we'll be spending a full day on Resurrection Bay exploring the abundant marine life and scenic attractions.

Four images above used under license from Shutterstock.com

(Ditto:)

“When everything goes off without a hitch (or minor adjustments/problems handled easily) it means that a ‘LOT’ of work was done ahead of time. You were excellent! Jeanne O.

2018 ALASKAN GRIZZLY BEAR SAFARI

PRICE LIST

MAIN TOUR
DATES: 30 June - 9 July

INCLUSIONS

9 nights accommodation in 3***+ lodges, cabins and hotels
All meals, water and soft drinks, limited wine and beer
10 flights (6 float planes)
Unlimited infield and classroom photography training
Taxes and Park Fees
All Gratuities

EXCLUSIONS

Return flights between domicile and Anchorage
Mandatory travel and health insurance
Alcoholic spirit drinks
Laundry

COST (8 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS): $7,800

A deposit of $1500 is required upon registration with two equal payments of $3150 due on January 30 and April 15, 2018.

EXTENSION
DATES: 27 June (7pm) - 30 June 2018 (7pm)

INCLUSIONS

2 nights accommodation in 3***+ lodges and hotels
All meals, water and soft drinks, limited wine and beer
Transport (overland outbound, flight inbound)
Water transport private boat (8 hours per day)
Unlimited infield and classroom photography training
All Taxes and Gratuities

EXCLUSIONS

Mandatory travel and health insurance
Alcoholic spirit drinks
Laundry

COST (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS): $1520

OPTIONAL DAY EXCURSION (VALLEY OF TEN THOUSAND SMOKES)

INCLUSIONS

Transport
Picnic lunch

COST (DAY EXCURSION): $85

NOTE: All prices quoted are based on double occupancy. Single supplements are subject to availability.

Prices are based on 2017 lodge, park, activity and airline costs. The 2018 prices have not yet been released. If there is a substantial hike, the costs will be passed on to the client.

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