The 4 Best Photography Experiences in Anchorage
Anchorage’s rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and striking natural phenomena make it a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re after the chance to capture a breaching whale or the shimmering Northern Lights, Anchorage offers a variety of tours that will sharpen your skills and fill your camera roll with unforgettable images. What sets these tours apart is their focus on hands-on instruction, unique locations, and the opportunity to see Alaska through a lens. From daytime wildlife safaris to nighttime aurora hunts, each experience is designed to help you take your photography to the next level.
In this guide, we’ll explore four top photography tours in Anchorage—each with its own charm and focus. Whether you’re a seasoned shutterbug or a beginner eager for an outdoor adventure, you’ll find an option that matches your interests and skill level. These tours are also a great way to see parts of Alaska that are off the typical tourist trail, all while improving your camera techniques.
1. Exquisite Wildlife & Wilderness Photo Tour Anchorage -Whittier
This full-day small-group tour takes you beyond Anchorage to learn about Alaska’s wild side. Starting with pickup from your hotel, this tour visits Whittier, Girdwood, and other scenic spots. You’ll photograph Alaska’s iconic wildlife, including animals and birds at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, along Bird Creek, and at Virgin Creek Falls Trail. The itinerary emphasizes not just spotting wildlife, but capturing it through your lens, with dedicated photo stops at waterfalls, glaciers, and mountain vistas.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of wildlife and landscape photography. Your guide offers personalized tips and instruction, making it suitable for all skill levels. The reviews highlight how Scott, the guide, provides “great information and plenty of time at each stop to take pictures,” making it ideal for those wanting a relaxed yet comprehensive experience. Round-trip transportation is included, so you won’t waste time figuring out logistics.
At approximately 8 hours, this tour offers excellent value, considering the diversity of locations visited and the expert guidance provided. It’s perfect for travelers looking to document Alaska’s wilderness with guidance from someone who shares your passion for photography.
Bottom line: For a well-rounded day capturing Alaska’s wildlife and scenery, this tour delivers a mix of instruction and adventure in a relaxed setting.
2. Anchorage: Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Photography Tour
If chasing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, this evening tour is designed for photographers who want to capture this natural wonder. Departing from Anchorage, the trip takes you across snowy landscapes and mountain backdrops, where you’ll have the chance to photograph the dazzling Aurora Borealis. The tour is more than just a chase; it provides valuable photography techniques and a scientific explanation of the Aurora, making it perfect for those eager to understand what they’re capturing.
Tour guides Chad, Anna, and Jody receive glowing reviews for their friendly, professional approach. They help you set up your camera, offer loaner tripods, and take professional photos of the group under the lights. Snacks, hot chocolate, and hand warmers help keep everyone comfortable during the long, cold night. The tour lasts around six hours, with exact timings depending on Aurora activity and weather conditions.
The reviews mention how guides go “above and beyond,” and how the experience became a “dream come true,” with the Aurora the highlight. As a prime time to photograph the northern lights occurs from late fall to early spring, booking early is essential to secure a spot during peak Aurora season.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for travelers craving an unforgettable nighttime photography experience and expert guidance to maximize their shots of the Aurora Borealis.
3. Anchorage: Winter Wonderland Photo Tour
For daylight hours, this winter-themed photo tour offers a chance to capture Alaska’s frosty beauty. Lasting around four hours, it explores the stunning winter landscapes of Anchorage and surrounds, focusing on landscapes, wildlife, and the crisp environment. The guide provides creative and technical instruction, making it suitable whether you’re new to photography or looking to improve your skills.
Highlights include shots of frosty woods, ice falls, snow-covered mountains, and coastal sunsets if timing allows. This tour offers a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunity to experiment with different settings and compositions. Because it’s daytime, you can focus on the natural light and sharp contrasts that winter provides, creating dramatic images.
While the reviews are limited, those who have gone mention the fun of capturing Alaska’s winter scenery and the value of guidance from a professional. This tour is ideal for families or travelers wanting a shorter, daylight experience that combines nature photography with some technical coaching.
Bottom line: If winter landscapes and snow-covered scenery appeal to you, this tour offers a manageable, instructive outing with plenty of photo opportunities.
4. Anchorage: Turnagain Arm Highlights Photography Day Trip
This half-day trip takes you along the scenic Turnagain Arm, exploring less crowded and visually striking locations. The tour includes opportunities to photograph glaciers, waterfalls, mudflats, and mountain ranges—each offering unique compositions. The guide provides creative and technical advice, helping you capture the best shots of Alaska’s rugged coast and remote wilderness.
What makes this trip stand out is its focus on hidden spots and wildlife opportunities—possible sightings of bears, moose, Dall sheep, or Bald eagles add excitement and the chance for dramatic wildlife images. The itinerary is crafted to show you lesser-known yet stunning locations, avoiding the busy tourist spots.
Reviews note the guide’s expertise and the fun of discovering new photo locations. At around six hours, this trip balances travel and photography, making it suited for those wanting a comprehensive day of shooting diverse landscapes without a full-day commitment.
Bottom line: For photographers interested in capturing a variety of coastal and mountain scenery with fewer crowds, this trip offers excellent value and unique opportunities.
How to Choose Your Perfect Anchorage Photography Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. If wildlife and landscapes are your focus, Exquisite Wildlife & Wilderness Photo Tour provides an extensive full-day experience. For those eager to chase the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis Tour offers expert guidance and nocturnal adventure. If winter landscapes excite you, the Winter Wonderland Photo Tour is a shorter daytime option perfect for family outings. Lastly, the Turnagain Arm Highlights is ideal for capturing diverse coastal and mountain scenery in a half-day trip.
Booking early is recommended for the Aurora tour during peak Aurora season, and for full-day tours, consider your stamina and whether you prefer a small-group experience or a more relaxed pace. Think about the types of images you want—wildlife, landscapes, night skies—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Anchorage offers a variety of photography experiences tailored to different interests and skill levels. For wildlife lovers, the Wildlife & Wilderness Photo Tour provides an immersive day in nature, while the Aurora Borealis Tour promises once-in-a-lifetime shots of the Northern Lights. For those wanting to explore winter’s icy beauty, the Winter Wonderland Photo Tour offers a fun, instructional outing. Lastly, the Turnagain Arm Highlights allows for a diverse range of landscape images in less time.
Each tour has its own strengths—choose based on what landscape or wildlife scene you most want to capture, your available time, and your budget. Anchorage’s landscape is truly photogenic, and these tours will help you turn that scenery into stunning images. Book early, prepare your camera gear, and enjoy the adventure of capturing Alaska’s wild beauty!