TRIP LEADER BIOS & PHOTO NOTES

HOW WE SELECTED THIS TRIP WITH PHOTOGRAPHY IN MIND:

The Experience: While the images we will return home with are undoubtedly the main focus (pun intended), the intimate experience of being so close to these animals as they go about their lives; feeding, playing, fighting, living...is an unforgettable and indelible feeling. You'll not only come back with images not possible when seeing brown bears elsewhere, but you'll know that you connected with these animals and this place in way few humans are able to experience.
Destination: Alaska is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and Katmai, in particular, is a feast for the lens! Photographing bears, otters, bald eagles, puffins, etc., is always amazing, but to have the added bonus of such a spectacular landscape in which to do it is surreal.
Timing: Mid-August is shoulder season of sorts, with cubs still present and golden-colored bears a possibility, while fishing bears have already begun to feast in anticipation of the cooling weather to come. The weather tends to be best for photography and conditions on the water are calmer than at other times of year.
Small size: With a maximum of 10 travelers, this journey is a perfect size for imagers looking to get away from the larger photo tours, be nimble on our feet, adapt to changing situations, and take advantage of all that small groups provide.
Bear Guide: Our Bear Guide, Erik, grew up in the Kachemak Peninsula and has been guiding small groups in bear country for over a decade. His experience, knowledge, and ability to predict the movement of the bears—many of whom he knows by name—is a major boon to our group. Not only can he get us in the position to achieve excellent images but he is able to safely manage the group around these wild animals with a comfort and confidence born from years of success. He is a veritable bear whisperer!
Ship: Cozy, warm, comfortable, and most importantly, able to get into the nooks and crannies of Katmai that larger ships simply aren't able to, The Dream Catcher is a perfect vessel for a small group of shutterbugs to explore this stunning region. You'll love Captain Rob, Sky, and their wonderful crew!

TRIP LEADER / PHOTO PRO

Temu Nana has been leading educational journeys around the globe for over a decade, and in particular photo tours the past 7 years with Open Sky Expeditions. Beginning primarily as a professional tour manager—given his extensive experience in travel logistics, attention to detail, and a knack for making people feel at ease—Temu’s ambitious international travel schedule quickly accelerated photography from a fun hobby to a profession. And in the process he discovered an aptitude and interest in teaching others how to compose the most compelling images and most effectively use their photo equipment. That he has done so while on tour in countless environments on all 7 continents give him an edge that can’t be learned in a classroom, or even by the most seasoned photo pros that host a trip here and there.

Temu’s photography covers the gamut in styles, but his top passions are wildlife, landscape, and astro/night photography. When he is not half-way across the globe leading intrepid travelers, you'll likely find Temu photographing the night sky (via increasingly intricate equipment set-ups that make us scratch our heads...), editing photos, hiking about, or preparing a photo presentation for a variety of audiences both online & in-person. These include schools, camera clubs, companies like Facebook, and photo education outlets like Unique Photo where he recently offered an online astrophotography mentorship.

Temu returns to Katmai for a 3rd time in 2024, after his initial in-person scouting 2019, and the group trip he led in 2022—all together with our bear guide Erik below. He is excited to again share the incredible experience of being in the wilderness of Katmai, camera in hand, witnessing the awesome beauty of wild Alaska.

You can find his photography online at:

Personal photography website
Instagram: @tknana_astro (original account, now mainly night sky) | @tknana_photo (newer, general account)

BEAR GUIDE / EXPEDITION LEADER

Our Bear Guide & Expedition Leader Erik was born and raised in Alaska and is happiest in the wilderness of his home. He has been guiding in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest for over 28 years, leading thousands of people into the wilds, forging a deep relationship with the land and wildlife in the process. He is very comfortable leading photographer clients and excels at getting them into the right positions for the perfect shot, all while keeping them safe and secure. Between his extensive experience and skill as an expedition leader/bear guide and his natural extroverted nature, Erik delights in discovery with a rich sense of adventure.

On a personal level, his greatest discovery is fatherhood and family, shared with his two children and beautiful wife Olympia. The four of them are blessed to live in a wilderness to which his children connect daily, fostering trust and understanding in one of the last remaining frontiers. Erik can't wait to lead you on the adventure of a lifetime!

If I'm not a serious photographer, or don't even consider myself a "photographer;" is this trip for me?

YES. While photography is the thing that draws many of us in, you'll benefit from all of the same things photographers do: proximity to the animals, an expert guide to inform us about the bears and other wildlife, and the ability to access areas impossible in larger groups. As long as you wish to have an intimate experience with the incredible animals of Katmai—and the land itself—this tour will be for you.

I'm an experienced photographer. Will I benefit from what you're offering?

As an experienced photographer, you'll appreciate the ability to get close to the wildlife with the knowledge that your guide and tour manager are not only making sure of your safety but also attending to the various details of the trip, allowing you to concentrate on shooting. With our small ship and experienced guide, we'll put you in position to get shots other operators simply can't offer.

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