One of the most unforgettable moments from my recently concluded Ultimate Brown Bears of Katmai workshop came when a massive Coastal Brown Bear charged through the water in hot pursuit of a salmon. The power, speed, and sheer determination on display were nothing short of awe-inspiring.
We were treated to countless close encounters like this throughout our time in Katmai National Park — and honestly, we couldn’t have asked for better weather. Overcast skies, soft light, and active bears made for a photographer’s dream.
This image was captured using the Sony A1 II paired with the Sony 300mm f/2.8 lens. The settings were: ISO 4000, f/2.8, 1/5000s. Shooting wide open with a fast shutter speed was key to freezing the action and creating a sense of intensity and motion — while still isolating the bear beautifully from the background.
Getting low, staying patient, and being ready made all the difference. It’s these split-second movements — the spray of water, the focus in the bear’s eyes — that turn a photo into a story with high visual impact.
Huge thanks to everyone who joined me on this wild adventure. Can’t wait to share more images and memories from the trip soon!
Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear Charging Salmon (Ursus arctos, ours brun) from my Ultimate Coastal Brown Bears of Katmai adventure workshop in Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens. ISO 4,000, f/2.8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.
Off the Trail: Meet William from Kodiak
Sometimes, the most memorable parts of a trip have nothing to do with itineraries or camera gear — they’re the people you meet along the way.
While wandering the harbour in Kodiak, Alaska (something I love to do whenever I visit a new place), I met William — a seasoned fisherman and the personality behind Happy Hookers Fishing Charters. With decades of stories etched into his expression, he welcomed me into a conversation like we’d known each other for years.
William has been running charters out of Kodiak for some time, taking folks out on the water to experience the incredible fishing this part of Alaska has to offer. But now, he’s gearing up for a new kind of journey — setting his sights on Central America for his next chapter.
We talked about travel, life on the ocean, and the kind of freedom that comes with following your own tide. It was one of those unexpected encounters that stays with you.
Thanks for the conversation and the friendship, William. Wishing you smooth sailing and great stories ahead — wherever the next harbour may be.
