Alaska Storyteller Photography includes all mammals currently found in Alaska, whether resident or as migrants. With 112 mammal species, Alaska ranks 12th of the 50 U.S. states in mammalian diversity.
Alaska Storyteller Photography presents the common and scientific names for each species, along with more information and photograph's about the animal. Where the species is unique to Alaska, we present a brief overview of the species. Where the species is not unique to Alaska, we give information about the habits and distribution that are characteristic of animals occurring in the state.
Alaska has quite a variety of fish species. Its lakes, rivers, and oceans are home to fish such as trout, salmon, char, grayling, lampreys, lingcod, pike, and whitefish. Every year, the salmon participate in the great spawning migration up against the river currents. They do this in large numbers and are frequently seen jumping out of the water. This is a physical effort of them trying to go against the current. Bears, particularly brown bears, take advantage of this event by swarming to the rivers, and indulging in the salmon feast. Bear Lake, near Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, has been the site of salmon enhancement activities since 1962.
The techniques of wildlife photography differ greatly from those used in landscape photography. For example, in wildlife photography wide apertures are used to achieve a fast shutter speed, freeze the subject's motion, and blur the backgrounds, while landscape photographers prefer small apertures. Wildlife is also usually shot with long telephoto lenses from a great distance; the use of such telephoto lenses frequently necessitates the use of a tripod (since the longer the lens, the harder it is to handhold). Many wildlife photographers use blinds or camouflage.
Wildlife photography is regarded as being one of the more challenging forms of photography. As well as needing sound technical skills, such as being able to expose correctly, wildlife photographers generally need good field craft skills. For example, some animals are difficult to approach and thus a knowledge of the animal's behaviour is needed in order to be able to predict their actions. Photographing some species may require stalking skills or the use of a hide/blind for concealment.
While wildlife photographs can be taken using basic equipment, successful photography of some types of wildlife requires specialist equipment, such as macro lenses for insects, long focal length lenses for birds and underwater cameras for marine life.
Wildlife Viewing Tips
- Dawn and dusk are the best times for viewing. - Drive to or visit likley places, especially wildlife refuges or national parks. - Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a great close-up shot. - Watch from a distance so both you and the animal are safe. - Be Patient because even when wildlife is abundant it can take time to spot. - Make noise when in thick brush or near spawing salmon to avoid surprising moose and bears.
