Lens of Wonder
Sitka Wildlife Photography Workshop (3 hour)
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 photography from an expert while exploring Sitka Sound on this incredible 3 hour tour.
Your Sitka wildlife photography class begins at Crescent Harbor, conveniently located just a short walk from the cruise passenger drop-off and downtown Sitka’s main street. Here you will meet your instructor, Ben Hamilton, and after a brief introduction to gear, light, and composition, we’ll step aboard a comfortable 6-passenger vessel and head out into the waters of Sitka Sound.
Our route follows the rhythm of the tide and weather — often moving area like Silver Bay, or the outer islands near St. Lazaria, where whales, sea lions, seals, and puffins thrive. Along the way, you’ll learn how to approach wildlife like a professional photographer: anticipating movement, reading light, and framing your shot to tell a story rather than just take a picture.
Ben will share insights drawn from nearly two decades of capturing Alaska’s coast, showing you how curiosity and presence can transform an image. Between sightings, we’ll slow down near sheltered coves to work on landscape composition and give opportunities for discovery.
Whether you’re shooting on a DSLR, mirrorless, or a phone, this workshop will help you see Alaska differently. You’ll leave with new techniques, stronger images, and a creative perspective you can take anywhere.
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. 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 2.5 hours
Cruise through the sheltered bays and islands of Sitka Sound, following the rhythm of the tide and weather. Photograph whales, sea lions, 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.
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 3 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 locally 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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