SOME HIGHLIGHTS

ST PAUL
St Paul is one of the famed Pribilof Islands, a group of four islands in the Bering Sea, more than 500 kilometers from mainland Alaska. The journey begins with a spectacular flight over Alaska’s vast wilderness: glaciers stretching to the horizon, turquoise glacial lakes, untouched mountain ranges, and endless wetlands pass beneath us before we leave the coast and continue out over the open sea. Far ahead, St Paul rises from the waves – rugged, wild, and utterly unique.

Upon landing, the photographic adventure begins immediately. We stay at the island’s small airport—the only overnight accommodation—allowing us to get into the field quickly. St Paul’s nature is raw and pristine; open tundra meets rocky coastlines and vertical cliffs where waves crash under ever-changing light.

Its isolated location between two continents has made St Paul a magnet for breeding seabirds, and a bucket-list destination for wildlife photographers. The cliffs teem with life as spectacular alcids fill the skies: tufted puffin, horned puffin, parakeet auklet, crested auklet, and least auklet. The thick-billed murre is often visible in the waters around the island. Their vivid colors, striking proportions, and constant activity make St Paul one of the most inspiring photographic destinations.

The trip also offers encounters with Red-legged kittiwakes, Red-faced cormorants, and the powerful gray-crowned rosy-finch, the largest finch in the world. The island’s endemic rock sandpiper is a near-constant companion, appearing almost everywhere.

Beyond the birds, there are opportunities to photograph Arctic foxes in their dark summer coat, elegant colonies of northern fur seals resting on the rocks, and a small population of domesticated caribou that roam the open tundra. In short, St Paul is a place where nature sets the rhythm, and every hour brings new photographic opportunities—an Arctic adventure at its most dramatic and intense.

TUFTED PUFFIN
A medium-sized pelagic seabird, the tufted puffin inhabits the North Pacific. During breeding, it is unmistakable with its large reddish bill and bright yellow tufts. Tufted puffins are one of St Paul’s jewels and perhaps the most iconic species for this photo journey. Their elegant tufts, vibrant bill, and contrasting face patterns make them extremely photogenic. Morning light on the white facial plate, wind lifting the tufts, or birds perched on a cliff shrouded in mist creates images of almost mythical quality—perfect for portraits, close-ups, and graphic compositions.

HORNED PUFFIN
Another member of the puffin family, the horned puffin inhabits northeast Asia and northwest North America. Its “horns”—dark feather stripes above the eyes—give the bird a striking expression ideal for portrait photography. The colorful bill and pale face create clear graphic contrasts, even in soft light. Horned puffins often sit exposed on cliff ledges, making low-angle shots and environmental compositions possible.

PARAKEET AUKLET
A small seabird of the North Pacific, the parakeet auklet is round and charming with a short bill and large eyes, making it one of the most endearing subjects on the trip. They often gather in small groups, perfect for social behavior images. Their quick, bouncing flight also provides opportunities for action shots, especially when diving from cliffs.

CRESTED AUKLET
Known for its spectacularly colorful plumage, the crested auklet is an Arctic favorite. The black body, bright orange bill, and elegant crest blowing in the wind create perfect ingredients for dramatic portraits. Against muted cliffs and misty seascapes, the reds are intensified, and light, wind, and waves add a raw Arctic feel.

LEAST AUKLET
One of the world’s smallest alcids, roughly the size of a greenfinch, the least auklet nests along coasts of eastern Siberia and western Alaska. Its rapid movements are challenging but rewarding for photographers. The stark contrast between its white underside and dark back is striking even in overcast light. Small groups allow intimate close-ups, and in flight, the wings create dynamic action sequences.

RED-LEGGED KITTIWAKES
A locally restricted and threatened gull species, closely related to the three-toed gull. It is small, long-winged, with short legs and gray wings tipped in black. Its red legs and feet make it distinct, lending itself beautifully to minimalist images against windswept coastal backdrops.

RED-FACED CORMORANT
Easily recognized by its black plumage, white flank patch, and bright red facial skin extending over the bill and eye down to the chin. The species displays a prominent tuft during breeding. Often perched on cliff ledges above crashing seas, they are perfect subjects for silhouette shots and strong graphic compositions.

PHOTOGRAPHIC LEARNING
Throughout the journey, our photographic leader provides continuous guidance tailored to your experience and skill level. We hold theoretical sessions focusing on composition and how to create images that are more than simple documentation. We also explore techniques for photographing birds using long shutter speeds. In the field, each participant receives individual guidance, ensuring that you make the most of every photographic opportunity during our time in the Arctic.

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