Nome, Alaska - 2027 Tour - SOLD OUT

Cost

• $6,950 (Lodging and transportation throughout workshop are included. Airfare and meals are not included.)

• $2,000 non-refundable deposit due on signup. Balance of $4,950 due by February 1, 2027

• Free 2 Hour Image Review and Processing Bonus Session after the tour to help with processing questions

Tour Objective

Our objective is to fully immerse ourselves in the extraordinary birdlife and diverse habitats of Nome. Over six days, we'll explore the region's breathtaking landscapes—from flower-covered tundra and willow thickets to pristine tundra ponds, coastal lagoons, and expansive shorelines. Each habitat offers unique photographic opportunities and the chance to capture an incredible variety of Arctic birds in their natural environment, making for an unforgettable bird photography experience.

Description

Experience one of North America's premier bird photography destinations on this six-day workshop in Nome, Alaska. Perched on the edge of the Arctic, Nome is renowned for its incredible diversity of breeding birds and offers photographic opportunities found virtually nowhere else in the United States. During the height of the nesting season, we'll explore the region's spectacular habitats—including flower-filled tundra, willow thickets, tundra ponds, coastal lagoons, and expansive shorelines—in search of an amazing variety of Arctic species.

Our subjects will include colorful shorebirds in breeding plumage, waterfowl, jaegers, loons, ptarmigans, songbirds, and many other Arctic specialties. Whether photographing intimate portraits, environmental scenes, behavior, or action, you'll have countless opportunities to create memorable images against the breathtaking backdrop of Alaska's vast, wild tundra.

We'll spend long, productive sessions in the field, taking full advantage of Nome's extraordinary Arctic daylight. In June, the sun sets around 1:30 AM and rises again around 4:50 AM, with an extended period of beautiful twilight in between when it never truly gets dark.

To maximize these incredible conditions, we'll flip our schedules and photograph primarily through the night. Most sessions will begin around 8:00–9:00 PM and continue until approximately 8:00–9:00 AM. Participants should plan to sleep during the day, allowing us to spend our time in the field during the hours of the best light and highest bird activity.

Every outing will be planned around bird behavior, weather, and lighting to maximize photographic opportunities. The soft, low-angle light and seemingly endless golden-hour conditions allow us to create everything from striking portraits and environmental compositions to dynamic action images and fascinating behavioral photographs. Every day brings new species, new habitats, and fresh photographic opportunities, making Nome one of the most exciting and rewarding bird photography destinations in North America.

Travel

Fly into Nome, Alaska. Airport transfers are included with the workshop. I will personally pick participants up from the Nome airport upon arrival and provide all transportation throughout the workshop. I will also arrange and coordinate all hotel accommodations, making the logistics as seamless as possible so you can focus on enjoying the experience and creating great images.

Hotel

TBD

Schedule

Evening Session

• Meet in the hotel lobby around 6:00-7:00 p.m. to get food for the entirety of the session

• Head into the field as the light begins to soften.

• Photograph a variety of Arctic species during the beautiful evening light and extended twilight.

• Continue photographing throughout the night

Morning Session

• Continue photographing through sunrise and the early morning hours, taking advantage of the best light of the day.

• Return to the hotel around 8:00–9:00 AM, depending on weather, bird activity, and photographic opportunities.

• The remainder of the day is free to rest, sleep, download images, and prepare gear before meeting again for the evening session.

Please note that this schedule is flexible and may be adjusted to take advantage of weather, lighting conditions, bird activity, and unique photographic opportunities.

Meals

Because we will be photographing throughout the night, our meal schedule will be a little different than a typical workshop. Before each evening session, we'll meet to pick up food and drinks for the night. Participants can choose whatever they would like, and we'll bring our meals with us into the field so we can maximize our time photographing during the best light and bird activity.

What to Bring

Photography Gear

• There are a large variety of birds which we will photograph between 600-840mm. A 600mm lens is highly recommend or a 400mm with a TC. If you own a telephoto prime and a zoom you may want to bring both

• 1.4 teleconverter is high recommended

• I recommend bringing at least one back up camera.

• Bring lots of extra batteries and a rapid charger.

• Bring as many  memory cards with as much storage as you can as it is not uncommon to fill up 320gb or more in a single session.

• I also highly recommend bringing a laptop or other external storage to transfer your images from your memory cards.

Other Gear

• Chest waders

• Monopod and ground pod. Tripods are optional

Clothes

• Rain jacket and pants

• Warm fleece hoodie

• Hat and mosquito netting

• Gloves (bring for cold and also lightweight gloves to protect your hands from bugs)

• Long johns, wool cap, scarf or buff neckwear and puffer jacket

• Sunscreen

Weather

Weather in Nome can vary significantly throughout the workshop. Temperatures in the mountains may drop into the 20s during the night, while daytime temperatures can reach the 60s or even 70s. Please bring layered clothing and gear that will keep you comfortable and warm across this wide range of conditions. Note that there is a washer and dryer in the hotel.

Physical Activity

This workshop requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Participants should be prepared to hike over uneven terrain, climb hills, wade into tundra ponds, and walk across wet, soft, and uneven tundra, which can be physically demanding. In addition, our schedule will be reversed so we can photograph throughout the night, meaning you'll be sleeping during the day. The combination of long field sessions, challenging terrain, and an overnight schedule can be physically taxing, so participants should be comfortable with these conditions before registering.

My Responsibilities

Throughout the workshop, I will handle all transportation, lodging logistics, and daily planning so you can focus on photography. I will continually scout locations, monitor weather and bird activity, and adjust our schedule to maximize photographic opportunities. In the field, I'll provide personalized instruction on camera settings, exposure, autofocus, composition, bird behavior, and field techniques, while ensuring everyone has the best possible opportunity to create outstanding images and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

My Ask

My biggest hope is that you have an incredible time, learn something new, and head home with memory cards full of beautiful images. I love talking about birds, photography, cameras, and gear, and I'm here to help however I can. If you have a question, need advice, or want help with anything during the workshop, please don't hesitate to ask.

Cancellation Policy

Participants who cancel may receive a refund of all amounts paid, less a $500 cancellation fee, only if Isaac Grant Photo Tours, LLC is able to fill the vacated spot. If the spot cannot be filled, no refund will be issued. Cancellations made within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the trip’s scheduled departure date are non-refundable under all circumstances. Once the trip has been paid in full, all payments are non-refundable.

Participant Conduct

All participants in workshops and tours operated by Isaac Grant Photo Tours, LLC agree to conduct themselves in a respectful, lawful, and professional manner at all times, including, but not limited to, treating fellow participants, guides, staff, property, and the public with respect, and complying with all applicable laws, as well as all instructions, policies, and guidelines provided by Isaac Grant Photo Tours, LLC. Isaac Grant Photo Tours, LLC reserves the sole and absolute right, in its discretion, to remove any participant at any time for behavior deemed unsafe, disruptive, unlawful, or otherwise inconsistent with these standards or the orderly operation of the trip. Any participant removed under this provision must leave the workshop or tour immediately and shall forfeit all fees and payments made. Isaac Grant Photo Tours, LLC shall have no liability or responsibility for any additional costs or expenses incurred by the participant, including, without limitation, lodging, transportation, rental vehicles, meals, or any other incidental expenses.

Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Unforeseen circumstances may arise, and obtaining travel insurance is the most effective way to protect your investment. Participants are solely responsible for reviewing the terms, conditions, and exclusions of any travel insurance policy to ensure a full understanding of what is and is not covered.