Alaska Bald Eagles

Nov 15-22, 2026 - Sold Out

Join our 8D/7N Alaska Bald Eagle Photo Workshop to witness one of the largest congregations of bald eagles in the world! Each year, thousands of bald eagles gather along the Chilkat River to feast on a late salmon run, creating incredible opportunities to capture dramatic action shots, intimate portraits, and powerful scenes set against the stunning snow-covered Alaskan landscape. With expert instruction, small group sizes, and flexible daily shooting plans tailored to weather and wildlife activity, this workshop is designed to elevate your photography and immerse you in one of North America's most extraordinary wildlife spectacles.

Tuition

$4950
Includes Lodging

Max Group Size

2 Pro Instructors
Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

Josh Miller
David Swindler

Physical Intensity

Highlights

Peak Eagle Action – Photograph hundreds of bald eagles daily as they feed and interact along the Chilkat River during the late-season salmon run.

All-Inclusive Travel – Includes lodging, ground transport, and a scenic 4.5-hour ferry ride through the Inside Passage between Juneau and Haines.

Epic Scenery – Capture eagles framed by snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, and dramatic Alaskan landscapes.

Small Group Instruction – Get hands-on guidance from expert photographers to elevate your wildlife photography and processing skills.

Flexible Itinerary – Daily plans adapt to weather and eagle activity.

Northern Lights Bonus – If skies are clear, we'll be watching for the aurora!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Scenic Ferry to Haines
We’ll meet in the afternoon at the Juneau Ferry Terminal for a stunning 4.5-hour journey through the Inside Passage—have your cameras ready for marine life, birds, and dramatic coastal scenery. Upon arrival in Haines, we’ll check into our hotel, hold a welcome orientation, and enjoy a group dinner to kick things off.

Days 2–7: Eagle Action & Photography Immersion
Each day will be guided by weather, light, and eagle activity. When conditions align, we’ll be out from sunrise to sunset capturing the peak of the bald eagle congregation along the Chilkat River. Between outings, we’ll host post-processing sessions, image critiques, and educational discussions. We may also dedicate time to photographing Haines’ stunning landscapes. If skies are clear at night, we’ll keep a close eye on the aurora forecast for a chance at Northern Lights photography.

Day 8: Return to Juneau & Farewell
Depending on the ferry schedule (not yet published), we'll either have a morning eagle shoot or we'll have to head straight to the ferry after breakfast. Once we board the return ferry to Juneau, keep your cameras handy as there are more opportunities to photograph sea birds, marine mammals, and coastal landscapes. The workshop will conclude when we arrive back in Juneau, either mid-afternoon or as late as 8PM. We will send you lodging recommendations in Juneau if you wish to stay another night after the ferry schedule is published around Aug 2026.

Logistics

Arrival & Departure
Please plan to arrive in Juneau, Alaska before noon on Day 1 to ensure you’re on time for our scenic ferry ride to Haines. On Day 8, we will return to Juneau sometime between mid-afternoon and evening, depending on the final ferry schedule. This schedule is expected to be published by August 1, 2026.
Important: Do not book your flights until we provide you with the confirmed ferry times in August.

Lodging
Your workshop fee includes 7 nights of double occupancy lodging at the most spacious and modern hotel in Haines. Single room upgrades are available for an additional fee (see pricing section below).

Weather & Gear
Alaska’s late November weather can be unpredictable and cold, with temperatures often in the 20s and the potential for snow or rain. You’ll need to be prepared for long days in freezing conditions. A detailed gear list is provided below, and we’ll host a pre-trip Zoom meeting 2–3 months before departure to help you prepare.

Group Size & Instruction
With two professional instructors and two vehicles, we may occasionally split into smaller groups to maximize photographic opportunities. We'll regroup for classroom sessions, critiques, and discussions as time and conditions allow. Flexibility is key—our schedule will adjust to the weather and wildlife activity for the best experience.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that all participants purchase travel and health insurance to protect against unexpected events. If you choose not to purchase insurance, you are responsible for any non-refundable expenses or medical costs incurred during the trip.

Pricing

$4950/person + Tax

Trip Includes:

Round-trip ferry transportation between Juneau and Haines Alaska.
7 Nights double occupancy lodging. Single rooms are available for an additional $900.
All ground transportation while in Haines in comfortable vehicles.
In-field and classroom instruction by pro photographers.
All permits and entrance fees.
Pre-workshop zoom meeting.

Trip Does NOT Include:

Transportation from your home to Juneau, Alaska.
Meals, beverages, and snacks.
Lodging in Juneau if you wish to arrive a day early or depart on Day 9.
Instructor gratuities.
Travel insurance (highly recommended)

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due July 15, 2026.
If you need to cancel, a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be given once your spot is filled by another participant.
We cannot offer the Loyalty Discount on this workshop.
See the full Terms and Conditions

Recommended Camera Gear

Digital SLR or mirrorless camera body with fast frame rate and good autofocus performance. Bring 2 camera bodies if you have them.
Long telephoto lens capable of at least 500-600mm. We recommend zoom lenses for maximum versatility.
Shorter telephoto in the 70-200mm range.
Mid-range lens in the 24-70mm, 24-105mm range.
Wide angle lens f/2.8 for night photography.
Tripod and L-bracket for your camera. You may consider a gimbal mount for your tripod.
Backpack to carry your camera gear.
Waterproof cover for your backpack and camera.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or do any post-processing.

Personal Gear List

Warm, moisture wicking base layers for both upper and lower body.
Several warm layers like a down puffy, winter coat, and or fleece jacket.
Waterproof outer shell jacket (helps protect against wind and snow).
Warm snow boots with thick socks.
Waterproof snow pants with cuff that can go over your boots. If your pants do not have a cuff, make sure you get some gaiters to wear.
Warm gloves or mittens along with a pair of glove liners.
Warm hat, buff, or balaclava.
Micro-spikes. Make sure you get the ones with actual spikes on them (no rollers or Yak-Tracks).
Sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days. The light reflecting off the snow can be intense.
Chemical hand/feet warmers can come in handy if you get cold extremities.
Thermos for bringing along your favorite hot beverage.
Headlamp for night photography.

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

Josh Miller

Photography Instructor

Josh has been a professional photographer and educator for more than
twenty years. His work has been published by National Geographic, Sierra Club, Audubon, Microsoft, The Wall Street Journal, and Outside Magazine. Josh is also passionate about the environment and shares his photographs and knowledge with conservation projects whenever possible.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Josh developed a passion for “the high country” and “bad” weather. He became interested in photography while working at Denali National Park for a summer job during college, and after graduation he moved to the mountains of northern California to spend as much time as possible climbing, skiing, and photographing in the Sierra. In addition to being a professional photographer, Josh is a California
credentialed art and science teacher. Josh and his wife spent seventeen years running an environmentally focused high school academy in Northern California where they were both honored as teachers of the year. Josh also loves to travel, and after the Covid pandemic, he and his wife spent nearly two years abroad traveling and photographing the world with their two young boys.

During workshops, Josh loves sharing his passions for the environment and travel, and his expertise as both an educator and photographer helps students improve their technical skills and feel comfortable pushing their creative boundaries.

David Swindler

Founder - Photography Instructor

David Swindler is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer. Among others, he has been recognized by the International Photography Awards, Siena International Photo Awards, International Aerial Photographer of the Year, Sony World Photography Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National Geographic. He received a degree in chemical engineering and worked in the semiconductor industry specializing in optics and photolithography. In 2014, he left his day job to follow his true passion. He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of subjects and conditions. As the founder of Action Photo Tours, he finds great satisfaction in helping others learn photography, especially in the wild desert environment near his home in Kanab, UT. David is an expert in night photography and loves to get out and shoot the starry night skies.

Gallery Awards and Media Coverage

Having guided photo tours for years, David is very familiar with many different types of cameras. He is a master with light and composition. But most importantly, his dedication to his clients is what really sets him apart! But don't take our word for it - read what others are saying: Trip Advisor.