Jennifer Hadley Photography Announces A Curated 2026 Katmai Bear Photography Season

North Carolina, United States, February, 2026.

Jennifer Hadley Photography has announced two wildlife photography tours to photograph bears in Katmai National Park, offering photographers rare, ethically guided access to one of Alaska’s most dynamic wilderness regions. 

The 2026 season has been intentionally divided around the natural progression of bear behaviour across the Alaskan summer, each aligned with a distinct behavioural phase and photographic focus.

Early Summer in Katmai: Coastal Bear Behaviour and Environmental Context

The first expedition takes place in early July and centres on coastal brown bear behaviour along tidal flats and shoreline environments. During this phase, bears are frequently observed moving, interacting, sparring, and foraging across open landscapes, creating strong opportunities for environmental portraits and behavioural storytelling. This early-season experience is detailed on the Katmai Bears photography expedition page.

Long daylight hours and varied light conditions allow photographers to place wildlife within the wider context of Katmai’s rugged coastal scenery. Group sizes are intentionally limited to support flexibility in the field and extended time working with composition, light, and animal behaviour.

Peak Summer in Katmai: Salmon Run and High-Intensity Bear Photography

The second expedition is scheduled for late July into early August, coinciding with the height of the salmon run. During this period, brown bears gather in creeks and waterways to fish, compete, and assert dominance, resulting in fast-paced, high-energy photographic opportunities. This later-season experience is outlined on the Fishing Bears of Katmai expedition page.

This phase of the season is designed for photographers seeking dramatic action and iconic Katmai imagery. Smaller group sizes allow for increased mobility, precise positioning, and extended time in areas of peak wildlife activity, with daily plans shaped by bear movement, water levels, and light conditions.

Photography focused tours across the Katmai Season

Although each expedition offers a distinct experience, both trips are built on the same foundation of safety, ethics, and photographer-first design. Each is based from a remote wilderness camp accessible only by bush plane and supported by professionally trained bear guides, allowing photographers to work safely while maintaining respectful distances and minimal impact on wildlife.

Both expeditions prioritise small groups, flexible daily planning, and extended time in prime photographic conditions rather than rigid schedules or high-volume touring. This season-based structure reflects a broader philosophy of designing wildlife photography experiences around natural rhythms, rather than forcing the environment to fit a predetermined itinerary.

The 2026 Katmai bear photography season offers photographers two unique opportunities with Jennifer Hadley Photography to engage with the same extraordinary landscape at different moments in its natural cycle. Each expedition is offered separately, with limited availability maintained throughout the season to preserve access, safety, and photographic integrity. If you have questions or would like to explore whether one of these trips is the right fit, you can get in touch here.

Released in collaboration with WildBeest Media.

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