Juneau offers views of the wild like no other
Juneau, Alaska, has been described as one of the most beautiful capital cities in the United States. There is so much to see, from old-growth forests to snow-capped mountains, glaciers, ice caves, spawning salmon streams, prime bear habitat and migratory whale routes—all within city limits. Juneau is located in the panhandle of southeast Alaska and has a population of 32,832. Not only does the city offer an infinite number of outdoor adventure possibilities, it also has art galleries, museums, historic and Native heritage sites, restaurants, bars, shopping and more.
Byunghwan Lim, Ph.D, is a meteorologist from Seoul, South Korea. He is also a published photographer. Lim spent time in Juneau on two occasions, in September of 2008 and March of 2009, when he came to work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and installed Science On a Sphere (SOS) at the Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute and Alaska State Museum.
"I found that the Mendenhall Glacier and Visitor Center was the best place to see," Lim said. "Words cannot explain the first time seeing a glacier in person. The glaciers are a mystical blue color because of a unique crystalline structure that absorbs and reflects light. Juneau has amazingly fresh air. I felt like I was in an oxygen tank. This city sure has a lot of cultural opportunities. Alaska State Museum and art galleries are wonderful."
RVwest sat down with Lim to find out his top three places to photograph in Juneau and what makes these places so special.
Mendenhall Glacier and Visitor Center
Location
6000 Glacier Spur Road, Juneau.
Photo op
According to Lim, on a clear day in September you can see the surrounding mountains in autumn colour, yet the scenery in March was pure white and she hiked on snow over Mendehall Lake to the glacier.
Photo tips
Lim said the camera will tend to under-expose in the snow, so you need to calibrate the exposure and white balance to make the snow in your photos look truly white. Don't worry too much about this, because most cameras have a snow-scene mode or program.
Alaska State Museum
Location
395 Whittier Street, Juneau.
Photo op
"The Alaska State Museum exhibits collections of Alaska Native culture, history, natural history and art objects as well as historical books, records, maps, photographs and a children's section with a play area," said Lim.
There is also Science On a Sphere (SOS), which was installed by Hwan's NOAA team.
Photo tips
Lim said to set the ISO up to at least 400. If the exhibitions are held behind glass, you need to avoid reflections. Don't use flash and push the lens directly onto the glass without any gap.
Auke Bay and Lake
Location
In the community of Auke Bay in the city and borough of Juneau
Photo op
Lim said the view of the Mendenhall Glacier behind Auke Bay and Mt. McGinnis towering over Auke Lake is incredible. He said it's amazing to see the many colourful float planes around Auke Lake and taking a photo at sunset from Auke Bay is one of the most popular photo opportunities in Juneau.
Photo tips
"I recommend taking pictures in the golden hours (sunset) for dramatic photos with reasonably good weather," said Lim. "One more thing: try to take advantage of reflection and then you can get a beautiful and interesting angle in your pictures."
