My Recent Trip to Alaska – Fairbanks

I just got back from my trip to Alaska and it was fantastic!! I learned a lot and I can’t wait to go back.

My friends Tim and Desiree have been telling me for years that I should visit and finally, I took the leap. A 10 day trip is just not enough, I wanted to see every thing.

I first set out to Fairbanks in order to attempt to shoot the Northern Lights. It is a six hour drive from Anchorage, but if I had stopped every time I wanted to take a picture, I would not have made it. The drive is beautiful. Many photographers try to shoot the Aurora Borealis, but you really need the perfect conditions in order to be successful. I had planned to stay in Fairbanks for two days and then go to Denali National Park, but the weather was not good those two days. The forecast showed promis for the third night; so I extended my stay.

I was staying at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks and frankly, it is one of the better places I have stayed. I cannot say enough about this hotel, the staff is great, the location is convenient; definitely stay there if you are traveling to Fairbanks.

I made several trips out to Chena Hot Springs road in order to scout locations for a night shoot (this is a must). Many people don’t realize the amount of time that it can take to do the footwork, but it pays off.

On the third night, I was blessed with good weather and an active aurora! It was like a gift. Unless you have stood outside and watched the dancing ribbons of light in the sky for yourself, it is hard to understand how magical the experience is. I was mesmerized. Definitely my favorite night of the trip.