ALASKA NORTHERN LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
ALASKA NORTHERN LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
MARCH 8-17, 2026
LIMITED TO 6 PARTICIPANTS
$5400 (double occupancy)
$6100 (single occupancy)
There is nothing quite as surreal as standing in a snow-covered landscape under truly dark skies lit only by the colorful and delicate dance of the Aurora Borealis. Fairbanks and remote Coldfoot, Alaska, provide perfect bases to view this stunning wonder with each location offering their own unique landscapes and features. In addition to chasing the Aurora Borealis, we will enjoy local activities and photograph stunning landscapes and wildlife. Join us on our Alaska experience as we watch the Northern Lights dance overhead!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
We will be focused each evening on seeking out the best and clearest spot in which to view the Aurora Borealis. We will start our trip by heading well north of the Arctic Circle for our stay in Coldfoot where we will be well in the auroral belt, providing us prime viewing of the Northern Lights. From there, we will spend the second half of the trip based in Fairbanks. We will travel each night to the best prime locations offering clear skies and great landscapes. These could include Delta Junction, Broad Pass, Denali National Park and the famed Dalton Highway with it’s impressive “Ghost Trees” (trees completely encased in ice and snow resembling “ghostly” figures). This can mean driving up to two to three hours each way to reach our Northern Lights target area in order to provide you with the best photo opportunities possible. We will also take an afternoon to visit Castner Ice Caves to photograph its sparkling hoarfrost and unique ice formations. Other side activities will include a visit to the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks to view incredible ice carvings and a dog sledding adventure. During our time north of the Arctic Circle we will drive to the awesome Brooks Range and cross famed Atigun Pass, the highest year-round pass in Alaska, to drop onto the North Slope in search of wildlife such as caribou, dall sheep, fox and if we’re lucky, maybe even musk oxen.
*** Please Note: On most of our night shoots we will be shooting in close proximity to our vehicle but some hiking is required on this trip, especially at the Castner Ice Caves. If you are planning on going with us to the Ice Caves you will need to be able to hike about 2 miles round trip mostly over flat, snow-packed ground, though there are a couple of small hills to navigate.to access some of the best photographic locations.
ALASKA NORTHERN LIGHTS WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
* A stop at the Arctic Circle Sign
* Photographing the Northern Lights with the famous historic cabins of Wiseman, Alaska
* Driving the Dalton Highway Ice Road, made famous on the TV show, Ice Road Truckers
* Visiting the Brooks Range and crossing Atigun Pass, the highest year-round pass in Alaska
* Photographing the magical “Ghost Trees”
* Photographing Castner Ice Caves and the stunning views of the Alaska Range
* Denali National Park
* Wildlife viewing to possibly include moose, ptarmigan, caribou, dall sheep, arctic fox, musk oxen
* Dog Sledding Adventure
WORKSHOP ITINERARY:
March 8 – Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska anytime.
March 9 – We will meet early in the morning in the lobby of the Westmark Hotel where we will have a quick Meet and Greet and enjoy breakfast before starting our 6 ½ hour drive north to our first base in Coldfoot, Alaska, stopping at the Arctic Circle Sign along the way. We will check into our hotel at the Coldfoot Camp, have dinner and then head out for our first night seeking out the Northern Lights. SPECIAL NOTE: Due to Coldfoot’s remote location, lodging accommodations are extremely limited, therefore our hotel at Coldfoot Camp is very rustic in style and small in size. Each room is heated and does provide two twin beds and a private bathroom and shower. It is well worth it to be in such a beautiful and remote part of Alaska with some of the darkest skies you will ever witness!
March 10 – 12 – Based in Coldfoot, we will spend our days searching for wildlife along the Brooks Range and the North Slope and our nights viewing the Northern Lights over locations such as the historic cabins of Wiseman, Sukakpak Mountain, Atigun Pass and a large grove of snow-covered trees. Schedules will be left flexible depending on clear skies and weather in order to be in the best spots at the best times.
March 13 – After breakfast we will begin our drive back to Fairbanks where we will be based for the remainder of the workshop. Locations to view the Aurora Borealis will depend on the best location with clear skies.
March 14 – 16 – We will be spending our days visiting places of interest listed above and our nights will be spent photographing the Aurora Borealis. Schedules will be left flexible depending on clear skies and weather in order to be in the best spots at the best times.
March 17 – After a final breakfast together we will prepare for hotel check out.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Hotel accommodations throughout the workshop.
- Transportation throughout the workshop.
- Guiding and instruction by Tina and Kevin.
- World Ice Championship tickets.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare to and from Fairbanks, Alaska.
- Transportation between the airport and hotel.
- Daily meals and beverages though breakfast is included with your hotel stay.
- Tour cost and gratuities for Dog Sledding Adventure.
- Gratuities for Instructors.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera.
- Lenses ranging from wide angle to telephoto (note: wide angle lenses of 14-24mm with an aperture of at least f/2.8 are a must for Aurora photography.)
- Sturdy Tripod.
- Laptop to download images to during trip.
- Headlamp.
- Plenty of extra camera batteries and memory cards.
- Hotel information and a list of suggested clothing items will be sent to you after sign up.