Sitka in Focus
Private Sitka Wildlife Photography Workshop (Full Day)
Discover the art of wildlife photography on a full day private journey through Sitka Sound, guided by an award winning wildlife filmmaker Ben Hamilton. 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.
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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
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