Exploring Digital Photography and Alaska: The Last Frontier

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This Alaska-based Digital Photography course is designed for adventure-seeking au pairs who want to strengthen their photography skills while exploring one of the most remarkable regions of the United States. Students will learn essential photography concepts—such as composition, lighting, focus, and visual storytelling—and apply them in real-world settings using any digital camera or smartphone.

In addition to photography instruction, the course incorporates guided learning about Alaska’s culture and history, including the lasting influence of Alaska Native communities on regional place names, traditions, art, and contemporary life.

Please note: this is an active, field-based course that takes place across multiple locations. The itinerary will either begin in Anchorage and conclude in Fairbanks or begin in Fairbanks and conclude in Anchorage. Activities vary by season; please refer
to the details below.

Participation Requirement:

Students must be able to complete easy to moderate hiking.

Over four intensive days, students will engage in hands-on photography practice while experiencing Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and local communities—building practical skills, cultural understanding, and confidence through guided instruction and applied learning.

** Detailed agenda, schedule and additional information will be shared on Google Classroom 2 weeks prior to class start date.

Winter Class (December - March)

**Winter class includes shuttle flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks or Fairbanks to Anchorage

Key activities include visiting and learning about:

The City of Anchorage – Kincaid Park, Earthquake Park and Anchorage Museum, where we will learn the real story of the North – a story that weaves together social, political, cultural, scientific, historical and artistic threads. We will get to appreciate the rich diversity of Alaska Native cultures, including masterworks of Alaska Native art
and design.
Reindeer Farm – you will not only meet and pet reindeers on this farm, but many other animals as well!
Matanuska Glacier – The Matanuska Glacier is Alaska’s largest glacier accessible by road, and offers the most accessible areas to walk on of any glacier in Alaska.
Dog Mushing – You will not only learn about Alaska Huskies, but also go on a 15-minute dog sled ride!
Fairbanks – Visit to Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, Antler Arch.
Chena Hot Springs – you will get to soak in this famous geothermal hot springs water.
Aurora Borealis – One evening in Fairbanks will be dedicated to chasing the Northern Lights.

Alaska is very cold in the winter, and you MUST be prepared for the weather in order to take the class. Bringing warm clothing is essential and required. Here is a list of necessary clothing:

Base layers.
Warm, heavy down jacket.
Insulated snow pants.
Wool socks.
Snow boots.
Scarf and warm hat.
Warm gloves.
Ski goggles recommended for some activities.
Hand and foot warmers strongly recommended HotHands warmers

Summer Class (May - September)

**Summer class includes bus ride to and one night at Denali National State Park.

Key activities will include visiting and learning about:

The City of Anchorage – Kincaid Park, Earthquake Park and Anchorage Museum, where we will learn the real story of the North – a story that weaves together social, political, cultural, scientific, historical and artistic threads. We will get to appreciate the rich diversity of Alaska Native cultures, including masterworks of Alaska Native art and design.
Alaska Native Heritage Center – we will take a tour of life-sized village sites, watch Alaska Native dance performances and games, listen to Alaska Native stories, watch films, and view exhibits.
Denali National Park – learning about dog mushing, meeting Alaska Huskies, hiking and taking lots of nature shots.
Seward – going on a wildlife cruise on the Kenai Fjords.
Fairbanks – Visit to Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, Antler Arch. We will also go to a local reindeer farm where you will meet reindeer up close and learn about carabou.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is mandatory for all days of the Alaska class. You may not arrive late on the first day or depart early on the final day. Please book flights that allow you to attend all scheduled class hours.

This is a long-weekend, intensive course, and days will be full. Please bring comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing, water, and snacks. We expect you to arrive well-rested and prepared to participate fully, learn, and enjoy the experience.

Winter Schedule

Day 1: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Day 2: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Day 3: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM and then 10:00 PM - MIDNIGHT for Aurora viewing
Day 4: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Summer Schedule

Day 1: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Day 2: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Day 3: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Day 4: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

Tuition fees.
3 x nights of shared accommodations with 1-2 other au pairs at a Clarion Suites,
Extended Stay OR similar Hotel.

(SUMMER: 2 nights in Anchorage, 1 night in Denali. WINTER: 2 nights in Anchorage, 1
night in Fairbanks).
3 x continental breakfast.
Local transportation costs to and from all activities.
Shuttle flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks or Fairbanks to Anchorage as part of the
class (Winter class only).
All activities including entrance fees to museums, cultural centers and national
parks.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

Airfare to/from Alaska.
Transportation from airport during arrival, and to airport during departure.
Lunches or Dinners.
Registration fees (platform and processing fees).

$1,295 + registration fees | 72 hours (equivalent to 6 credits)

Contact Information

Office of Continuing Education
161 Newkirk Street, Room E504
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-4224
CEFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE