I can’t say enough about Alaska. It’s one of the most inspiring and majestic places on this planet. Last summer I got to make a trip thanks to Revolution Skate Shop, and I met one of James’ long time friends named Jaime. I was invited up to shoot his wedding, and was more than happy to make the journey. I had just returned from the Arizona trip, and had to pack up in about 24 hours. The flight had about 4 connections with an overnight layover in Seattle, and I hadn’t slept in over a day. I was completely delirious until the captain announced we were descending into Juneau, and I looked out the window to see the mountains engulfing us.
I spent the first week with Jaime and Mindy as they prepared for the wedding. The whole family was very welcoming and there wasn’t a dull moment in the days. We went hiking with his friends, out on a boat ride with Mindy’s brother, and out to dinners with the family. There is a very kind, calm way about the people that live in Alaska that has always left me with a deep debt of gratitude. The wedding itself was wonderful, and easily the most photogenic ceremony i’ve ever been a part of.
the newly weds
family dinner
mendenhall hillside
hike #1
first black bear sighting
screaming porcupine
some useful facts
this is mindi’s brother and his boat, he took us out for the day around auke bay
in Alaska i’ve learned it’s really easy to die
this was the wake up goodmorning view
first haircut in a long long time
bride and groom foosball battle
getting some lunch at the harbor
some serious fishing equipment
some serious bachelor party dodgeball action
captains chair
bachelor party crew
wedding day!
really, really nice chapel
reception sunset
After the wedding, Jaime and Mindy were on the first plane to Hawaii. They were kind enough to allow me to stay a while longer and roam around Juneau. Originally I planned to leave Juneau and take the ferry to some other cities, but the more I hung out with his family and friends, the more I wanted to stay in Juneau. His dad showed me all sorts of hiking trails, and his mom and grandmother showed me all sorts of different native Alaskan artwork. Even after my computer crashed with all the wedding photos (and I nearly had a heart attack), his cousin took it under his wing and was able to recover everything. James Johnson’s dad took me out fishing for a day, and I spent a lot of time roaming around the Mendenhall Glacier.
Towards the end of the trip I rented a Kayak and got dropped off at the end of the road. You can only access Juneau by boat or plane, so at the end of the road there is a launch ramp into the water followed by hundreds of miles of wilderness. It’s not the smartest idea taking a solo journey via kayak, the rental company made this very clear. I’m either too curious or too stupid to talk myself out of it, and I started paddling out into the ocean.
great mode of transportation
It’s really an amazing thing to be out there, tough to even describe in words. Paddling past a coastline untouched by civilization, watching sea lions and whales breach the surface, and pulling over to camp where ever you see fit. Alaska is the only place i’ve been woken up multiple times by whales swimming by. They’re loud!!
Here is a collection of photographs from my 2 Alaska trips, most of which i’ve included in a new book I recently finished.
marine texture
camping dinner
driftwood fire
my pathetic excuse for a tent
great trail in juneau
trail danger reminders
bringing the grill to the beach party
James’ Dad Frank brought me out fishing for the day
Alaskan Driveway
more hiking pics
iceberg patterns
glacier fossil
more comforting reminders
i stumbled upon a party at the end of the road with all sort of interesting characters. This girl was casually walking through the fire.
This girl was casually sitting down
Alaskan graffiti
some additional photos from the 2007 trip
Tlingit indian tree carving
Hiking around Haines
My sis along for the trip
July 4
kayak trip
sea lion visitors
camping on Benjamin island
sea lion spot
on the tracy arm cruise
hiking up the mendenhall glacier
must be the coldest water on earth
mountain goat blocking the trail
hiking around the base of the glacier
rapid melting
bears hanging out in the trees
recession
whale spotting while kayaking
angry bird
relaxed bird
national bird
some found rockstacks
more bears
more hiking pics
ok that’s it for now!
Amazing shots Jero. Looks like an amazing place. You’ll have to come Aus sometime and experience some desert and isolation and road trip with me..Luv the pics..i’m going to buy your books when i see you..