Sitka in Focus
Private Sitka Wildlife Photography Workshop (Full Day)
Discover the art of wildlife photography on this three hour boat adventure through Sitka Sound, while being guided by an award winning wildlife filmmaker. All skill levels welcome!
Overview
Description
Learn to photograph Sitka’s wildlife in a private, full day, hands on photography class on the water. Led by award winning wildlife filmmaker Ben Hamilton, your private group of up to four will explore Sitka Sound by boat, searching for whales, otters, puffins, and eagles while learning how to see and compose with intention. A warm, comfortable cabin keeps you dry as conditions shift so you can stay focused on the experience.
Instruction is tailored to your group’s experience and cameras. Ben works at your pace, offering clear guidance on light, motion, and wildlife behavior. There’s time to slow down, ask questions, and practice as wildlife appears. This is a private adventure that blends the thrill of a wildlife tour with the creativity of a field workshop.
For groups who want more time in the field, you can book back to back days for a private multi day photography workshop. Each day builds on the last and opens new corners of Sitka’s coast, giving your group the chance to grow skills and create stronger images with every outing.
Meet Your Guide - Ben Hamilton
Ben Hamilton is a wildlife filmmaker, photographer, and the founder of Sitka Wonders. His work blends storytelling, science, tourism, and a deep respect for the natural world. He graduated from the University of Texas with degrees in both Geography and Film in 2011. During that time he founded Pioneer Studios, a production company focused on high-end films for conservation, science, tourism, and television organizations.
Since then, his work has taken him to 36 countries on topics ranging from rarely seen wildlife to urgent issues like ocean plastics and climate change. His clients include National Geographic, BBC, Smithsonian, Discovery, and a range of NGO and government agencies. He is a recipient of the Wilderness Legacy Award, the Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Video, a Primetime Emmy for cinematography, and numerous film festival accolades.
Even as his career has taken him around the world, he’s remained deeply connected to Southeast Alaska, returning year after year to film and explore its wild coast. His award-winning film Sitka’s Hidden Wonders grew from that lifelong relationship with this place. It's a film created to help visitors connect more meaningfully with Sitka’s fragile and extraordinary ecosystems and it shows exclusivly in downtown daily throughout the tourism season.
This photography workshop continues that mission. Ben’s goal isn’t just to teach technique, but to help you understand your tools so you can notice more, respond more intuitively, and better connect to Alaska during your visit. Whether you’re shooting on an iPhone or a professional camera, you’ll learn to see like a professional cinematography and photographer.
A dedicated husband and father of two, Ben continues to explore how beauty, purpose, and impact can intersect, whether tracking whales through the Inside Passage, developing tools for the next generation of storytellers, or reimagining what tourism can be in Alaska.
I’ve never done a photography tour before, and Ben made it feel easy and fun. His approach isn’t just about getting the shot — it’s about slowing down and really noticing the world around you.
Gallery
I’ve never done a photography tour before, and Ben made it feel easy and fun. His approach isn’t just about getting the shot — it’s about slowing down and really noticing the world around you.
Itinerary
Arrive — 15 minutes before departure
Meet your guide, Ben Hamilton, on the northeast side of Centennial Hall, facing Crescent Harbor. Check in under the covered area and review the plan for the day. Cameras and layers ready.
Boarding & Orientation — 15 minutes
Step aboard a comfortable 6-passenger vessel with heated cabin and head. Ben will provide a short introduction to Sitka’s wildlife, light conditions, and key photography techniques to prepare for the outing.
On the Water — Approximately 5 hours
Cruise through the sheltered bays and islands of Sitka Sound, following the rhythm of the tide and weather. Photograph whales, sea lions, bears, puffins, and dramatic coastal landscapes while learning how to anticipate wildlife behavior, compose dynamic images, and use light creatively. Between encounters, practice reflection and landscape photography in calm coves and along scenic shorelines. Take a break for lunch during the middle of the day then continue to explore. As a fully private experience, Ben will tailor what wildlife we focus on based on your interst and goals.
Return & Wrap Up — 10–15 minutes
Return to Crescent Harbor, review a few final photography tips, and say your goodbyes. You’ll leave with new skills, stronger images, and a deeper appreciation for Sitka’s wild coast.
Total Experience — About 6 hours
From arrival to return, plan for a three-hour adventure focused on learning, exploration, and connection.
Location Details
Crescent Harbor
Address
Wayfinding
Accesability
Why choose Sitka Wonders?
Led by a Professional Wildlife Filmmaker
Learn directly from Ben Hamilton, an Emmy Award–winning filmmaker who has spent over sixteen years capturing Alaska’s coast for National Geographic, BBC, and Smithsonian. You’re not just taking photos — you’re learning the craft, mindset, and field techniques of a true wildlife storyteller.
Hands-On, Skill-Building Experience
This is not a sightseeing tour with cameras. It’s a small-group workshop designed to improve your eye, deepen your understanding of light, and help you anticipate wildlife behavior — skills you can carry into every photo you take.
Access to Sitka’s Wild Coast
Explore quiet coves, remote islands, and wildlife-rich waters that most visitors never reach. With a comfortable 6-passenger vessel and flexible routes guided by tide and weather, every trip is tailored to the day’s best opportunities.Local Insight,
Real Connection
As a family owned and independent company, we share Sitka from the inside — the stories, science, and people who make this place unlike anywhere else. Your experience directly supports local conservation and small-community livelihoods.
FAQs
Yes. Private photography tours are available upon request for up to 6 guests. These can be customized for families, friends, or photography clubs. Contact us directly to check availability.
Not at all. This workshop is open to all skill levels — from beginners to professionals. Ben will tailor instruction to your experience, helping you get the most from whatever camera you bring.
Yes, but space on board is limited, so smaller tripods and monopods are best. Ben can also offer guidance on hand-held stabilization techniques.
Any camera works, from DSLR and mirrorless systems to compact cameras or smartphones. You’ll learn principles of light, composition, and storytelling that apply to any setup. In general, we recommend bringing either an all in one zoom lens (like an 18-300), or a wide lens and a telephoto lens, so you can capture both landscapes and wildlife further away.
Yes. This tour is designed around Sitka’s cruise ship schedules. Our meeting point at Crescent Harbor is just a 1 minute walk from the cruise shuttle drop-off, and we build in plenty of time for guests to return comfortably before departure.
Absolutely. Many guests join simply to experience Sitka’s wildlife and learn how a professional wildlife filmmaker / photographer approaches the natural world. The slower, more intentional pace makes it rewarding even if photography isn’t your main focus.
Sitka’s weather shifts quickly, and some of the best photos come in moody light. We run rain or shine and provide a dry, heated cabin if conditions change. If weather ever prevents safe travel, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Every day is different. Depending on the season and tide, we often encounter whales, sea lions, otters, puffins, eagles, brown bears, and other seabirds. Some trips include close coastal scenery and quiet coves alive with marine life. While wildlife is never guaranteed, Sitka Sound offers exceptional photographic opportunities year-round.
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