As the sun sets on Alaska, a solo passenger enjoys a serene moment aboard National Geographic Sea Bird. (Photo by Eric Kruszewski)
When Eric Kruszewski won our 2009 Expedition Moments Photo Contest with an image of a street performer that he took on our India Photo Expedition, he was awarded a trip for two to Alaska’s Inside Passage. He boarded the National Geographic Sea Bird this summer and spent eight days exploring—and photographing—the coastal waterways of southwestern Alaska. He came back with a new-found love for Alaska, some tips from a National Geographic photographer, and yet another collection of stunning shots. Read on to find out why Eric found this trip a great fit for a photographer, and take a look at a gallery of his images below.
Our trip to Alaska’s Inside Passage with National Geographic Expeditions offered opportunities for every photographer. We covered pristine, picturesque areas comprised of beautiful landscapes, unspoiled national parks, towering glaciers, mature forests, active wildlife habitats, and quaint fishing villages. Photographers also had the chance to focus on fellow passengers as life aboard the vessel was constantly in motion.
Flip Nicklin, an award-winning National Geographic photographer, accompanied us on the expedition. His initial advice to passengers was, “Always be ready with the camera. You are about to see pure nature and it has a way of surprising you in wonderful ways. Be prepared.” A pod of playful whales, a mother grizzly with cub, a diving eagle preying on fish, a sea lion popping above water, a calving glacier, a breathtaking sunset, a spontaneous interaction among passengers, an encounter with local fishermen: any of these could happen in an instant and in turn create a wonderful photograph.
See more of Eric’s photos after the jump and learn how you can enter our current photo contest.
Whether it was on land during daily excursions, at water level tucked inside kayaks, or relaxing on the ship’s decks, photographers of all levels found something of interest traveling with National Geographic. Most of the naturalist guides on board the ship are also experienced photographers; they were always willing to help and instruct the novice photographer. And there were also accomplished photographers among the passengers, who sometimes advised fellow travelers on the most advanced of shooting techniques. But even if some did not get that “prized shot,” the encounters with nature, wildlife, culture, and people on this trip shall leave lasting memories for everyone.
If you have great shots from a National Geographic or National Geographic/Lindblad expedition that you took or registered for before December 31, 2009, enter them in our 2010 Photography Contest by November 30, 2010 for a chance to win a trip for two on our Journey to Antarctica!
Eric is a very fine photographer and I am so happy he received the well-deserved chance to master his skills during this trip. I hope we will see many more amazing images through the lens of this talented man. Well done, Eric!
These shots are wonderful Eric. You have a great eye for moments that deserve pause for their beauty.
Eric’s “Just after dusk” is stunning. I doubt if one can get a more perfect picture.One can feel the cold isolation of Alaska even in my tropical home!
Eric’s bear shot is wonderful!
I love Alaska, have lived in Fairbanks in the past, and am hoping to get to “Southeastern” soon.