If I were to trace my love of wilderness and beautiful landscapes back to a single point in time, a single catalyst that ensured without a doubt that this would be my path for the rest of my life, it would have to be a trip to Alaska with my parents in 1997 when I was 10 years old. It was my first time seeing towering glaciers, massive grizzlies, and true, untouched wilderness.

We went back this year to Brooks Falls and spent a few days watching the bears absolutely gorge themselves on salmon. I never dreamed I’d be able to get a two-for-one shot, but luck was on my side.