Shoot Like a Pro - The Brown Bears of Hallo Bay

Katmai National Park in Alaska is a haven for Brown Bears, and an easy and exciting destination for wildlife photographers. While there are more popular places, Hallo Bay, on the southern coast, is where the real pros go to shoot.

Brooks Lodge, in Katmai, is a great place to get the shot of a bear on the waterfall with the salmon jumping into his mouth. There is even a platform set up to facilitate this. It’s a wonderful shot, but everyone who visits, returns with the same image. Brooks Lodge is also a very busy place in the summer, which can affect your ability to shoot.

A more productive area is Hallo Bay on the southern coast of Katmai. It’s a large bay where Brown Bears graze on sedges, chase salmon and even dig for clams. It is a prolific place and on any given day, you can look around and see 15 - 35 bears. By positioning well and waiting for the bears to come to you, it’s possible to get incredible close up images of Brown Bears. Plus, the images you take will be both unique and natural. Weather can sometimes turn sour, so giving yourself a few days, will help ensure you return home with fantastic bear images.

Equipment ideas:

1. Telephoto Lens: Bring your big lenses. These will help you get that full frame face shot.
2. Tripod: Yes, they are awkward and heavy to carry, but they are a must, especially with longer lenses.
3. Wide angle lenses: Hallo Bay is also very scenic place.
4. Macro Lens: There are lots of flowers to shoot, which can add to the ’story’ of the place.
5. Waterproof case for your camera gear.
6. Lots of memory cards. The boat has power for your laptop or storage device, but when you are ashore, it’s not a quick thing to get back to the ship to swap cards. Bring plenty with you, so you don’t miss a shot.
7. Extra batteries. The moment your batteries die, is when all of the best action happens, so be prepared.

It’s possible to visit by float plane for an afternoon or full day, but spending a few days on a boat will give you more time to shoot, and the flexibility to follow if the bears move to another bay. Boats also have electricity so you can download your images and re-charge your batteries. There are two boats that service the area: The Waters, run by John Waters http://www.katmaibears.com/, and another boat run by Chuck Keim, Katmai Coastal Explorer, http://www.thegrizzlysanctuary.com/. Both have worked in the area for many years and have experienced crews and guides.

If you are serious about Brown Bear photography, Hallo Bay should be on your list.

Colin McNulty has worked as a Natural History Guide and Professional Photographer for over 18 years. He now operates an Travel site where he offers natural history expeditions to remote destinations around the world. For more information on photography and exciting destinations, visit http://www.rosmaru.com. Colin offers regularly updated photo tips on his site http://www.rosmaru.com/photography.