This was taken in 2007. My wife and I toured the Kenai peninsula by car. We ventured out here on a tour boat during rough weather. It got up close and personal for awhile. We were supposed to go out to Kenai Fjords National Park, but the captain (wisely, I thought) turned back while he was still in relatively sheltered water. This was one of the few shots I got during a brief lull in the wind and rain.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on February 19, 2009 at 12:38 AM
It can blow in the Gulf of Alaska, no question. I worked a summer in the Gulf for the Institute of Marine Science at the University of Alaska. The experience changed my personal definition of rough water. It takes some getting used to. And no tour captain wants to take a group out and have them all get sick. Hope you get another chance at Kenai Fjords; it's a beautiful place.
Posted by David Taylor on February 20, 2009 at 1:25 AM
I've been pretty lucky with my weather in the KFNP. A bunch of trips and only one bad weather day - and that was my first trip. Us Alaskans have a decided advantage however. I tend to do a few KFNP small boat trips during the summer. I just watch the weather a few days in advance, wait for the best weather - call the evening before & reserve a spot on either the Misty or Mariah (Kenai Fjord's Tours "Captain's Choice" - they do a fantastic job!). Then I get up early the morning of and drive the 3 hours south to Seward. Not trying to rub it in, but we live a blessed life
If you try to add this to your summer trip with the Denali Highway, I'd plan for at least a long weekend in Seward and watch the weather. Keep checking with the tour boats to make sure they have openings, but don't make a reservation till 1-2 days before when you know you'll have your best shot for weather. Some of the captains like to take you all the way out to Northwestern Fjord, but I still prefer Aialik Bay/Glacier. You can spend more time poking around the bird colonies instead of having to "motor it" out to Northwestern Fjord. Don't get me wrong NW Fjord is beautiful, but Aialik has been great to me. More productive, more active calving wise. GOD, I can't WAIT for this year to REALLY get started photographically:)
Posted by Kent Mearig on February 20, 2009 at 2:14 AM
Considering the weather, this photo sure has a bundle of contrast. The contrast is hurting a little bit where the whites clip, but I like the dark rocks at the top, and I generally think this looks pretty awesome. This is one of the million places I haven't visited in Alaska, but someday maybe.
Dave, I will make it back there some day, but not this trip. I will spend the rest of my time with my middle son and 3 grandkids in Valdez.
Kent, I took this picture one-handed off the fantail of the tour boat, at the top of a bounce. The other hand and arm were wrapped around a stanchion. The result was a soft and uncontrasty picture, with the whites just about blown out. I was lucky to get what I got.
Posted by David Taylor on February 23, 2009 at 4:13 AM
Actually, it looks pretty good on my monitor Philip. I see what Kent is getting at, but nicely done, especially in THOSE conditions! I tend to be a little "old school" when it comes to contrasty photos. Look back at the classic Nat. Geo images, or Ansel Adams, Galen Rowell, etc. Most of their really famous shots have a pure white and a pure black somewhere in the image. I think it adds a rich feel to an image. This has that, plus a feeling of danger. Personally, I'd rather have a "feeling" in an image, than technical perfection. Well done.
Discussion
5 repliesIf you try to add this to your summer trip with the Denali Highway, I'd plan for at least a long weekend in Seward and watch the weather. Keep checking with the tour boats to make sure they have openings, but don't make a reservation till 1-2 days before when you know you'll have your best shot for weather. Some of the captains like to take you all the way out to Northwestern Fjord, but I still prefer Aialik Bay/Glacier. You can spend more time poking around the bird colonies instead of having to "motor it" out to Northwestern Fjord. Don't get me wrong NW Fjord is beautiful, but Aialik has been great to me. More productive, more active calving wise. GOD, I can't WAIT for this year to REALLY get started photographically:)
Kent, I took this picture one-handed off the fantail of the tour boat, at the top of a bounce. The other hand and arm were wrapped around a stanchion. The result was a soft and uncontrasty picture, with the whites just about blown out. I was lucky to get what I got.