Stills

Mid-summer on the Alcan Highway from Haines to Anchorage, Alaska, I found myself stopping every few miles to take in the expanse of landscape around me. On one of my breaks I noticed a red fox on the side of the road, so I grabbed my camera and crept closer. I found out the fox had three babies nearby, but to my surprise she was neither shy nor hostile. Rather, she came walking towards me. I quickly l dropped to the ground for an eye-level shot of the fox. At this time, I probably took two hundred photographs. For nearly twenty minutes she would come about five feet from my lens and then run back to check on her kits. This is one of those photos. I think I was able to capture her in a moment of peace. She looks courageous and focused, while searching for potential threats to her young. Every time I look at this photograph I think of how fortunate I was to have captured this moment and how lucky I was to have such a great subject to photograph.

Sitka, Alaska is special to me in so many ways. Not only is it my hometown, but it also has a lot of diversity for interesting subjects and photo opportunities. As a photographer, Sitka is truly a paradise with the mountain vistas, wildlife, surrounding islands and open ocean right at your doorstep. It’s the kind of place one could go out every day of their life and find something new to photograph. I’ve lived all of my 21 years in Sitka and I am continually discovering new things. Besides the wilderness, the town itself is really photogenic. There’s the Russian Orthodox Church in the center of town with Mount Verstovia towering in the background. There are 3 main boat harbors filled with both old and new fishing vessels (and fishermen) full of character. One of Sitka’s bigger tourist attractions is Totem Park, which is full of Tlingit Indian art and, of course, totem poles. Not to mention the natural pink salmon run that flows through the heart of the park and goes 4-miles back into the Tongass National Forest. I think this particular photo captures the essence of Sitka: a quiet, peaceful and yet wild place. The lights from the harbor and homes look safe and warm, while the moon shines on the inhospitable mountains in the background. It’s a perfect balance for me.

Rafe Hanson is a lifelong Alaskan and published photographer living in Sitka. You might find him in the backcountry of Baranof Island, or just follow him on Instagram @rafe_hanson.