Aerial Alaskan Adventure
September 4 – 9 & 10 – 15, 2026
Overview
Join us as we explore some of the most vast landscapes on earth, remote and rarely photographed glacial valleys hidden deep in Alaska’s wilderness.
We will spend time in the peak of autumn, venturing to some of the most remote backcountry areas. Whether from the skies via helicopter and drone or down below on jet boats, the vast expanse of endless mountain ranges and massive river deltas will leave you in awe.
What Should You Expect?
Alaska’s sweeping landscapes are so grand, we designed this entire trip to photograph them in the best way possible, from the air!
This workshop will require you to bring a drone, but we’re also going to be doing plenty of shooting from the ground, and even taking 2 special helicopter flights to photograph stunning back-country vistas. We’ll not only be photographing Alaska’s brilliant fall colors, but also massive mountains, sweeping valleys, braided rivers and glaciers.
Alaska is a large state and we want to show you the absolute best. There will not be much downtime, and transit between locations will take several hours.
While there is usually abundant wildlife in Alaska, this is not a wildlife focused workshop. Think of any animal sightings as a bonus.
Group Size
Small group of 7 guests
Location
Alaska
Investment
$6500
Fitness
Easy / Moderate Hiking
Instructors
Nickolas Warner
Itinerary
Please note, this exact itinerary is subject to change. We want to get you the best photos possible and will pivot based on the weather.
For the Sept 4-9 dates, this workshop will begin in Anchorage and end in Valdez. For the Sept 10-15 dates, this workshop will begin in Valdez and end in Anchorage.
Day 1: We’ll meet at our hotel in Anchorage for a meet and greet, and to discuss the itinerary & shooting techniques before our first group dinner. After dinner, we’ll photograph a nearby braided river that’s especially beautiful from a drone.
Day 2: We’ll start this trip with a bang, shooting sunrise at a lake that reflects massive mountains. After breakfast, we’ll photograph scenes along the Matanuska river valley. After checking into our hotel in Palmer, we’ll take a doors off helicopter flight to photograph glaciers and peaks deep in the Chugach Mountains. Included are several landings to photograph from the ground as well.
Day 3: We begin our drive into the Alaska Range along the famed Denali highway, photographing fall colors along the way before checking into a quaint lodge.
Day 4: An early morning hike brings us to an alpine lake surrounded by beautiful peaks and stunning tundra colors. If winds are calm, we can photograph a perfect reflection. An afternoon jet boat ride will take us to the middle of the most incredible river delta you’ve seen. From above, you won’t believe the colors and shapes you can photograph here.
Day 5: We depart our small lodge and begin the long drive to Valdez, ending with a doors off helicopter ride over one of the most scenic glaciers in the state. If weather is good, we’ll land and shoot from the ground as well. Overnight in Valdez.
Day 6: We’ll have a final sunrise shoot from an iceberg filled lagoon. The workshop will conclude after breakfast. Plan to fly out of Valdez.
Our second dates will have this itinerary in reverse.
Logistics
Having a few rainy days is common this time of year, bring appropriate gear to keep yourself and your camera dry. While this workshop is scheduled to photograph peak fall colors, there is of course some seasonal variation and we cannot make guarantees.
We want to share everything we know about drone photography with you, but please have a basic understanding of how to use your drone prior to starting the workshop. As a leader, I am Part 107 certified, but you do not need to be.
All participants should be in good physical condition, free of mobility challenges, balance issues and extreme fear of heights (helicopter ride).
You will need to be comfortable hiking up to 2 per day over uneven terrain.
Alaska’s fall weather is varied, but we’re likely going to have a couple of rainy days sprinkled in. Cold mornings and scattered rain showers are expected.
Where we visit during our helicopter flights is entirely dependent on weather. If we have a low ceiling, this could be braided rivers, abstract deltas or a tundra covered hillside. If we have clear skies, we will be heading deep into glacial valleys. Our goal is always to get the most epic photos possible. In the event that we cannot fly due to weather, you will receive a refund in the amount of the helicopter cost.
Images captured on this tour.
Camera Gear
- Bring all your lenses along for this workshop, from 10-400mm
- Circular polarizers
- Drone with at least 3 batteries & extra propellers
- Sturdy, lightweight tripod
- Camera bag with rain cover
Personal Gear
- Knee-high muck boots in addition to regular footwear
- Extra socks
- Rain jacket, rain pants and gloves
- Trekking poles
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp
Fitness Requirements
This workshop is listed as easy to moderate. Most outings will be fairly easy with a max hiking distance of 2 miles per day. Some hikes will be short but strenuous. If you choose not to do these hikes, there will still be other locations to shoot with your drone.
The helicopters we use have a single-passenger weight limit of 300lbs. Please contact me if you want to join but exceed this weight.
Included
- Single occupancy lodging
- All Foods & Snacks
- 4×4 transportation for the duration of the workshop
- Doors Off Helicopter rides (weather dependent)
- Microspikes for any glacier landings.
- Photographic guiding and instruction
- In-depth photoshop sessions (Recorded)
Not Included
- Transportation to and from Anchorage
- Lodging before and after the workshop
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal Items
- Travel Insurance
Pricing
$6500
A $2000 non-refundable deposit will hold your space for this workshop. The remaining payment is required at least 90 days prior to the start of the workshop. Sharing a room with a friend or partner will result in a $500 discount.
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellation request more than 100 days before the start of a workshop will receive a full refund minus your deposit, which can be applied toward a future tour. If you decide not to attend a future workshop, this deposit is forfeited. If you cancel within 100 days, no refunds of any kind will be issued. If you cancel your reservation within 100 days and we are able to fill your space on a tour, we will provide a full refund. Once a tour has started, no refunds will be given for missed outings, delays, weather related events, or elements beyond our control. In the event of an emergency, I’m more than happy to work with you. I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, which covers non-refundable fees and travel expenses. Cancellation requests must be made in writing by emailing me at nickolas.warner@gmail.com