Photographer Mary Jacquel shares what Alaska has taught her about slowing down, mindful living, and seeing the world through a more intentional lens.
What Alaska Taught Me About Slowing Down: A Photographer’s Perspective
5 Peaceful Places in Alaska to Recharge Your Mind and Spirit
There’s something about Alaska that humbles you in the best way. Maybe it’s the sound of wind rustling through a forest of spruce, or the quiet hush that settles over a glacial lake at dawn. For those of us craving peace, presence, and a little space to breathe, Alaska offers more than adventure—it offers renewal.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or you’ve called this wild land home for years, these five serene places invite you to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Whale Watching in Alaska: Best Times and Locations for Spotting Humpbacks and Orcas
Alaska's pristine waters offer one of the most magical wildlife experiences on Earth: whale watching. With massive humpbacks breaching in icy bays and pods of orcas slicing through the water in elegant unison, the experience leaves a lasting impression. I love nature and photography (as you can probably tell) and I’ve gathered a few considerations to help you plan an unforgettable whale-watching adventure in Alaska.
The 10 Most Photogenic Spots in Alaska (That Tourists Often Miss)
Alaska is known for its grand glaciers and wildlife, but beyond the cruise ship ports and national parks are lesser-known locations that offer unmatched photography potential. As a photographer based in Juneau, I’ve spent years chasing the light, the landscape, and the stillness. Here are 10 photogenic spots you might miss on a typical tour—but absolutely shouldn’t.
Where to See and Photograph Bald Eagles in Alaska: A Travel & Photography Guide
Planning a trip to Alaska? Discover the best places to see and photograph bald eagles in the wild, from Haines to Juneau. This travel and photography guide offers expert tips, ideal travel times, and a stunning video capturing eagles in flight across Southeast Alaska.
Capturing the Northern Lights: Photography Tips and Best Viewing Times
Discover when and where to see the northern lights in Alaska, plus expert photography tips from Mary Jacquel. Learn how to photograph the aurora with confidence.
Secret Places to Visit in Juneau Alaska
This article may be especially helpful if you're docking in Juneau, Alaska for just a day and you want to make the most of your time in this vibrant capital city.
Here’s your insider's guide tailored specifically for cruise passengers—whether you're exploring on foot from the port or have transportation and a few extra hours to venture beyond downtown.
What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: A Local’s Guide from Juneau
When people ask me what to pack for an Alaska cruise, I always smile — because as someone who lives in Juneau, I know just how wildly the weather and experiences can change from hour to hour. Whether you're photographing glaciers, exploring charming coastal towns, or spotting whales from your balcony, the right gear can make all the difference. If you want to travel Alaska prepared — and capture it beautifully — here’s your ultimate packing list straight from a local who lives it every day.
The Story Behind the Moody Orca
This orca was chasing after a salmon against a rocky background ✨
📝I was so excited to see an orca breach.. a rare occurrence for me. However, when I reviewed the photo in post, I was a bit disheartened by the background.
I began to ask the questions we all mull over when something doesn’t turn out exactly the way we want: Couldn’t the orca have breached somewhere in the middle of the ocean so that its beauty would have been highlighted by a clear background? Why didn’t I have the boat at a different angle right at the exact moment it would breach? You know… all of those ridiculous questions that are rhetorical in nature 😏
I refocused on what I did love about this photo and it came down to this: the moment that the orca breached was an unexpected gift that I had been incredibly lucky to have witnessed.
So I highlighted what I loved about the moment showcasing the orcas speed with the moving water and darkening the area around the orca so that you could feel present in the moment and not distracted by the background noise.
How about you? Have you ever had a photograph not turn out exactly the way you wanted?
Love to you & hope you have an amazing week ❤️
Photographing Southeast Alaska: Wildlife, Glaciers and Landscapes
Orca Whale Nature Photography
Photographing Orca Whales and Alaska Landscapes
Orca Photograph taken in Southeast Alaska
Over the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to travel through Southeast Alaska and set eyes on beautiful vistas! The air always has a refreshing crisp to it and the scenery is grand and powerful. It’s one place in the world that feels raw and untouched. If you’ve ever cruised through Alaska or have had the opportunity to travel there, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, hopefully my photographs below will help show you what I mean.
One thing that I love about Alaska is that it is ever-changing. The environment changes rapidly under the extended summer sun and the wildlife is constantly moving. It’s exciting to see a whale fluke, an eagle in a tree or a bear scrambling up a stream for a salmon. However, as a photographer, it can also be extremely challenging.
Often times, you get one shot (no pun intended). As fast as you see a whale fluke breech the water line, it disappears below the surface. A seal that was once laying on a chunk of ice is now just a tiny head bobbing above the water. A beautiful mountain range disappears under a thick cloud of fog. For all of these reasons and more, Alaska can be a tough place to photograph but if you are up for the challenge, you will have an adventure of a lifetime.
Interested in recommendations of where to photograph during your Alaskan vacation? Send me a message here and I’ll send you a few tips and locations! Happy photographing!
Humpback Whale Nature Photography
Whale Fluke, Alaska
Southeast Alaska Nature and Wildlife Photography
Mature Bald Eagle sitting in a tree
Orca breeching in Alaska
Crab Pot Buoy
Alaska Forest & Fog
Juneau Alaska Landscape Photography
Snow capped Mountains in Alaska
Glacier Photography
Glacier
Alaska Landscape Photography Equipment
In addition to the normal camera gear I tow along with me on each trip, I decided to take two weatherproofing items to Alaska. It rained almost everyday when I was there so I’m extremely happy that I had these two items. One item was for my camera and the second item was for my backpack (I didn’t want the rest of my gear getting wet while I was hiking around). Below are the two lifesaving pieces I had with me:
