I am glad you enjoyed it! It is unfortunate that it is one of those places that most people will never get to experience, but I was hoping my video could give people at least a glimpse of what it's like to be there.
Thanks! I was not sure who that was. I did know some of the bears in the video, but I was not confident enough to name some of the others, so I chose not to call out any of them by name.
Awesome video. Thank you so much for sharing. I watch the web cams and unfortunately that is about as close as I will ever get. Your video was very informative and personal.
I am glad you enjoyed it! And yes, unfortunately it is not the kind of place that everyone will have the opportunity visit, so I know I am very lucky. And I wanted to share my adventure so those that can't go can hopefully at least get a feel for being there.
At 15:50 it is the Beady Bunch- 910 and her daughter 910jr and her adopted niece 909jr who is a year older than her own daughter. They are still a fearsome threesome in 2024, still together! This is only the 2nd documented adoption at Brooks, they are a crowd favorite.
Thanks for the information! We came to just calling them the Three Amigos since they were always together. I am glad they are still together this year! And yes, adopting does seem like a pretty rare event from what I know about bears.
Thank you for that comprehensive and informative video, it was so interesting to see the lodge and camp sites. You saw some absolute superstars at the falls, you caught gorgeous footage and pictures of 32 Chunk in particular. ( Big lad, scar on his nose)
I am glad you enjoyed it! And yes, Chunk was pretty active while we were there. We saw him at the falls several times, and he was probably catching the most fish since he spent most of his time at the bottom of the falls.
Great video! Thanks for posting your efforts. At the end - King Salmon airport EMPTY !! Still have nightmares of the scene. Haven't seen it empty since Alaska Air stranded five of us and we had the place to ourselves. Until the rep told us they had to lock the doors as there were no more flights and we must go outside for the night. Good memories ! Alaska Air had their act together last year somehow - almost everything ran on time. Pray for this summer.
Wow, that doesn't sound like much fun. I am glad we did not have that experience. I don't think King Salmon is somewhere I would want to be stranded for a night. Not a lot of options there.
Thanks! It was an amazing trip, even with video you can't really capture the experience. I hope to get back there again some day. I hope you are able to visit as well!
Loved your video. You had some great close-up footage of #32 Chunk, and I'm pretty sure #747 Bear Force One. I think you even had #151 Walker. Possibly 901 with cubs as well? I watch the webcams.. it is such a beautiful place, and I love these bears dearly. Lucky you to get to experience it in person!
I am glad you enjoyed my video! And yes, we saw all of the bears you mentioned and a few others as well. And that is 901 and her cubs. We had several close encounters with her. Unfortunately, she started losing her cubs not long after we left. So, we were glad we got to see all three of them when we did. And it is a beautiful and magic place, and we were very lucky to go there.
@@KarolM1964 No, I wish we had. He was there earlier in the summer and I want to say he showed up again maybe a week or so after we left. The salmon run was a little late last year due to the cool spring weather, so we were there kind of between runs. Once the salmon run picked up again after we left he came back.
@joshrutledgephotography Awww.. OK, I won't keep at you, just wanted you to know I found your video and messages fascinating! Good luck on your next trip🐾
Heading there in 2 weeks....did you get a Brooks River Corridor permit and enter the river to take pictures? I am aware of the restricted areas around Brooks Falls. I am taking to full frame bodies and lens. Which focal length lens would you recommend? Any other photography related advice/suggestions? Should I take a monopod?
I did have a permit, but I did not end up using it. I was traveling with two other people that were not photographers, so they were not as interested in getting in the river. I think it would be worth it though, as you can get some unique eye level photos you can't get otherwise. I brought my big 600 F4 lens, 100-500 and I did bring a 24-105. I was shooting full frame (Canon R5.) I used the 100-500 90% of the time. Packing my big 600 all the way to falls was just a lot of work, plus honestly it was overkill at the falls. I did enjoy using it from the bridge observations deck though, as sometimes those bears were farther out. While I was there it was mostly rainy and foggy, so I did not have a lot of chances for the wider angle shots. I think I did have a few as you can tell from the video, so it's probably worth having a wider lens as well for some environmental shots. If you have a larger lens I think a mono pod would be nice. And a tripod is nice at the bridge (no restrictions there.) Since we were there in September we could use tripods at the falls too when it wasn't too busy, but 90% of my shots were hand held, it was just a lot easier. If you have any more specific questions let me know. Have fun! It's an awesome experience.
@@joshrutledgephotography Thanks. for the detailed reply. I plan on taking a Sony A1 for the 300 f2.8 and have the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters and on the other body A7R5 either 70-200 f2.8 GMII or 24-70. I am taking a monopod as well just to help for long stents waiting for the bear on the lip of the falls catching a salmon. I am praying to no rain. I got a river corridor permit and taking my fishing waders to try and get some eye level and low level shots. I figure it is going to be extremely crowed - July is prime time for salmon run. I will be there July 15.
It does not cost anything to apply for a stay at the lodge, but if you do get selected, then YES, it is very expensive. The prices have already gone up twice since we were there, and I think it's over $1000 a night now. Even splitting that 4 ways (the rooms sleep 4) that is still a lot of money. You can camp there instead, but those reservation go in just a matter of minutes after they are released. You can day trip there by either float plane or the water taxi if you are not able to get a reservation at the lodge or the campground.
Awesome video, thank you. I am absolutely in awe of the photo you displayed of 128 Grazer. Hard to have favorites amongst the Bears of Brooks but I like to think Grazer is my spirit animal😂she is always improving on being strong.
Great video. I'll never be able to go, so this means a lot to me. Thank You!
I am glad you enjoyed it! It is unfortunate that it is one of those places that most people will never get to experience, but I was hoping my video could give people at least a glimpse of what it's like to be there.
This was a great video - thanks for sharing
You are welcome, I am glad you enjoyed it!
You got Fat bear Queen Grazer 128 at 11:00! Great video, thank you.
Thanks! I was not sure who that was. I did know some of the bears in the video, but I was not confident enough to name some of the others, so I chose not to call out any of them by name.
What a gorgeous picture of Bucky Dent on the thumbnail 🥰
Thanks!
Very informative video and beautiful footage ❤ we’ll be there in August of this year!!!
That's awesome! Have a great time, it's a special place.
Wonderful presentation, great footage. Thank you for sharing it.
You are welcome! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome video. Thank you so much for sharing. I watch the web cams and unfortunately that is about as close as I will ever get. Your video was very informative and personal.
I am glad you enjoyed it! And yes, unfortunately it is not the kind of place that everyone will have the opportunity visit, so I know I am very lucky. And I wanted to share my adventure so those that can't go can hopefully at least get a feel for being there.
Great pics, great video. This was very informing and I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for the amazing video
I am glad you enjoyed it!
At 15:50 it is the Beady Bunch- 910 and her daughter 910jr and her adopted niece 909jr who is a year older than her own daughter. They are still a fearsome threesome in 2024, still together! This is only the 2nd documented adoption at Brooks, they are a crowd favorite.
Thanks for the information! We came to just calling them the Three Amigos since they were always together. I am glad they are still together this year! And yes, adopting does seem like a pretty rare event from what I know about bears.
Thank you for that comprehensive and informative video, it was so interesting to see the lodge and camp sites. You saw some absolute superstars at the falls, you caught gorgeous footage and pictures of 32 Chunk in particular. ( Big lad, scar on his nose)
I am glad you enjoyed it! And yes, Chunk was pretty active while we were there. We saw him at the falls several times, and he was probably catching the most fish since he spent most of his time at the bottom of the falls.
We were there aug 23 and can’t wait to return. This is a great video.
Thanks! And yes, we are already talking about trying to get back some day. Not the easiest trip to put together, but it's worth it.
Great video! Thanks for posting your efforts.
At the end - King Salmon airport EMPTY !! Still have nightmares of the scene. Haven't seen it empty since Alaska Air stranded five of us and we had the place to ourselves. Until the rep told us they had to lock the doors as there were no more flights and we must go outside for the night. Good memories ! Alaska Air had their act together last year somehow - almost everything ran on time. Pray for this summer.
Wow, that doesn't sound like much fun. I am glad we did not have that experience. I don't think King Salmon is somewhere I would want to be stranded for a night. Not a lot of options there.
So glad you enjoyed your trip to Katmai would love to visit one day
Thanks! It was an amazing trip, even with video you can't really capture the experience. I hope to get back there again some day. I hope you are able to visit as well!
Loved your video. You had some great close-up footage of #32 Chunk, and I'm pretty sure #747 Bear Force One. I think you even had #151 Walker. Possibly 901 with cubs as well? I watch the webcams.. it is such a beautiful place, and I love these bears dearly. Lucky you to get to experience it in person!
I am glad you enjoyed my video! And yes, we saw all of the bears you mentioned and a few others as well. And that is 901 and her cubs. We had several close encounters with her. Unfortunately, she started losing her cubs not long after we left. So, we were glad we got to see all three of them when we did. And it is a beautiful and magic place, and we were very lucky to go there.
@@joshrutledgephotography I forgot to ask.... did you get to see Otis, The King of Katmai??
@@KarolM1964 No, I wish we had. He was there earlier in the summer and I want to say he showed up again maybe a week or so after we left. The salmon run was a little late last year due to the cool spring weather, so we were there kind of between runs. Once the salmon run picked up again after we left he came back.
@joshrutledgephotography Awww.. OK, I won't keep at you, just wanted you to know I found your video and messages fascinating! Good luck on your next trip🐾
It has been a pleasure chatting with you. I am glad you found my video and enjoyed it!
Heading there in 2 weeks....did you get a Brooks River Corridor permit and enter the river to take pictures? I am aware of the restricted areas around Brooks Falls. I am taking to full frame bodies and lens. Which focal length lens would you recommend? Any other photography related advice/suggestions? Should I take a monopod?
I did have a permit, but I did not end up using it. I was traveling with two other people that were not photographers, so they were not as interested in getting in the river. I think it would be worth it though, as you can get some unique eye level photos you can't get otherwise. I brought my big 600 F4 lens, 100-500 and I did bring a 24-105. I was shooting full frame (Canon R5.) I used the 100-500 90% of the time. Packing my big 600 all the way to falls was just a lot of work, plus honestly it was overkill at the falls. I did enjoy using it from the bridge observations deck though, as sometimes those bears were farther out. While I was there it was mostly rainy and foggy, so I did not have a lot of chances for the wider angle shots. I think I did have a few as you can tell from the video, so it's probably worth having a wider lens as well for some environmental shots. If you have a larger lens I think a mono pod would be nice. And a tripod is nice at the bridge (no restrictions there.) Since we were there in September we could use tripods at the falls too when it wasn't too busy, but 90% of my shots were hand held, it was just a lot easier. If you have any more specific questions let me know. Have fun! It's an awesome experience.
@@joshrutledgephotography
Thanks. for the detailed reply. I plan on taking a Sony A1 for the 300 f2.8 and have the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters and on the other body A7R5 either 70-200 f2.8 GMII or 24-70. I am taking a monopod as well just to help for long stents waiting for the bear on the lip of the falls catching a salmon. I am praying to no rain. I got a river corridor permit and taking my fishing waders to try and get some eye level and low level shots. I figure it is going to be extremely crowed - July is prime time for salmon run. I will be there July 15.
Is it expensive to do the lottery to go?
It does not cost anything to apply for a stay at the lodge, but if you do get selected, then YES, it is very expensive. The prices have already gone up twice since we were there, and I think it's over $1000 a night now. Even splitting that 4 ways (the rooms sleep 4) that is still a lot of money. You can camp there instead, but those reservation go in just a matter of minutes after they are released. You can day trip there by either float plane or the water taxi if you are not able to get a reservation at the lodge or the campground.
Hey Josh! How many nights did you have in Katmai? Just curious!
We were there for three nights. And basically, three days by the time you figure travel coming and going.
Awesome video, thank you. I am absolutely in awe of the photo you displayed of 128 Grazer. Hard to have favorites amongst the Bears of Brooks but I like to think Grazer is my spirit animal😂she is always improving on being strong.