In this Photography + Destination Combination class, you will learn about basic digital photography and apply your new knowledge and skills during a trip to Alaska. The course is for anyone who loves nature, learning about new places, and is interested in improving their photography skills, using any digital camera or smart phone, so that you can take exceptional pictures when traveling.

Please note that this class will be on the move! It will start in Anchorage and finish in Fairbanks OR start in Fairbanks and finish in Anchorage. Activities for this course will vary based on season, please check below. Also note that in order to take this course you must be able to:

– Do easy to moderate hiking

Alaska is by far the largest US state by area, comprising more total area than the next three largest states (Texas, California, and Montana) combined! During this 4-day hands-on class, you will get to experience many aspects of Alaskan life. You will learn that native cultures strongly influence their way of life, from names of rivers, mountains, and communities on traditional lands to art, architecture, and culture in their cities. You will experience the culture, history, wildlife, and of course, its glorious landscape.

WINTER CLASS: (December – March)

**Winter class includes flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks

Key activities include visiting and learning about:

–  The City of Anchorage – Kincaid Park, Earthquake Park and Anchorage Museum, where we will learn the real story of the North – a story that weaves together social, political, cultural, scientific, historical and artistic threads. We will get to appreciate the rich diversity of Alaska Native cultures, including masterworks of Alaska Native art and design.

–  Reindeer Farm – you will not only meet and pet reindeers on this farm, but many other animals as well!

–  Matanuska Glacier – The Matanuska Glacier is Alaska’s largest glacier accessible by road, and offers the most accessible areas to walk on of any glacier in Alaska.

–  Dog mushing – You will not only learn about Alaska Huskies, but also go on a 15-minute dog sled ride!

–  Fairbanks – Visit to Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, Antler Arch.

–  Chena Hot Springs – you will get to soak in this famous geothermal hot springs water

–  Aurora Borealis –  One evening in Fairbanks will be dedicated to chasing the Northern Lights.

Alaska can be very cold in the winter, and you MUST be prepared for the weather in order to take the class. Bringing warm clothing is essential and required. Here is a list of necessary clothing:

• –> base layers
• –> warm, heavy down jacket
• –> insulated snow pants
• –> wool socks
• –> snow boots
• –> Scarf and warm hat
• –> warm gloves
• –> ski goggles recommended for some activities

SUMMER CLASS: (May – August)

Key activities will include visiting and learning about:

–  The City of Anchorage – Kincaid Park, Earthquake Park and Anchorage Museum, where we will learn the real story of the North – a story that weaves together social, political, cultural, scientific, historical and artistic threads. We will get to appreciate the rich diversity of Alaska Native cultures, including masterworks of Alaska Native art and design.

–  Alaska Native Heritage Center – we will take a tour of life-sized village sites, watch Alaska Native dance performances and games, listen to Alaska Native stories, watch films, and view exhibits.

–  Denali National Park – learning about dog mushing, meeting Alaska Huskies, hiking and taking lots of nature shots

–  Seward – going on a wildlife cruise on the Kenai Fjords and visiting Exit Glacier

–  Fairbanks – Visit to Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, Antler Arch. We will also go to a local reindeer farm where you will meet reindeer up close and learn about carabou.

** Please note, that you will most likely NOT get to see the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, during the summer class! **