The Kodiak brown bear, a magnificent symbol of Alaska’s wilderness, draws photographers from across the globe to its native island.
At the Kodiak Brown Bear Center, nestled within the pristine landscape of Karluk Lake, we offer unparalleled opportunities to witness these incredible animals. But with such powerful subjects, comes the responsibility to photograph them safely and ethically.
Here are my key principles to ensure your bear photography experience is both rewarding and respectful.
Maintain a Safe and Respectful Distance
This is the golden rule of wildlife photography, especially when it comes to apex predators like the Kodiak brown bear. Although you would be surprised the simple logic is lost on a rare few.
Bears need their space, and encroaching on it can cause stress, alter their natural behavior, and even lead to dangerous encounters.
- Utilize Your Telephoto Lens: Forget about getting up close with a wide-angle lens. A powerful telephoto lens (400mm or more is recommended) is essential for capturing detailed shots from a safe distance. This allows you to fill the frame without putting yourself or the bear at risk.
- Observe Bear Behavior: Pay close attention to the bears’ cues. If a bear stops what it’s doing, raises its head, or changes its direction of movement because of your presence, you are too close. If you see signs of agitation – huffing, jaw-popping, or bluff charges – you’ve definitely crossed the line and need to back away slowly and calmly.
- Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: At the Kodiak Brown Bear Center, our expert guides are highly trained in bear behavior and safety protocols. They will position you in optimal viewing locations that prioritize both your safety and the bears’ well-being. Always adhere to their instructions, as they are there to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
Prioritize Ethical Practices Over the "Perfect Shot"
The pursuit of a unique or dramatic photo should never come at the expense of the animal’s welfare. Ethical wildlife photography means putting the bear first.
- Never Habituate Bears: Avoid any actions that could lead bears to associate humans with food or a source of disturbance. This means never feeding bears, leaving food scraps, or approaching them in a way that makes them comfortable with human presence. Wild bears should remain wild.
- Minimize Your Impact: Move slowly and quietly in bear country. Avoid sudden movements, loud noises, or anything that could startle a bear. When with a group, stay together and speak in low tones. Remember, you are a guest in their home.
- Respect Their Routine: Bears have their daily routines of foraging, fishing, resting, and interacting with their environment. Interrupting these behaviors for a photo opportunity is unethical. Allow them to go about their lives undisturbed, and you’ll often capture more authentic and compelling images.
- WAIT: Sometimes you just have to wait for a moment to occur while thinking about the last few points. Sometimes it’s way better to let nature come to you, rather than the other way round.
Be Prepared and Aware of Your Surroundings
Being well-prepared not only enhances your chances of great photos but also significantly contributes to your safety.
- Understand Bear Safety Protocols: While our guides at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center will provide comprehensive safety briefings, it’s always beneficial to familiarize yourself with general bear safety guidelines. Know what to do in various bear encounter scenarios, though our guided tours are designed to prevent such situations.
- Carry Essential Gear: Beyond your camera and lenses, ensure you have extra batteries, plenty of memory cards, and protective gear for your equipment in case of rain. Dress in layers and wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, as the terrain can be uneven.
- Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings. Scan the landscape for bears, their tracks, or other signs of their presence. Good situational awareness is key to avoiding surprises and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Know Your Kit: If you have a walkstool or something similar sit on make sure you don’t leave it behind anywhere.
By adhering to these principles, you’ll not only capture breathtaking images of the magnificent Kodiak brown bears but also contribute to their conservation by demonstrating responsible and respectful wildlife photography practices.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center for an unforgettable adventure either during a photography workshop on select dates or not.
Content Author & Alaska Photographer
I run photography workshops at KBBC and craft standout content for blogs and websites across Alaska and beyond. Alaska has a rhythm like nowhere else—its wild spaces, deep solitude, and endless light draw me back again and again, especially to Kodiak Island.