Our Story

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Brad Josephs2005

Expert naturalist and wildlife photographer, Brad believes that guiding and photography can be powerful tools for conservation and building appreciation for the world's wild places
Brad is a naturalist interpreter specializing in bear biology and ecology of the planet's northern regions. He attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks, graduating with a B.S. in wildlife biology in 1999, and worked as a biological research tech on various projects throughout Alaska. Brad was among the first bear-viewing guides along the Alaska Peninsula, and he has guided numerous professional photographers, photography workshops and film crews on expeditions along the remote coast of Katmai National Park.

Brad also leads nature expeditions in many other destinations, including Borneo, China, Canada for polar bears and aurora viewing, the Indian Himalayas for snow leopards, and the deserts of Namibia. Brad’s passion for wildlife has also led him on numerous solo adventures throughout the world including trips to Borneo, Central America, the Amazon, China, Africa, Sri Lanka and India.

Brad’s love of bears and wildlife photography was cultivated at a young age while exploring the Canadian Rockies with his father. He believes that guiding and photography can be powerful tools for conservation and building appreciation for the world's wild places. Brad loves to teach others how to capture the beauty of nature—from the steamy rainforest of Borneo to frigid snow leopard habitat in the heights of Asia—by sharing his knowledge of photography and ecology. He recognizes that a compelling image of an animal in its wild habitat is invaluable to secure its conservation.

Check out Brad's blog, Bears & Beyond, to see his extraordinary collection of bear photography and videos, plus trip reports from his worldwide adventures. You can view Brad's latest photography portfolio additions on Instagram at @bradjosephsphotos.

In addition to being a “bear junkie” and wildlife photographer, Brad’s hobbies include botany, gardening and bird watching.
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What's in My Camera Bag

My Packing Philosophy
Camera Bag
Grundens waterproof dry-bag backpack

Camera Equipment
Sony A9 body
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8
Sony 100-400mm GM
Sony 200-600mm
iPhone 10

Post-Processing Software Expertise
Adobe Lightroom
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What Our Guests Say

Brad's extensive knowledge of the wildlife of the Katmai area brought our awareness of brown bears and their environment to a new level of understanding. We hope and pray that nature guide companies will continue to respect this area and allow the wildlife to live in harmony. We will always thank him for giving us the opportunity to share the meadows and beaches with the brown bears and other gentle creatures of Katmai. It has changed our lives forever more.
L. Cudworth
Brad took this trip to another level. His knowledge of panda biology gave us a much deeper understanding of these incredible bears. His willingness to answer questions, offer explanation and give insight about what we were seeing was a huge bonus. Brad took the time each day to make sure each person on our trip was having an experience custom made for them. He also has so much energy and patience. Cultural differences can be challenging, so having Brad there made ALL the difference.
D. Sherrell
Brad was beyond excellent. He helped us with our cameras to ensure we were able to get the very best pictures our equipment allowed. He taught me a lot about my camera. He is extremely knowledgeable and an excellent spotter. He handled all questions with the utmost professionalism. I hope we can travel with him again!
C. Kelly
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Upcoming Adventures with Brad Josephs

Wild China Photo Expedition
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Wild China Photo Expedition

Photograph striking mountain landscapes and rare wildlife including golden snub-nosed monkeys, get close-ups of giant pandas at research bases, and document life in traditional Tibetan villages—plus the Terracotta Army!
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Borneo Wildlife Photo Expedition
New Itinerary!

Borneo Wildlife Photo Expedition

With just nine travelers, seek coveted shots of Borneo's diverse array of unique and endangered rainforest wildlife, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, flying lemurs, and more than 300 bird species.
New Itinerary!
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Ultimate Alaska Photo Expedition

Ultimate Alaska Photo Expedition

A truly epic photography adventure! Alongside expert guides, get aerial shots of Denali from a helicopter; capture brown bear portraits at close range, and shoot glaciers, whales, puffins and more in Kenai Fjords.
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Grizzly Ship Photo Expedition: Kodiak to Katmai
New Trip!

Grizzly Ship Photo Expedition: Kodiak to Katmai

Based aboard our private small ship, just eight guests photograph brown bears in the roadless Katmai wilderness, going ashore with an expert bear naturalist and photography pro who knows these animals intimately.
New Trip!
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Bears of Brooks Falls Photo Expedition
New Trip!

Bears of Brooks Falls Photo Expedition

Capture shots of the famous brown bears of Katmai National Park in autumn, once Brooks Lodge closes and visitors disappear—we fly by private floatplane to watch them fatten up on the salmon that remain.
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The Wild Side of China: A Nature Odyssey

The Wild Side of China: A Nature Odyssey

Discover a side of China most travelers never see on our unique itinerary revealing wild panda habitat, rare wildlife and Chinese nature at its most entrancing—including close-up panda encounters.
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The Wilds of Borneo: Orangutans & Beyond
New Itinerary!

The Wilds of Borneo: Orangutans & Beyond

Plumb some of the world’s oldest and tallest rainforests in search of wild orangutans and other jungle wildlife among diverse ecosystems on this matchless tropical nature adventure.
New Itinerary!
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Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari
New Itinerary!

Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari

See more of wild Alaska on a wide-ranging, small-group adventure including Alaskan brown bears, a fly-in backcountry lodge in Denali National Park, marine life of Kenai Fjords, and the scenic Alaska Railroad to Seward.
New Itinerary!
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Alaska's Grizzly Ship: Kodiak to Katmai

Alaska's Grizzly Ship: Kodiak to Katmai

An exclusive small-ship adventure to view giant brown bears—the world's largest "coastal grizzlies"—up close! Walk the shores as bears dig for clams, forage for sedges and pursue salmon in season in tidal streams.
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Videos & Travel Stories

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