Alaska Autumn Landscape & Glacier Photo Tour 2026
Jan Smid • Master QEP • ZEISS Ambassador • 300+ international awards • Alaska Photo Expedition Leader
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13th September – 27th September 2026
Master the peak Aurora Borealis during 2026 maximum solar activity. A field photography expedition built for those who demand control over raw Alaskan conditions. Come away with flawless single shots and high-end panoramas of the crimson tundra and glacial ice.
We teach you to adapt and execute when the landscape refuses to cooperate. No tourist viewpoints—just pure, calculated field work in the last frontier.
Golden tundra, glaciers and Arctic light at peak autumn color.
⏳ Only 2 spots left!
📅 September 13-27, 2026 (15 days)📍 Alaska, USA | 👤 Max 6 Participants | 📸 3 Instructors incl. Jan Smid, Master QEP | 💰 Price: 8990 USD
Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Photo Expedition
Join Jan Smid, Master QEP, for an intensive autumn photography expedition in Alaska, focused on glaciers, tundra and raw wilderness light. This workshop is designed for photographers who want to work in real conditions—reading light, weather and terrain to create strong, authentic landscape images.
Golden tundra, glacier-fed lakes, snow-dusted peaks and pastel Arctic sunsets define Alaska in fall. When conditions allow, we also photograph the Aurora Borealis. With a maximum of 6 participants and 3 instructors, the expedition offers hands-on field mentoring—from single-frame landscapes and panoramas to long exposures and night photography—at carefully selected locations both iconic and remote.
Ready to capture fiery autumn tundra, towering glaciers, and the aurora borealis above Alaska?
👉 Book now and make 2026 the year your portfolio levels up!
“Jan’s experience really showed — we were always at the right place at the right time. Plans were constantly adapted to weather and conditions. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, more like traveling with like-minded photographers than being on a typical workshop. Highly recommended — I’d definitely join another tour with Jan.”
Is This Alaska Photo Expedition Right for You?
Whether you’re a seasoned landscape photographer or just starting your journey, the Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Photo Expedition is designed to accelerate your growth. Under the guidance of Jan Smid (Master QEP) and a team of certified instructors, you’ll capture breathtaking wilderness scenes — from glowing autumn tundra and glacier-fed lakes to the Aurora Borealis dancing over Alaska’s vast landscapes.
This expedition is perfect for photographers who want to:
✅ Capture breathtaking single shots, sweeping panoramas, and nightscapes
✅ Learn pro techniques for Northern Lights photography and long exposures
✅ Master advanced focus, metering, exposure bracketing & focus stacking
✅ Prepare your portfolio for exhibitions or large-format printing
✅ Be part of a small, supportive group with 1-on-1 guidance
Join this Alaska photo expedition & photo workshop and experience the golden season of the Far North like never before — all while taking your landscape photography to the next level!
What Will We See During the Photo Workshop?
We don’t lock ourselves into a fixed schedule — and that’s intentional. Each day is shaped around the best light, colors, and weather conditions, giving you the chance to capture Alaska’s landscapes at their absolute peak.
Beyond the golden hours and nights spent chasing the Aurora Borealis, we’ll immerse ourselves in Alaska’s autumn wilderness: rugged mountain passes, glacier-fed lakes, fiery tundra plateaus, tranquil alpine valleys, and hidden ridgelines with sweeping panoramic views. You’ll photograph both iconic landmarks and remote, off-the-map gems that most travelers never get to experience.
Between major photo sessions, we also weave in moments for documentary-style storytelling and relaxed exploration, making the journey not only highly productive but also unforgettable.
📍Highlights you may experience during the expedition include:
Hatcher Pass — russet tundra, mirror tarns, elegant ridgelines for sunrise/sunset
Matanuska Glacier + Lion’s Head (optional) — long-lens ice abstracts & a commanding bluff view
Kennecott & Root Glacier (safe edge) — historic mill town drama + glacier textures at blue hour
Valdez Trio — Worthington Glacier viewpoints, Blueberry Lake reflections, Valdez Glacier Lake ice at sunset
Denali Highway (east) — tundra plateaus, still coves, huge skies (aurora-friendly)
Portage Pass (optional) — short climb, big “window” view to a tidewater glacier
Seward & Exit Glacier — S-curve riverbeds to ice + moody coastal sunsets (Tonsina/Lowell)
Turnagain Arm & Beluga Point — sweeping tidal lines, distant ranges, occasional beluga sightings
Secret add-ins — weather-driven pop-ups we only reveal to guests on the trip
Optional (free, self-drive): evening bear-viewing scout at road-accessible salmon streams near Valdez—if activity is on.
✨ …and much more. We never reveal all our spots up front 😉 – some places are just too magical to spoil in advance. Trust us: this tour goes far beyond the guidebooks.
Teaser Itinerary — chasing light and adapting to the weather
📍 Days 1–2 · Hatcher Pass Kickoff
Golden hour: mirror tarns & russet ridgelines (fast access, big payoff).
Micro-coaching: composition, tele-layering, bracketing—on the spot.
Aurora window: open northern bowls & still water if the wind drops.
📍 Days 3–4 · Matanuska Glacier Theater
Long-lens lab: blue seracs, graphic ice lines from curated lookouts.
Optional bluff: short hike, huge panorama over ice & braided rivers.
Aurora window: dark roadside pull-outs with zero light pollution.
📍 Days 5–6 · Kennecott & Root (Wrangell–St. Elias)
Iconic mill town: red buildings under 4,000 m peaks—magic at blue hour.
Safe glacier edge: abstracts & meltwater curves (no crevasse terrain).
Optional free bear scout (if salmon are active) at day’s end.
Aurora window: clean valley skies; we hold the night if it pops.
📍 Days 7–8 · Valdez & Thompson Pass Switch-Up
Valdez trio: Worthington viewpoints • Blueberry Lake reflections • Valdez Glacier Lake ice at sunset.
Waterfall play: silky long-exposures in slate canyons.
Aurora window: high-pass clarity.
📍 Days 9–10 · Denali Highway (East) — Big Sky Mode
Minimalist coves & tundra plateaus: pastel dusk, tele compression heaven.
Secret knolls: tiny climbs, massive horizons (guests only).
Aurora window (prime): panoramic north views & mirror-foreground options.
📍 Days 11–12 · Portage ➜ Seward — Glacier & Coast
Portage Pass (optional): short push, jaw-drop glacier “window.”
Coastal blue hour: black-pebble minimalism, driftwood, tide pools.
Exit Glacier patterns: S-curve riverbeds guiding the eye to ice.
Aurora window: sheltered bays for reflections if KP and clouds align.
📍 Days 13–14 · Kenai Lake & Turnagain Arm — Finale
Turquoise coves: glass-calm reflections for a last-light closer.
Beluga Point: sweeping tidal lines & mountain stacks.
Wrap: image reviews, editing flow, departure from Anchorage.
Physically Accessible Photo Tour, Adapted to Your Fitness Level
This expedition is suitable for all levels of fitness. Most photo locations require only light walks. If you're eager for hikes to high-altitude spots, you’ll have that option. And if you prefer an easy photo workshop with accessible viewpoints, we’ve got you covered too.
✅ No one is left behind.
✅ Flexible plan each day based on weather and fitness.
✅ 3 instructors, multiple vehicles = personalized approach.
“The week spent in Lofoten absolutely exceeded my expectations. Jan loves to share his knowledge and is a natural teacher. Each participant benefitted from individual attention and suggestions for improved composition. He taught me to see images differently so I could self-critique and improve my landscapes independently.”
“Jan worked relentlessly to ensure we never missed an opportunity — staying up during nights to check for Aurora Borealis, constantly adapting the schedule to changing weather conditions. He made sure we were always at the right place at the right time, all with a very easy-going and collegial attitude. I can’t recommend his photo expeditions enough.”
“I have participated in 4 photography expeditions organized by Jan, and they have been the most complete photography training I’ve experienced. They combine carefully selected locations with practical, hands-on guidance, from setting up a camera to panorama photography in different conditions. Small groups and 3 instructors present, there is always plenty of individual attention. I highly recommend these expeditions.”
📍 Location: Alaska, USA
📅 Dates: 13th September - 27th September 2026 (15 days/14 nights)
⏱️ Meeting point: Anchorage International Airport (ANC) – individual pick-up for all arriving participants.
👥 Participants: Max 6
👨🏫 Instructors: Jan Smid (Master QEP), Martin Strouhal (QEP), Pavel Drexler (Adobe Certified Professional)
✈️ Flights: Flight support available
💰 Price: 8990 USD
(🇨🇿 Pro účastníky z ČR a SR máme vypsané speciální podmínky a platbu v CZK. Pro českou cenu mě kontaktujte přímo přes formulář níže.)
💼 Deposit: 2999 USD
🏠 Accommodation:Cozy Alaskan cabins & lodges (or mid-range inns where cabins aren’t available), booked in twin rooms; limited single rooms available for an additional supplement.
🍽 Meals: self-catering or restaurants
🌐 Language: English (🇨🇿 český lektor k dispozici)
Why Alaska in Autumn — And Why Jan Smid
Alaska is often called the crown jewel of the North — and for good reason. Vast mountain ranges, endless wilderness, and untamed coastlines create a cinematic backdrop for every shot. And one of the key reasons to join our 2026 expeditions is the exceptional aurora activity expected during the peak of the current solar cycle — explained in detail in this article.
But what makes autumn in Alaska truly unforgettable?
Wildlife Encounters at Their Peak
From grizzly bears preparing for winter to moose roaming the tundra, Alaska in autumn offers incredible opportunities to photograph iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.Fiery Tundra Colors
The landscape transforms into deep reds, golds, and oranges, painting the Last Frontier in breathtaking tones that make every frame pop.Northern Lights Over the Wilderness
With clear, crisp nights and minimal light pollution, autumn is prime time for capturing the Aurora Borealis dancing above mountains, glaciers, and remote valleys.Snow-Dusted Peaks
As the season shifts, the high mountains receive their first snowfall — adding striking contrast to the vibrant autumn colors below.Crisp, Comfortable Temperatures
Cooler days bring fresh, clear air — perfect for hiking, exploring, and long hours of photography without the extremes of winter cold.
And why join with Jan Smid specifically? Because knowing Alaska isn't enough — you need someone who reads light, weather, and terrain in real time and puts you in the right place before the shot happens. With 300+ international awards, a Master QEP qualification, and multiple Alaska expeditions under his belt, Jan doesn't follow itineraries — he follows conditions. That's the difference between coming home with good photos and coming home with your best work.
Pre-Expedition Support & Gear Consultation
You’ll get the absolute most out of this Alaska photo expedition with a DSLR or mirrorless system, a sturdy tripod, and a lens range from wide-angle to telephoto.
Elite Gear Consultation & Support:
Pre-Expedition Consulting: Included in your booking is a full gear audit. Whether you are upgrading your sensor, choosing the right lens lineup, or selecting weather-sealed clothing, we provide expert guidance before the mission begins.
Pro Gear Access: In select cases, we provide the opportunity to test professional-grade equipment directly in the field (limited availability).
Tactical Preparation: After registration, you will receive a comprehensive, high-detail gear list and preparation guide to ensure you are ready for any condition.
Extend Your Results: Exclusive Online Landscape Masterclass
As an expedition participant, you get access to something we don't offer publicly — a private Online Masterclass session reserved exclusively for our expedition guests.
Join before the expedition to arrive with stronger technique — panoramas, exposure control, long exposures or night sky workflow. Or join after to bring your best images to exhibition-ready standard with Jan Smid, Master QEP guiding every step live.
This is not a public webinar. It is a private, invitation-only session — maximum 6 seats, real-time interaction, your questions answered directly.
Private session — exclusive to expedition participants, not available to the public
Live via Zoom — 3 hours including Q&A
Full 4K recording sent to every participant
Original RAW files and practice assets included
Strictly limited to 6 seats per session
Price: $149 USD — exclusively for expedition participants
Add to your booking in the application form
✅ What’s Included in the Price ❌ What’s Not Included
Full photo instruction — led by Jan Smid, Master QEP. Techniques for single shots,
panoramas, seascapes, glacier abstracts, aurora/night, bracketing, stacking, workflow & editing.
Personal mentoring & daily image reviews — constructive feedback sessions every day.
14 nights in hand-picked Alaskan cabins/lodges & mid-range inns — double/twin occupancy as
standard; single room available for a supplement; kitchen/laundry where available.
All ground transport — airport pickup/drop-off (Anchorage), all fuel, parking, Whittier tunnel fee.
Full logistics — permits/parking where needed, precise sunrise/sunset/aurora borealis plans,
safety briefing (bear safety, glacier margins).
Flight assistance — route advice and group coordination (flights not included).
Extras — pre-trip gear & clothing consult, printable packing list; optional Sony gear test
(subject to availability — request in advance).
If the Alaska 2026 expedition inspires you to return to this incredible region, you can join us again on the Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Expedition 2027 — the same top-level program, but with completely different light, colours and atmosphere. Alaska’s autumn changes dramatically year to year, making every expedition a unique experience. (fotoexpedice Aljaška 2027, fotoworkshop Aljaška 2027)
Flights (international & domestic)
Meals & drinks (self-catering / restaurants)
Travel/medical insurance & evacuation coverage
Single-room supplement (on request)
Personal gear (e.g., microspikes, trekking poles, headlamp, bear spray purchase)
Optional paid activities (e.g., Kenai Fjords boat cruise, guided glacier tour, flightseeing Wrangell/Prince William Sound)
Visa/ESTA fees, excess baggage, costs from weather/road closures or itinerary changes beyond our control
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Not at all. This expedition is open to photographers of all levels — from passionate beginners to seasoned professionals. With a small group size and three instructors, you’ll receive tailored guidance that matches your experience and goals. Whether you’re learning how to capture your first aurora or fine-tuning advanced panorama techniques, you’ll get personal support every step of the way.
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Yes! One of the main highlights of the expedition is chasing and photographing the Aurora Borealis. If the skies are clear and the solar activity aligns, you'll be guided on how to capture stunning aurora images, both technically and creatively.
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Autumn in Alaska brings fast-changing weather—from dramatic skies and golden light to moody clouds, coastal rain, and even early snow in the high passes—creating ideal conditions for breathtaking landscapes and the Northern Lights.
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A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, a sturdy tripod, wide-angle and telephoto lenses, ND filters, and weatherproof clothing are essential. After registration, you'll receive a detailed gear checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared.
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If you’d like to return to Alaska after this year’s expedition, you can join the Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Expedition 2027. It features the same high-end itinerary and locations, but Alaska’s autumn colours, weather, light and atmosphere change dramatically every year — making each expedition a completely new photographic experience.
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Ano. I když je web a komunikace primárně v angličtině, účastníci z Česka a Slovenska se hlásí pravidelně. Vše vysvětlíme jasně a srozumitelně — techniku, postupy i práci v terénu. Nemusíte se bát jazykové bariéry. Český lektor je vždy k dispozici.
📅 Limited spots available – Book your place now!
👉 JOIN THE EXPEDITION
💡 Got questions? Reach out directly and we’ll help you with flights, equipment, or anything you need to prepare.