OUR TEAM
Our Team of Alaska Photography Guides
Amber Johnson
Amber is a professional commercial photographer, born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She received her BFA from University of New Mexico with emphasis in fine art photography. She works with numerous local and national clients, and sells stock images through Alaska Stock. Her passion is outdoor and nature photography, which she brings as your Alaska photography tour guide.
In 2006, she was recognized with a “Highly Honored” distinction in the Plant Life category for the Windland Smith Rice International Awards (sponsored by Nature’s Best Photography and the Smithsonian Institution); her image was featured in an exhibition at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. She has exhibited her photography at the Anchorage Museum and Alaska State Museum in Juneau as part of the All Alaska Biennial, Alaska Positive, and Rarefied Light juried shows. She’s also been featured in Alaska Magazine, and participated in many solo, group, and juried shows. Amber currently serves on the Alaska Society of Outdoor Nature Photographers‘ Board of Directors and as the organization’s secretary.
When she’s not working, she’s usually busy documenting her wilderness adventures backcountry skiing, packrafting, and mountain biking. See her work and learn more at Amber Johnson Photography.
Amber guides our Sunset Photo Safari, Turnagain Arm Highlights, Anchorage Winter Wonderland, and some private tours.
Anna Deruelle
Anna was raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and was first introduced to photography while in high school. What began as a creative outlet quickly grew into a lifelong appreciation for the way photography can preserve experiences and tell stories. During her early photographic development, she worked for Jeff Schultz at his Alaska Stock agency.
Some of Anna’s favorite parts of life in the Great Land are the easy access to the outdoors and the ever-changing character of the seasons. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee and walking the Coastal Trail with a friend or heading up to the hillside for a day of Nordic skiing in the winter, she appreciates that in Alaska, it doesn’t take much planning to spend time somewhere beautiful.
When she’s not guiding, Anna can often be found rock climbing, hanging out with her three cats, and consuming questionable amounts of coffee.
Barry DoNAlDSON
Barry Donaldson is a photographer, writer, and former U.S. Army officer based in Alaska. His interest in photography started 20 years ago, when he first saw the American Southwest. He started with a point-and-shoot, taking generally terrible photos of the landscapes that interested him. As his skill and eye improved, so did his gear, progressing to a full-frame DSLR and high-end glass.
While obviously enjoying the sights Alaska provides, what most interests him is the ephemeral nature of the outdoors. Whether it’s light breaking through a storm cloud, spotlighting on a mountain face, an eagle snatching fish straight from the sea, a honeybee flying amidst lupine, or the electromagnetic fireworks that are the northern lights, he loves it all. In addition to traditional photography, he’s also a huge nerd and loves drones and the interesting perspectives they give.
You can see some of Barry’s work at www.barrydonaldson.com.
Ben Traylor
Ben was born in Texas but moved to Alaska in the early 80s. He primarily loves to photograph the beautiful landscapes and wildlife Alaska has to offer. He is most passionate about capturing the aurora borealis during the long, dark winter nights. The thrill of capturing the ever-changing northern lights is what you will find him doing most winter nights.
Ben’s most notable photo credits include the November 2016 cover of Alaska magazine. He has had several photos published in the Alaska Railroad calendar from 2016-2019. He was also one out of the thirty selected Rarified Light winners that were on display in 2015. Most recently, he won the grand prize for the 2020 Yakutia Airlines Photo Contest, which included a round trip airfare to the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula.
Ben is a member of the Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers. You can see his work online at Traylor Photography.
Ben is a Lead Guide and our Operations Manager. He guides all of our day tours and some private tours, as well as manage our fleet, supplies, and equipment for tours. He also helps with representing Alaska Photo Treks at trade shows and conventions.
Carl Johnson
Born and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Carl Johnson started his photography career while serving in the U.S. Navy, where he was a ship’s photographer for two commands and trained in a documentary and photojournalistic style. Early photographic successes included photographing the launch of a Tomahawk missile using a single-shot film camera. His later work as a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota, along with his exposure to the writings of Sigurd Olson and the images of Jim Brandenburg, inspired his passion for nature photography. They also informed his belief in using photography to promote conservation. Carl’s greatest photographic passion lies in coming to fully understand a particular location, photographing all of its wonders, from small plants to vast landscapes, and increasingly the people who live with the land and call it home.
Carl has served as the artist-in- residence for Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Badlands National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Shenandoah National Park. He was the “Environmental Issues” winner for the Windland Smith Rice International Awards in 2010. In 2017, Carl was awarded the Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Still Photography, Film, or Video by the Alaska Conservation Foundation. He has worked as a guest lecturer and instructor for Tony Robbins, Princess Cruise Lines, and several remote lodges in Alaska.
Carl’s first book, Where Water is Gold, was published by Braided River in June 2016. Recognized by Jim Brandenburg as a “masterpiece and a visual delight,” and PDN Magazine as “a love letter to a place,” Where Water is Gold explores the amazing ecosystem and way of life in Alaska’s Bristol Bay region. He is an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers. Carl is also a member of Professional Photographers of America, Nikon Professional Services, the North American Nature Photography Association, and the Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers and Visit Anchorage. He is also a founding Board member for Alaska Dark Skies, the Alaska chapter for Dark Sky International.
Carl lives in Anchorage with his wife, Michelle, who is a co-owner of Alaska Photo Treks. Carl and Michelle also own and operate Greatland Graphics.You can view his photography and purchase prints of his work at arcticlight-ak.com.
Carl teaches our classes, is the primary workshop leader, guides many of our private tours, and represents the company at trade shows and conventions.
Chad Kotter
Chad Kotter grew up among the Rockies in Utah and Idaho before the Air Force brought him to Alaska in 1998. Chad transferred to the Alaska Air National Guard to remain in his adopted home state, and retired in 2018 after spending the previous 20 years seeing the world, visiting over 30 countries, and deploying 6 times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He currently works for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Electronics Technician, maintaining navigation aids to ensure pilots find their way home safely.
Photography transitioned from hobby to passion after Chad discovered the art of capturing Alaska’s beautiful aurora, and prompted him to embark on an endless journey of learning to see our world through the lens. When not behind his camera on cold winter nights, you can usually find him running sound for his wife’s band Zen Trembles, which he also manages and roadies for.
Chad guides our Anchorage Aurora Quest, Private Aurora Tour, and other day tours like Sunset Photo Safari.
Colin Tyler
Growing up in the lakes area of northern Minnesota, Colin developed a connection with the natural world at a young age. Upon moving to Alaska in 1996 to pursue what would be a short-lived career in human services, he soon discovered the art of photography after receiving a camera for Christmas – a gift that would change the course of his life. He ultimately resigned himself from the career he had studied for so diligently to pursue a new purpose; a decision that he has never regretted, and as a result, his life has been filled with a wealth of experiences, adventure, and subsequently, gratitude.
After attending a beginning photography course at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, as well as a class at a local community education organization, Colin began to find satisfaction in creating beautiful, unique images of wildlife and natural scenes. During the first year of discovering his new camera, Colin was grateful to have a photograph published with the Anchorage Daily News. That same image would later be published in Alaska Magazine.
Since that first year, Colin has had numerous images published and his work is represented by two stock photo agencies. Publications include the Associated Press, Alaska Magazine, US Postal Service, Anchorage Daily News, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Lake Country Journal Magazine, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine, American Essence Magazine, and AT&T. Additionally, he has written editorial pieces for publications including Alaska Magazine and the Lake Country Journal of Minnesota. His photography has received numerous awards in juried competitions and three of his images were featured in the 2021 AlaskaWild exhibit. One of his most cherished accomplishments was having an image featuring the aurora borealis and Big Dipper over Denali used by the US Postal Service on the “International Polar Year” commemorative stamp sheet in 2007. In 2023, Colin published Seasons of the Nature Center: A Photographic Journey of Seasonal Transitions at the Eagle River Nature Center. You can purchase his book on his website below.
In recent years, Colin’s desire to explore and create has taken him to international destinations where he’s had the opportunity to witness beautiful, exotic locations and wildlife, and interact with foreign cultures, in places like India, Cambodia, New Zealand, Australia, Cuba, Iceland, and recently, Namibia. Perhaps the greatest lesson he has received from the art of photography is what it has taught him about himself and his desire to explore and create. Colin has now taken that desire and launched a photo tour company, Nat Expo Tours, with a fellow photographer from Montana. They currently lead groups in Cuba, Iceland, Namibia, and more. He is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers, Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers (where he also serves on the Board), and North American Nature Photography Association.
Colin will always find the means to explore, create, and share the magic of the natural world. It is not only his dream; it has become his purpose. You can view his images at Colin Tyler Photography.
Colin guides our Anchorage Aurora Quest, Private Aurora Tour, private tours, and day tours like the Sunset Photo Safari.
Cory Lescher
Born and raised in Oregon, Cory grew up playing in the mountains and backcountry of the Pacific Northwest, and that is what sparked his love for the outdoors. In his free time, Cory can be found whitewater kayaking, backcountry skiing, scrambling up peaks or enjoying a host of many other outdoor activities. Cory graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology. After working for a handful of years as a biologist out at sea, a Master’s program at the Alaska Pacific University finally brought Cory to Alaska full time. It was then a desk job, as a marine biologist, that retired him from the high seas giving him the opportunity to pursue his hobby for exploring the vast wilderness of Alaska, where his photography career was born.
Photography quickly grew into a passion that allowed Cory to share his experiences with the rest of the world and has become an avenue to educate others through the stories and teachings that accompany his images. Published locally and in international magazines, like EuroNews Green, Cory endeavors to always pay it forward; to the communities that support him and the natural world that fuels his lust for photography. Living in Anchorage, he takes his camera – and his dog, Stewart – with him on every new adventure he takes, and Alaska is full of adventures for an outdoors enthusiast and man’s best friend.
Cory serves on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers. You can view his work at his website Cory Lescher Photography or on Instagram @C.Lescher.7.
Cory guides our Anchorage Aurora Quest and Anchorage Winter Wonderland tours
Erica Rivera
Erica guides several of our day tours throughout the year. As an avid owl chaser, she also guides our Focus on Feathers bird tour.
Glenn Aronwits
Glenn Aronwits is a multifaceted professional photographer and marine scientist with over 40 years’ experience creating visual representations that enhance the understanding of the world around us. Glenn has been a resident of Alaska since 1981.
At the age of nine Glenn’s interest for photography began when he purchased a Polaroid 110A Land Camera at a garage sale with earnings from a paper route. He shot countless rolls film until 2000, when he bought his first digital point-and-shoot camera. The digital age rekindled Glenn’s passion for photography since images can be viewed instantly and adjustments can be made during image capture. His passion for photography grew stronger than ever with the ability to have a virtual darkroom in his home by utilizing computers and printers. What started out as a lifelong hobby developed into a photography business in 2005, and is currently his full-time occupation.
Glenn’s images have been published in a variety of print and electronic media including Newsweek, Alaska Beyond, Backpacker, Alaska and Alaska Home, as well as publications and media produced by clients such as the Alaska Railroad, Municipality of Anchorage, State of Alaska, University of Alaska Anchorage, ConocoPhillips, Oil Search, Alaska Communication Systems, The Alaska Club, Hotel Captain Cook and Alyeska Resort.
Glenn has worked with Alaska Photo Treks since 2016 as guide. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers since 2009 and the treasurer since 2011. You can learn more about one aspect of his commercial work at GA Panorams.
Jamin Hunter Taylor
Monica Whitt
Monica Whitt was born and raised in Mexico but has lived in Anchorage with her husband and three children since 1998. She calls Alaska home.
Monica’s interest and education in photography began while earning a BA in Communications at Monterrey Institute of Technology (ITESM) in Monterrey, Mexico. Spending most of her professional career as Web designer, she has always been inspired by many talented photographers, not to mention, the stunning beauty of Alaska. After receiving her professional photography certification with the New York Institute of Photography, she has specialized in environmental portraiture.
Her passion is capturing the essence of people while doing what they love, whether it’s adventuring around Alaska, practicing outdoor adventure sports, or celebrating a special event. Besides her freelance and commercial work, which you can view on Monica Whitt Photography, she’s also part of the Chugach Peaks Photography team and considers it an honor to photograph weddings all around Alaska.
Monica co-guides for our Anchorage Aurora Quest, where we put her portrait talents to work.
RAINA WESSEN
Growing up in Southern California, Raina developed an appreciation for the outdoors and a curiosity about the world beyond home. After college, she set out on a journey that took her across Europe with just a backpack and camera, then overseas to live in New Zealand, Iceland, and back through the Midwest states before eventually finding her way to Alaska.
In early 2023, Raina moved to Alaska in search of a scenic change and quickly fell in love with its vast landscapes, wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. As a photographer, she enjoys helping guests experience the beauty of the Last Frontier while capturing meaningful images and memories along the way.
When not guiding with Alaska Photo Treks, Raina works as a photographer for an Alaska Native Corporation, where she continues to learn about the cultures, traditions, and ways of life that make Alaska such a unique place. Outside of work, you’ll find her exploring forest trails, attempting to perfect her sourdough loaf, or piecing together a challenging jigsaw puzzle.
You can view her work on her website or on Instagram @rainaroundtheglobe.
Raina guides on the weekends for any variety of our Day Tours or Aurora Tours.
