Alaska, The Last Frontier 2026
Sep 1 - Sep 11, 2026
Led by
Gail and Dotan
$18,950 per couple (All-Inclusive)
Only one left!
Join us for an unforgettable 11-day journey through Alaska's most spectacular landscapes. This immersive workshop combines world-class photography instruction with luxury accommodations and unparalleled access to pristine wilderness. We encourage you to share this adventure with a travel partner as it is priced for double occupancy and offers two activity tracks: one for passionate photographers and another for travelers who prefer recording memories with their eyes.
Participants will travel through three distinct regions—Denali State Park for dramatic mountain and wildlife photography, the alpine luxury of Girdwood's Alyeska Resort with glacier views and fine dining at the renowned Seven Glaciers restaurant, and the remote coastal beauty of Homer's Odyssey Lodge, where intertidal photography and wildlife sightings await.
Throughout the journey, photography sessions are balanced with professional editing critiques and curated experiences, while traveling companions can enjoy spa treatments, nature walks, and regional exploration.
Why This Photography Workshop Is So Special
Early September in Alaska offers fewer crowds, spectacular fall color, excellent wildlife viewing, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights in Denali.
Not Just for Photographers (why partners will have a blast too)
Tonglen Lodge (Denali National Park):
We will all explore Denali National Park as a whole group but then while the photographers edit their work, their partners have their choice of:
Paddle boarding or kayaking on the glass-like lake (complimentary equipment provided)
Joining a guided nature walk to learn about Alaska’s ecosystem
Reading lakeside with the Alaska Range as your backdrop.
There’s even the option of booking an optional ATV tour with our guide Zack for those seeking a fast paced adventure (additional cost)
In the evening we'll all gather around the campfire for s’mores after a five course dinner overlooking the water.
Alyeska Resort & Spa
Everyone will join together to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Animal Sanctuary, where you’ll meet rescued bears, moose, caribou, and other native wildlife.
Then we’ll all take a boat cruise to Portage Lake Glacier, getting within 300 feet of the massive blue ice face—a truly bucket-list Alaska experience.
While the photographers are hard at work editing their take, their partners will experience world-class resort amenities:
tackle the VeilBreaker Skyridge Circuit—a spectacular 2-3 hour hike 2,500 feet above the valley floor with 410 feet of suspension bridges (additional cost)
Indulge in the unforgettable Nordic Spa Experience at the resort (additional cost).
To top it all off (literally!) we will all take a cable car up to the world renowned Seven Glacier restaurant for a gourmet dinner with wine pairings overlooking the mountain range.
Odyssey Lodge:
Based on weather conditions and the group's preferences from a vast choice of activities for both the photographers and their partners:
On the property, explore tide pools at low tide, hike scenic trails, challenge ourselves in the recreation room’s golf simulator, or relax in the sauna overlooking Kachemak Bay.
Weather permitting, sea kayaking in the protected bay offers a serene paddle among potential wildlife sightings.
Seldovia Exploration: Take a boat to this historic Russian-heritage town accessible only by water or air. Wander the boardwalk, visit local shops, and on Labor Day evening, enjoy a live guitar masters concert in this charming village.
Otterbahn Trail: An easy rainforest loop trail in Seldovia leading to Outside Beach, with panoramic views of Kachemak Bay, mountains, and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.
Grewingk Glacier Lake Trail: A scenic, easy-paced hike to a stunning glacial lake with magnificent views of the ice.
Optional Add-On: Book a full-day halibut and salmon fishing charter—an authentic Alaska experience (additional cost).
Wild Birch Hotel
While the photography group focuses on their final book design in the hotel, their partners have a full day to explore Anchorage:
Cultural Option: Take docent-led tour of the Anchorage Museum to dive deep into Alaska’s indigenous cultures, history, art, and the stories that shaped this frontier state.
Active Option: Venture to Kincaid Park (10-minute taxi ride), a vast municipal wilderness area with extensive hiking and biking trails. This is your chance to see moose, bears, and other wildlife in their natural habitat while enjoying stunning views of Cook Inlet and the mountains—a true Alaska wilderness experience right near the city.
After this day of exploration, we will all meet back at the hotel to enjoy craft beers and dinner around the fire pits.
With Us You're Never a Tourist
As usual, we're inviting you to a destination we have a deep relationship to and already know intimately: Gail has been photographing Alaska for more than 30 years, ever since her first assignment covering Denali for the Los Angeles Times. She has returned countless times to explore the state's diverse regions, with a special love for Homer and the remote beauty of Kachemak Bay. Her son Zack—an Alaska-based wildlife photographer for the past decade—will join us as a guide and assistant throughout the workshop.
Find out more about upcoming workshops led by Dotan and Gail at http://storyteller-workshops.com.
Gail and Dotan's teaching styles complement each other perfectly and so do their areas of expertise. The two of them will be with you all day every day: presenting, coaching, providing feedback in the field, and conducting honest, constructive critique sessions.
