November 2025 Wildlife Photography Contest Beginner Category Winner

40 Winks

On my first guided wildlife photography adventure, I traveled to a remote region of Alaska, where we camped near a river known for its heavy bear activity. The salmon run was in full swing, and the number of bears along the river far exceeded anything I had imagined. Bears of all ages were fishing, feeding, and moving through the landscape, offering countless photographic opportunities. I was fortunate to capture several strong images during those early days.

One morning, while walking along the river, we encountered multiple bears and had repeated chances to photograph them. As I repositioned myself for a better composition, I stumbled and fell into the river. Thankfully, I managed to keep my camera dry. By that afternoon, as we hiked back toward camp, I was soaked, cold, and eager to change into dry clothes.

As we crested a small hill, I noticed a bear lying peacefully near a waterhole. At first, I assumed it was rolling around or scratching its back. After watching for a few moments, I realized the bear was actually asleep. I slowly and carefully moved closer, hoping not to disturb it during its nap.

I was able to get reasonably close and capture several images from different angles. At the time, I was still very new to wildlife photography and learning how to use my first DSLR. I experimented with my settings, determined to come away with at least one successful image. This photograph became my favorite—and the first image of my own that I ever printed and hung in my office.

That moment marked the beginning of my passion for wildlife photography. I’ve been hooked ever since. I now plan to take at least four trips each year to continue learning, improving my skills, and expanding my opportunities. I’m grateful to JoWP for the training sessions and articles that have had a tremendous impact on my photography journey.