Newsletter Moments Volume 3: spring 2025

Spring is Here!

The chill of the winter air is warming and new life is beginning to emerge. As the springtime storms bring a promise of abundance and life, birds are building their nests and flowers are beginning to bloom. Another key marker of the arrival of spring is the arrival of humpback whales in Southeast Alaska. I just returned from an absolutely awesome week in Sitka, Alaska where I had the privilege of witnessing dozens of humpback whales bubble-net feeding on large schools of herring. Pictured above is one if the many feeding displays I was lucky enough to capture! The humpback whales have just returned from their migration to warmer waters in the winter months. During their winter migration they do not eat. All of their energy is spent on breeding, birthing calves, and raising their young. Needless to say, when they return to their Spring/Summer feeding grounds, they are VERY hungry! Humpback whales are baleen whales and they time there arrival in Southeast Alaska with the herring spawn. The waters are filled with millions of spawning herring and the humpback whales take full advantage. They merge into groups to make the most of the abundant feeding opportunity by practicing bubble-net feeding. Once a school of herring is located, the whales dive below the school and swim in a circle while blowing bubbles. This forms a 'net' around the fish and disorients them causing them to swim in a tight ball. The whales then swim up to the surface, trapping the ball of fish against the surface of the water. Now it is time to feast! The whales swim to the surface in tandem and open their huge mouths to capture as many herring as they can! When they close their mouths their baleen allows them to filter out the salt water and swallow the many, many fish they just caught. Using these feeding methods which have been mastered and passed down by previous generations, the whales are able to feast on up to 2,000 pounds of fish per day!

Hello!

It means a lot to me that you are here. Photography has brought me to destinations I never imagined I would go, introduced me to the most talented and beautiful souls, and awarded me countless life-changing wildlife encounters. I am beyond thankful and humble for everything photography has awarded me. I am truly honored to share my journey with you.

Would you like to travel through the waters of Southeast Alaska with me as your personal photography guide?

I am partnering with A Whales Song Expeditions to offer a guided photography tour of Seldom Seen Alaska! Our captain will guide us through the rich, vibrant waters, lush landscapes, and icy fjords of the Alexander Archipelago bringing us close to iconic Alaskan wildlife such as whales, bears, otters, eagles, and so much more! (Always while keeping a safe and respectful distance). I will offer one-on-one ethical wildlife photography guidance as well as tips & tricks, techniques & critiques to help you bring your photography knowledge to the next level and ensure you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.