Why take on a 7,000-mile, 120-hour round trip drive from Colorado to Alaska? Because there's no better way to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains and connect with vibrant communities hidden off the beaten path. Also it gave me a great excuse to finally finish the Infinite Jest audiobook.

My route to Alaska connected with the Alcan Highway, a legendary route stretching over 2,500 miles through some of North America's most remote and awe-inspiring wilderness. Truly a photographer’s paradise, especially in the fall. Built during World War II to link Alaska with the lower 48 states, the road meanders through the rugged beauty of Montana, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, and into the heart of Alaska. This past September, I embarked on the journey from Colorado to Homer, Alaska, with only my two dogs and my camera gear, seeking adventure and the vibrant fall foliage that blankets the Rockies in hues of red, yellow, and gold. The towering peaks, vast boreal forests, and shimmering lakes all seemed to tell their own story, offering endless inspiration for capturing the raw, untouched nature of the North. Each mile of the highway presented new, dynamic scenery, from the rocky vistas of the Canadian Rockies to Alaska’s coastal grandeur, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Upon arriving in Homer, the end of the road, I partnered with the team at Tutka Bay Lodge for a week-long project that would showcase the best of the Kenai Peninsula. It was a whirlwind of incredible experiences: remote bush plane bear viewing, helicopter glacier landings, lagoon kayaking, porcini foraging in ancient growth forests, and gourmet cooking classes with James Beard-nominated chefs. Tutka Bay's breathtaking surroundings and luxurious offerings made for an ideal backdrop as I worked to revamp their website and media package, capturing the essence of adventure and refinement in Alaska’s rugged wilderness.