Alaska trip 2013

I have been contemplating a ~2 week photo trip to Alaska for some years and would really like to put an idea into action. Having never been to Alaska, I'd feel more comfortable taking a photo excursion with a guide. Has anyone done this and what was your experience? I'm looking for not only great photography, but a tour guide. Would like to do some camping (cabins or tents, but i'm not dragging gear), light hiking, canoeing/boating, and it'd be great if I didn't have to schlep gear all day (horses or pack mules welcome!). My goals are 1) to experience the wonders of Alaska in as many ways possible (excluding be eaten by bears or giant mosquitos) and 2) to capture so really great vistas, maybe even some fall color. My time frame would be early August, ideally, but I could go as early as June and as late as September. Including flight, I'm thinking ~$3000 for the trip. Does that sound reasonable for all I'm asking?

Not sure if we're allowed to talk about vendors in this forum, so feel free to email me offline if you're more comfortable. THANK YOU!

Amy, have you looked into airfare yet? When I was looking for March, it was close to $1K for Denver-Fairbanks. That would leave you (if my higher math is correct) $2K for 2 weeks, which sounds kind of light to me. You could also look in the workshops forum & just see what prices are.

Amy, get a hold of Doug Roane. He made a trip up there a few years back and shot some awesome images. He might have some ideas.

I've been to Alaska 6 times in Jan, March, Aug, Sept..and have traveled the Seward Peninsula, Denali, Katmai NP (fly-in only), Inside Passage, and the southern section from Haines to British Columbia. I prefer doing it by myself because I enjoy the ultimate flexibility that comes with that. Fall colors are magnificent as is wildlife with their new winter coats usually in the mid-Aug through 1st week of Sept in Denali. When fall colors happen in Denali, it will be short, about 7-10 days, then the frost kills it off. Fall colors last a bit longer and extend further into Sept in the Seward Peninsula due to the milder climate. Two weeks seems to me to be too short for getting in all the experiences you list. You could easily do 4 days just in Denali, given the limitations of their bus system. A horse pack trip would be a minimum of 3-5 days to truly experience that and could easily swallow up your 2000.00 in-state budget, not to mention your car rental. Given your budget and time constraints your trip will likely consist of driving the roads and shooting from the pullouts, which is perfectly doable and will get you some great images since Alaska is noted for its roadside vistas and wildlife.
Regardless of when or how long you take, Alaska is a wonderful place to go and you will get some great shots. It is a huge state so travel even by car will allow you to experience only a small part.

Amy, be prepared for heavy rains in Alaska. In Alaska, it rains almost all the time, everywhere. I was in July this year in Gates of the Arctic N.P., beautiful, but tons of mosquitos and a lot of rain. Very difficult hiking. Last year I went in August to Wrangell St. Elias mountains, it rained every day, heavily. It is not easy to photograph in rainy conditions. I was soaked almost all the time. Denali is not much better, as far as I know. Expect wild weather and temperature changes. Have your rain gear ready, otherwise, you will be miserable. (assuming you will be backpacking and camping) As far as the budget, it will cost you a lot of money. If you are not planning on flying with bush planes, you may fit in your budget. Otherwise, count with more. Also, guided hikes in Alaska are very expensive! You will need more money if you want to do that. (I did not have any guides)
Anyway, Alaska is very special and very different. It's beautiful and unique. I am sure you will love it.