Masters of Photography: Pep Ventosa

New York Skyline image by Pep Ventosa

Every once in a while, I encounter an artist who is so unique that their style is unmistakable. As a guitarist, I can listen to just a single phrase from a guitarist like Jerry Garcia, even if its from a song I’ve never heard, and know it’s him. How does someone, with all the millions of artists out there, create such a distinct and original style? Well, photography is no different. And recently I encountered a photographer whose style was so distinct that I have never seen anyone like him.

This photographer is Pep Ventosa.

Background

Born in Spain in 1957, Pep Ventosa is a photographer whose innovative style has garnered international awards. His trademark technique involves taking multiple exposures of a subject and overlaying them carefully in a way that creates an impressionistic result that is full of movement and life. He often uses iconic subjects, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Golden Gate Bridge. But some of my favorite images of his are of things less dramatic and more in tune with the every day. His series, Trees in the Round, were the works I was originally drawn to. And when I first encountered them, I knew it was a technique I wanted to try for myself.

Style Analysis

Red Tree in the Round

As with my previous examination of inspirations such as Alexey Titarenko and Trent Parke, I wanted to take Ventosa’s style and see how I could put my own spin on it. But this multiexposure technique is not easy and quite time consuming. To get a single final image, you must take dozens of photos, edit each of them separately then painstakingly overlay them. Nothing in the final result is random and if you don’t pay careful attention to detail, this style can quickly get away from you and start to look messy. I found when going about my hometown looking for subjects for this style of shot, that it takes a different eye to imagine what might work, and I admit that quite a few of my attempts fell on their faces. Some of them, however, I felt quite happy with and I thought the result provided exactly that thing I’ve been looking for with my photography, which are images that stand apart as something different, something that could not have been a mere snapshot taken by anyone with the camera on their phone. Let me know which of these, if any, you like in the comments.

Conclusion

Pep Ventosa is a master. His images are unique and unmistakable. They’re beautiful, intriguing, groundbreaking. For me, they represent the best side of digital photography. He doesn’t create something fake that never existed, but instead presents familiar scenes in a way they’ve never been experienced before. When you see one of his images, you know exactly who created it. It’s either Pep Ventosa or someone like me, trying to emulate his technique but never quite rising to the same level….

Check out my video with a how-to demonstration of Pep Ventosa's technique:

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My Best Night of Photographing the Northern Lights

Aurora over Seward, Alaska

I’m alone on a forgotten beach. A bitter North wind gropes with frozen filaments. The ocean nearby, invisible, is a pool of ink like a portal to nowhere. Sea swells plunge into the sand with a gush and growl. A gibbous moon paints the mountain skirts in icy blue light.

But my gaze is fixed skyward. The night air is crystal clear, alive with electricity. Dancing auroras erupt across the tapestry of stars and galaxies. The most spectacular display I’ve ever seen.

All the elements collide—violent coronal storm, cloudless black skies, fierce magnetic forces—to bring this moment. This is a night when myth is born, a perfect confluence that may have no sequel. Manic with my camera, I rush from composition to composition. Each image on my screen makes me want to cry. The best photos of my life.

Yet, suddenly, I stop. This moment deserves something better. I topple to my back in the sand, unfeeling of the cold and the wind, and stare up as the sky delivers its most unearthly show. 

I am humbled. I am nothing. Spears of green and red build and wobble. Plasma vortices writhe and dance. A corona circle, like the eye of a fierce cosmic god, forms above me, gazing down from the heavens. On this deserted beach, this show is only for me. Never before, I realize, have I truly experienced the northern lights. I may never again.

Tonight is legend.

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Four Photographers Who Inspire Me (Trent Parke, Fan Ho, Todd Hido & Alexey Titarenko)

Multi-exposure street photography

Four photographers that inspire me to branch out from landscape photography are Trent Parke, Fan Ho, Alexey Titarenko and Todd Hido. Trent Parke's work, The Black Rose, gave me the idea to undertake my own street photography and art photography project that tells the human story of Alaska, not just about the natural beauty but the people who live in and visit it.

Fan Ho's incredible black and white photography helped me to start looking for contrasts, shapes and shadows.

Alexey Titarenko's work, City of Shadows, inspired me to take long exposures of groups of people or things that people were driving.

Todd Hido's moody work using liminal spaces and atmosphere and mood were crucial in helping me envision a new type of possibility in urban and landscape photography.

Join me as I examine the work of these four incredible photographers and try to imitate and apply their styles, twisting their ideas into my own and using them as a jump off point to create something new.

Watch the video here:

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A Year of YouTube: Did I Get Rich? Did I Learn Anything?

Callisto Peak, Resurrection Bay, Alaska

What can Youtube offer creators? What has a year of Youtube taught me? Is it still worth it to have a Youtube channel even if you have less than 1K subs? 

Are you thinking about starting a YouTube photography channel? It can be a fun and worthwhile experience despite the amount of work and lack of financial reward that most channels experience in their first year. I learned a great deal about videography, how to set up great shots, capture crisp sound and tell a compelling story. I still have a long way to go and haven't gained as much traction as I hoped, but the process has been a lot of fun. Ultimately, if you are having fun, then creating a new YouTube channel is worth it.

In this episode of Alaska Brian I look back at a year of posting videos almost weekly on Youtube and think about what I learned from using the platform and what I plan to do going forward.

Here is the short film I made to celebrate a year of YouTube and ponder a bit of what I've learned and whether or not it was worth all the work.

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Five Alaska Photography Locations You MUST See!!

The Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park

Alaska is a state of incredible natural beauty. Wildlife, mountains, glaciers, flowers… It is a photographer’s paradise. There is an endless list of photography locations to visit, all of which will provide stunning landscape photography that will dazzle your friends and social media followers. But here are five Alaska locations for landscape photography and wildlife photography that you shouldn’t miss the next time you’re visiting the Last Frontier.

Hatcher Pass

One of Alaska’s great playgrounds is Hatcher Pass. Located just outside of Palmer, Alaska, Hatcher Pass is accessible, dynamic and spectacular. Casual hikers can find excellent views along the road, from the Hatcher Pass lodge or at the historic Independence Mine. And even more drama is available to the more adventurous with one of several long day hikes, such as the Gold Mint Trail or Reed Lakes, or for backpackers who take on the ultra-classic Bomber Traverse.

Kesugi Ridge (Denali State Park)

A lot of travelers make a beeline for Denali National Park when they reach Alaska, and for good reason. But some of the best views of Denali and the Alaska Range are found in Denali State Park. And though some of these views can be seen when you drive the Parks Highway north from Wasilla towards Denali National Park, the very best views come from Kesugi Ridge, a raised escarpment in the Talkeetna Range that parallels the highway. A classic multiday Kesugi Ridge backpack trip is the best way to experience the numerous compositions for photographing Alaska that Kesugi offers, but for those with less time, several trailheads allow you to day hike up to ridge and find those classic views of North America’s tallest mountain and its friends.

Kachemak Bay State Park

Located a short boat ride from the scenic coastal town of Homer, Kachemak Bay State Park is a relatively accessible wonderland for adventure and photography. Individual locations are numerous, but some favorites include Grewingk Glacier Lake, the town of Seldovia, and Grace Ridge.

Harding Icefield

Though the Harding Icefield Trail, known locally as the “H.I.T,” is a strenuous nine mile hike that gains nearly 3,000’, it epitomizes Alaska and climaxes with an astonishing view of the Harding Icefield, the largest icefield entirely in the United States. The Harding Icefield and the many glaciers that flow off it form a continuous sheet of ice approximately 1,000 square miles in size. It is one of the crown jewels of Kenai Fjords National Park. The sheer scale of the icefield is almost impossible to believe when you stand its edge from the end of the H.I.T.

Boat tour

All right, this feels like a cop-out because it isn’t really a location. But one of the best ways to see and photograph the stunning coasts of Alaska is on a boat tour. From the sea you get views of some of the most beautiful but otherwise inaccessible terrain in the state. In the process you’ll almost assuredly see whales, puffins, sea lions, and other Alaska wildlife. There are many locations from which you can launch on a boat tour, but some of the best include Glacier Bay National Park, Prince William Sound, and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Here is the video:

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The Mt. Marathon Racer Who Disappeared (With Video)

July 4, 2012. Seward, Alaska.  During one the most popular foot races in state, Mount Marathon, a racer disappears, never to be seen again. 

This is the story of the vanishing of Michael LeMaitre.

The Mount Marathon Race is one of America’s oldest foot races. Almost every 4th of July for well over 100 years people have gathered in Seward, 

Alaska to cheer on runners as they scale the steep, barren slopes of Mount Marathon. Starting near sea level on 4th Street in downtown, the relatively short race ascends nearly 3,000 feet to a false summit called Race Point on the great mountain’s eastern flank. To win Mount Marathon is to become an instant legend in the circles of Alaska athletics. And though many compete to steal that honor, only one can stand atop the victory podium and bask in that glory. The names of those who do are etched into race lore forever….

Will Michael LeMaitre ever be found? What happened to Michael LeMaitre? I climb to Mt. Marathon's Race Point to examine this curious, eerie disappearance for myself and try to guess at what happened to the racer who disappeared during the Mount Marathon Race.

Online theories to explain his disappearance range from alien abduction, to interdimensional portals, to an intentional disappearing act pulled off by LeMaitre. 

Until some sign of LeMaitre is discovered, the real truth of what happened that day, will always be one of Alaska’s greatest outdoor mysteries 

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Ice to Ocean: A Packraft Journey

Paddling Resurrection River near Seward, AK

Somewhere under a blanket of ice hundreds of feet deep, runnels of water squeeze through tunnels and cracks, collecting in pockets. Gathering momentum. Finally, after a seemingly endless journey through the dark, it erupts into daylight as a churning, turbid stream. A creek Is born and it begins its descent to the sea.

This is the life of a river… Ice to Ocean.

Our Alaska packrafting adventure started at the Exit Glacier trailhead in Kenai Fjords National Park. Exit Glacier is one of about 40 glaciers spawned from the Harding Icefield, a massive sheet of ice that covers roughly 1,000 square miles. That’s about the size of Rhode Island. Our destination was the toe of the glacier, where Exit Creek emerges from under the ice and, like us in our packrafts, begins its tumble downhill.

We used to put-in much closer to the glacier, but a sudden glacier outburst flood of  Exit Glacier June 14, 2021 sent a wall of water charging through the narrow gorge, re-arranging the channel and prompting the park service to close the canyon. It’s hard, as we spread our gear over glacial moraine, not to look up at the wall of ice and imagine seeing that rushing chocolate water and tumbling mass of boulders bearing down on us.

After the first set of crux rapids, we settled in to rhythm of this river. Dodging sharp rocks, logs and brush, and always being alert for the deepest channel to avoid running aground.

After two and half miles, Exit Creek spills into Resurrection River and we continued downstream with triple the flow.

The next six miles were much the same, only on a larger scale. Braided islands and swift corners punctuated by occasional small rapids. Though the river is tame, the setting is incredible. Towering mountains leap skyward, crystalline cascades pouring down their jagged faces. Glaciers cling to the highest alpine rungs despite the apex of summer. It is, in a word, inspiring.

At mile 9 we passed the lowest takeout I’d ever used. From here down we were entering the unknown. Well not exactly. This was the most industrial and urban part of the river. Our route took us through a gravel pit, under a busy highway and alongside the runway of a small airport. But eagles lounged on the riverbank, scouting for salmon. Busy helicopters circled towards the alpine cirques. 

Ahead, the stream was opening up. And we knew the ocean was near.

We suspected paddling our lightweight Alpacka packrafts on Alaska's Resurrection Bay would be a challenge. We were not wrong. The mile-long paddle was slog across shallow mudflats, angling into a south wind, as small breakers lapped over our gunwales. At times it felt like we were making no progress. But eventually, somehow, we washed ashore just fifty feet from the car.

Ice to Ocean. We’d packrafted fourteen miles, 13 by river and one by sea. We’d sniffed out the river source, and saw it all the way to its mouth. We’d descended 700 feet and navigated countless swift corners and braided channels. My vision of a dynamic day adventure had come true.

Watch video documentary here:

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Three Days, Three Toddlers and Spencer Glacier in Alaska (With Video)

Three days, 3 toddlers and an Alaska glacier. What could go wrong?

Iceberg at Spencer Glacier Lake

Spencer glacier just off Alaska’s Turnagain Arm, is a perfect taste of the Alaska backcountry without feeling too committing. Accessed from a whistle stop off the Alaska railroad and an easy one mile hike, it is close and convenient yet stunning with its sheet of wrinkled ice and broad lake dotted with gleaming icebergs. It seemed ideal for a first backpack trip with a three year old.

But as we set off into the wild, I felt a growing unease about the things that could go wrong. Even though Spencer is close to the most populous part of the Last Frontier, it still is, well, the Frontier. Were we putting our daughter in danger just by bringing her to a place like this? Were we setting ourselves up for misery and failure? The next three days would tell.

Our journey started at the Portage Train depot where the three of us and some friends boarded the steaming, blue and gold Alaska railroad. It was my daughter’s first train ride and her eyes filled with wonder as we rolled into the forest. It was a short trip to the whistle stop, and once we left the crowds behind, a hush fell over the landscape.

It was a wet, chilly night. After a soggy breakfast the next morning, we settled on a hike around the lake for a better view of the enormous glacier, and its many icebergs.

After lunch, the rain tapered just enough to inflate the boats and head out the water.

It’s humbling to float through the maze of blue ice. They stand like frozen, dynamic sculptures. We drifted in the calm water, trying to decide what animals they resembled. The challenges of endless rain and sleepless nights with a toddler washed away.

Sometime during the night, the blanket of clouds tore apart. The morning air was crisp and calm. The lake surface mirrored the sky above. It was perfect for photography and for another paddle.

Day pressed on. The yellow sun quickly felt hot. We basked in warm of a perfect Alaska afternoon.

When the time came for the short hike out,  we left all our challenges and fears behind. Without questions, it was all worth it.

 

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What is Alaska Actually Like?

 What is it like to live and spend time in the Alaska, the 49 state? In this video I show you a little glimpse into the world of the Last Frontier. Include drone video, timelapse photography, and some of my best landscape photography, street photography and mostly set in the Kenai Peninsula of southern Alaska. Locations include Seward, Alaska, Resurrection Bay, Homer, Alaska, Denali, Hatcher Pass, and more.

Alaska. One minute you’re as serene as heaven, the next you serve me a dose of humble pie. I stare in awe at your highest peaks, and dance under your wondrous northern lights. But you are fierce, cold, unforgiving. Just when I think I’ve mastered you, you send me scurrying like a scolded pup. You are intense. Playful. Powerful. You make us weep for joy and in fear. But what would we do without you. We became addicted to your highs, and now nothing ever quite holds a candle to them. From the meanest grizzly to the tamest shrew, tallest mountain to tiniest flower… You just are…. Well, Alaska.

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Yikes! What Did I Just Capture on My Game Cam?

For four weeks in 2024 I left had a game cam at the edge of my property ninety yards from my house in Seward, Alaska. I set it up pointing at a game trail. What sorts of Alaska wildlife might I capture? Would I capture black bears? Moose? Coyotes? Wolves? Maybe even a grizzly bear or brown bear? A group of meth heads? I had no idea what to expect, and as I first started to sift through the images it seemed I had only captured a few of the neighborhood pets. Finally, after nearly a month I go and retrieve my camera and reveal what I captured. Needless to say, I was a little surprised by the results....

 

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Flight of the Arctic Tern (Video)

Soaring, sailing across the cloudless blue. Knifing through orographic vapor like a jet fighter. This little bird crosses the world from ice cap to ice cap every year. It is perhaps the world’s greatest traveler. It spends most of it’s time living out at sea, drifting on shattered splinters of glacial ice, or simply bobbing on the frigid surface with no land in sight. It spends northern summers in the artic only to leave and fly all the way to the Antarctic when the seasons shift. It’s a journey of 12,000 miles. In fact, each year this graceful, speedy bird will fly more than 40,000 miles. For a bird that lives 30 years, this means it will fly the distance of the Earth to the moon and back three times over. No other animal, not even the monarch butterfly or humpback whale engages in such a journey. 

This is the artic tern…

Knowing all this, it’s a privilege to have these little wanderers pitstop in a brackish pond just down the hill from my house every spring to nest and rear their young.

The slender body of the arctic tern moves through the air with its distinct chest-pumping wingbeat. It hovers in the ocean breeze until it spots a small fish or crustacean, then it plunges into the water to grab its prey. The arctic tern nests on barren islands and coastal tundra where it defends its eggs and babies with vigor, diving down and shrieking at perceived predators. It’s young live under the wings of father and mother for three to four weeks before first flight. Father and mother watch over and teach them for another month or two before they too embark on their vagabond life in the sky. These small, rather innocuous birds, are incredible.

In this video I bring my family down to a brackish pond to a tern nesting site to take do some birding, take bird photography, and while there I might as well turn my camera towards the mountains and ocean for some landscape photography, timelapse photography, long exposure photography and more. 

Enjoy!

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Street Photography in Anchorage, Alaska (Video)

In this episode I travel to the "big city" of Anchorage, Alaska to run some errands. But while I'm there, I might as well try to channel my inner Alex Webb and attempt some street photography and cityscape photography, two styles of photography which I am not very experienced at. I start off near the Atwood Theatre, meander through some of the some in the downtown area, frame up the Captain Cook Hotel, and try to find any other thing I can that looks interesting to point my Nikon D810 camera at. Also, while I'm downtown, I check out a local photography shop and purchase a 80-400mm telephoto lens and on the way home stop at Turnagain Pass along the Seward Highway to test it out.

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The Hardest River I've Ever Packrafted (Video)

Welcome back to another adventure story from the Land of the Midnight Sun! 

As a whitewater kayaker of almost 30 years, I was skeptical the first time I saw an Alpacka packraft. They looked flimsy, light, easy-to-flip. What could you really paddle in a duck boat like that? But when I slid my legs into one and pushed off into the water, my expectations were blown away. 

Not only do these little boats make paddling the off-the-roads rivers and creeks in Alaska possible, they do so with remarkable ability. But just how far could I push these tiny rubber boats? Class III? Class IV? Class V?

This is the story of the hardest river I’ve paddled in a packraft.

In southcentral Alaska lies a range of jagged mountains. These gnarled peaks stab into the sky like a serrated cutlass. Though the highest of these peaks touches only 8,849 feet, no one doubts that these mountains, draped in glaciers and shrouded in mystery, are among Alaska’s most scenic and most treasured. These are the Talkeetna mountains.

Within the Talkeetna Mountains lives one of Alaska’s most popular playgrounds, Hatcher Pass. Hatcher Pass is a wonderland. Immensely popular for backcountry skiing, hiking, climbing, and photography, Hatcher Pass is natural beauty at the highest level but far more accessible than other Alaska ranges such as the Wrangells or the Brooks or even Alaska’s crown jewel, the Alaska Range, home of Denali. As you drive the winding road that carries you into the Talkeetna Range, it is hard not to notice the tumbling stream chugging along beside you. And as a kayaker and packrafter, it’s impossible not to imagine tasting yourself in its frisky rapids.

And so finally we meet the main character in this story: the Little Susitna.

Although the Little Susitna could be thought of as a peer or even competitor to Sixmile, as both are roadside runs of similar length and difficulty, their character couldn’t be more different. While the rapids of Sixmile tend to come in short, pool-drop constrictions and ledges, the Little Su is a never-ending maze of gumdrop glacial boulders and technical rapids that test your technique, endurance and skill. The takeout beer never felt as hard earned for me as it did at the end of the Little Su. In just five miles we’d navigated countless boulder gardens, scouted a dozen rapids, and survived at least six near flips.

But enough talk, let’s plunge into the action.

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Photography in Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley (Video)

In this episode my Spring tour of the Southwest continues. I visit Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, Colorado. Without a car or my full photography setup, I do my best to capture some landscape photography and street photography in Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, Colorado. I check out the Colorado River, Roaring Fork River, downtown Glenwood Springs, Doc Holliday Tavern, and the historic Hotel Colorado. Ultimately I captured some macro, street, landscape, Pep Ventosa-style multiexposure, and timelapse images that I was modestly happy with.

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Landscape Photography in Southwestern New Mexico

In  this episode of Alaska Brian, I visit Silver City, New Mexico in New Mexico's southwestern corner. I visit some local trails to take pictures of old juniper and cottonwood snags, check out the Dragonfly Trail to see some petroglyphs, attempt some timelapses of a desert thunderstorm, and capture some beautiful sunset light. We also visit the famous and beautiful "catwalk" of Whitewater Canyon along Whitewater Creek near Glenwood, New Mexico. Not really a "honeypot" or iconic location, this is landscape photography in the beautiful but humble New Mexico desert.

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Alaska From Above: A Drone Story

Welcome to an epic Alaskan adventure captured through the lens of drone photography! Join us as we explore the breathtaking landscapes of Seward, Alaska nestled on the stunning Kenai Peninsula. In this immersive vlog, I showcase the mesmerizing beauty of Alaska, renowned for its pristine wilderness and dramatic scenery.

Our journey begins with the DJI Mini 2, a compact yet powerful drone, perfect for capturing the awe-inspiring vistas of the Last Frontier. Through mesmerizing drone video footage, I invite you to experience the rugged terrain, towering mountains, and sparkling waters that define this picturesque region.

From sweeping panoramic views to intimate details of nature's wonders, this landscape photography expedition offers a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Alaska. Whether it's the rugged coastline, majestic rivers, or lush forests, each frame tells a story of the raw and untouched wilderness.

Join me on this visual journey through Seward, a charming coastal town that serves as the gateway to Alaska's wonders. From the bustling harbor to the tranquil shores, I showcase the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture that make Seward a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're a seasoned drone pilot or an aspiring photographer, this video offers inspiration for capturing the beauty of Alaska from above. Discover the thrill of aerial exploration as I soar over glaciers, fjords, and rugged peaks, capturing moments that will leave you in awe.

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Goodbye Sunrises & My Worst Drone Crash Yet (Video)

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska's Resurrection Bay like never before in this captivating sunrise adventure! Join me on an exhilarating journey to Lowell Point Beach near Seward, Alaska where I embark on a quest to capture the mesmerizing hues of dawn through landscape photography.

Armed with my trusty Nikon D810 camera, I delve into the art of long exposure photography, skillfully crafting stunning images that immortalize the ethereal dance of light and shadow. But the excitement doesn't end there – I take to the skies with my DJI Mini 2 drone, soaring above the rugged coastline to capture aerial perspectives that will leave you spellbound.

However, as the golden rays of the sun paint the horizon, fate takes an unexpected turn. Watch as I navigate the challenges of flying my drone amidst the awe-inspiring scenery, only to crash my dang drone into the trees and get stuck. Several rocks later and I managed to knock it back down to the beach with no more than a broken rotor blade and a bruised ego.

In a land where the sun never sets, this sunrise holds a poignant significance. With Alaska's reputation as the 'Land of the Midnight Sun,' the fleeting beauty of dawn takes on a deeper meaning, a poignant reminder of the impending loss, as sunrises and sunsets disappear for the season.

Join me on this unforgettable expedition as I bid farewell to the sunrises of Alaska, each moment a testament to the raw power and timeless allure of nature's canvas. Don't miss out on this epic adventure – subscribe now and embark on a visual journey like no other!

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Chasing Dawn: My Epic Winter Sunrise Adventure in Seward, Alaska

Today, I'm thrilled to share with you an incredible journey I embarked on in Seward, Alaska, nestled along the majestic Kenai Peninsula. As a landscape photographer and vlogger, I live for moments that take my breath away, and let me tell you, this sunrise experience was nothing short of magical.

Picture this: it's the heart of winter, and I find myself standing on a serene beach near Seward, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the gentle lapping of waves. Armed with my camera gear and an insatiable sense of wonder, I eagerly await the first light of dawn to paint the sky in hues of pink and gold.

Setting up my equipment amidst the tranquil beauty of nature, I begin capturing the unfolding spectacle with a series of mesmerizing time-lapse shots. Each frame captures the subtle shift of colors as the sun makes its grand entrance, casting a warm glow over the icy landscape.

But the real showstopper of the morning comes in the form of a majestic eagle, soaring gracefully overhead against the backdrop of the vibrant sky. It's a moment of pure serenity and awe as I watch this magnificent creature navigate the crisp morning air with effortless grace.

As the sun rises higher, illuminating the snow-kissed beach in a soft, golden light, I can't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for moments like these – moments that remind us of the raw beauty and resilience of our natural world.

Now, I invite you to join me on this unforgettable journey by watching the video below. Trust me, it's an experience you won't want to miss!

So there you have it – a glimpse into one of the best winter sunrises captured near Seward, Alaska. Stay tuned for more adventures, and until next time, keep chasing the dawn. Happy exploring!

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Copyright notice: This website and all its contents are the intellectual property of Brian Wright Photography. None of the content can be used or reproduced without expressed written approval.
For information about how to contact us, visit this link

The Worst Rain in American History (Video & Blog)

 On April 14-15, 2018, a rain gauge on the west side of Hanalei on the island of Kauai recorded 49.69 inches of rain in 24 hours, a U.S. record. The 2018 Hawaii Floods were the most intense rainfall in American history by 24-hour rain total, and parts of the north shore of Kauai were inundated with water. The Hanalei River leapt from its banks and poured into the town, causing damage that would take months to repair. The Kalalau Trail on the island's Napali Coast was destroyed by the event and wouldn't re-open for over a year. Ultimately, the storm would cause over $125 million in damage to Kauai, and is cited as the worst disaster to strike the island since Hurricane Iniki.

My wife and I were positioned in Princeville, on the bluff overlooking Hanalei awaiting the start of our backpack trip on the Kalalau trail when we were swallowed by the rainstorm. What we experienced those two days was nothing short of incredible. This video documents our story from that day.

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Copyright notice: This website and all its contents are the intellectual property of Brian Wright Photography. None of the content can be used or reproduced without expressed written approval.
For information about how to contact us, visit this link

Landscape Photography on a Frozen Alaskan Lake (Video)

Landscape photography on frozen Kenai Lake in Southern Alaska in winter. In this episode of Alaska Brian, I stumble around on a the ice of a frozen lake on a cloudless sunrise with my Nikon D810, DJI Mini 2 drone, and GoPro Hero 7 Black looking for photos and video. But do I come home with anything more than cold feet?

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Copyright notice: This website and all its contents are the intellectual property of Brian Wright Photography. None of the content can be used or reproduced without expressed written approval.
For information about how to contact us, visit this link

How to Chase the Northern Lights (Video)

What is a good KP value to see the aurora? What is the interplanetary magnetic field and how does it affect the northern lights? What is the IMF BZ and what does it mean for the aurora? What is the DSCOVR satellite and how can I use its data? Why do I keep going out on nights with a high KP forecast and not seeing any northern lights? 

In this video, I attempt to give some answers to these questions and more. Also included is information about the Halloween 2003 KP-9 solar storm and the strongest known solar storm of all time, the Carrington Event, as well as some pretty cool photos of the aurora.

The northern lights can be a tricky and sometimes frustrating trophy to chase. Many times, in my early Alaska years, I waited around freezing my fingers off staring at a dark, desolate sky with nothing to show for it. After too many of these bitter disappointments, I was determined to learn as much as I could about the science behind the northern lights, so that I would never go out on fruitless late night chases again. Today I’m going to talk about a few of the basic numbers that can help you go out on efficient Solar storm chases. Don’t waste your time staring at empty skies, know exactly when and where the northern lights are going to dance.

Watch my video guide to understanding the numbers of the aurora borealis here:
 

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Copyright notice: This website and all its contents are the intellectual property of Brian Wright Photography. None of the content can be used or reproduced without expressed written approval.
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Packrafting a Mysterious Alaska Canyon (Video)

Armed only with a vague description from an out-of-print Alaska whitewater guidebook, we decide to launch our packrafts into a mysterious and committing canyon. We found when started our way down the wild rapids that navigating Primrose Creek in our Alpacka packrafts was both more difficult and dangerous but also more exciting than we imagined.

Subscribing to my YouTube channel costs you nothing and helps me out a lot. No need to even leave this page to do it, just click here:

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Visit THE ARCHIVE: A list of most of my articles and posts sorted by category

Copyright notice: This website and all its contents are the intellectual property of Brian Wright Photography. None of the content can be used or reproduced without expressed written approval.
For information about how to contact us, visit this link