Rafe Hanson was born and raised in Sitka, Alaska, the place that inspires his photography. He grew up on the water, and has adapted his craft to allow him to enjoy it both as a fly angler and a photographer. After picking up his first camera at a thrift store, he never looked back.
Rafe loves spending time connecting outdoors and exploring the great lands of Alaska. In his free time, you can find him exploring, photographing, fishing and subsisting on the gorgeous tract of public lands that he gets to call his backyard in the last frontier.
Where is home for you? / Where do you typically photograph?
Sitka, Alaska is home for me, born and raised.
I photograph all of Southeast Alaska, but mainly the Sitka area. If I am not in the mountains, then I am down in the river valleys below, or out in the boat photographing the commercial fishing scene.
Why did you begin photography? What inspired you to begin?
I got my first camera when I was 14 from a local thrift store. It was an old Minolta digital camera that I had to tape together to keep the batteries from falling out. It was with this camera that I started photographing animals and landscapes. It really gave me a new perspective for all the beauty that was around me all the time..That was all the inspiration I needed.
Once Family and friends started seeing my work they encouraged me to enter a few photography competitions. The first one I entered I ended up coming in 4th place, winning an honorable mention or something like that.. The next year, I entered again and ended up winning the landscape category. At that point, I really started to dive deep into photography. I started to learn all I could about it and just taught myself as the years went on.
Is there a specific niche of photography that you are known for or that you gravitate to?
I don’t think I can label myself as any specific type of photographer. I shoot a little bit of everything. But, if I had to pick one, it would probably be the outdoorsy lifestyle type of photography.
I really enjoy showing a glimpse of my life through my work. Depending on what I’m doing dictates what I photograph.
What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning outdoor/fish photography?
It’s really hard to be good at both photography and fishing, haha!
I find myself wanting to photograph just as much as I want to fish and that can be pretty frustrating at times.
Is your photography a full-time job, or do you have a daily gig too?
Commercial diving and maritime salvage work is my bread and butter.
In the past, when I tried to make photography my full time job, I found that I lost touch with why I loved to do it in the first place. It became only about going out to shoot for money… I felt like the quality of my work actually suffered. I was too focused on “creating” something when sometimes there wasn’t anything there to begin with, if that makes any sense.
That being said, I decided to start a business, High Ridge Expeditions. It encompasses everything that I enjoy doing in Alaska. Taking the pressure off of photography and mixing in a few other things such as fishing, wildlife viewing, beach combing and overnight / day trips on the boat.
How do you manage a work-life balance as a photographer?
Luckily for me, my job offers a lot of free time. When I’m on the job I usually can find something to photograph, so it all works out. And, with beginning the new business, I can do all the things I love in a one-stop-shop situation.
What brand of camera equipment do you shoot with?
When I upgraded from the old Minolta camera, I went to Nikon and have always shot Nikon since.
Currently, I am running a Nikon Z7 with either a 24-70mm or 70-200 lens.
Which lens is your favorite for photographing in various conditions?
Honestly, I like taking the 70-200. I can stand on one side of a river and be able to shoot photos of people up, down and across the river with that lens.
It allows me to be in more than one place at once without actually moving.
Do you take macro-photography of flies? If so, what is your process/lens of choice?
I don’t take Macro photos mainly because I don’t have a lens, haha. It’s on the list of lenses to buy though.
If someone is interested in getting involved in outdoor / fishing photography today, what would be some suggestions you would give them regarding introductory gear (camera body, lens, brand, editing software, etc.)?
If you’re looking to get into photography, I’d say don’t stress too much about having the latest and greatest camera equipment. In my experience catching “the moment” with whatever camera you have is far better than the quality of the shot itself.
As you progress and get better gear, spend the money on your lenses. Buy the best you can afford, you can always upgrade the camera body down the road.
As far as what brand to go with, just pick one and stick with it. All the major brands are great, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
What editing software do you use the most for photo edits? Why?
I use Adobe Lightroom for 95% of my edits. It’s such a powerful program and it has everything I need. I actually don’t know how to use Adobe Photoshop, if you can believe that! I never liked seeing composite or multiple photos merged into one to make something that isn’t real.
All my photos are basic edits and single images, with the expedition of panoramas.
How did you learn this specific genre of photography?
Like anything else, trial and error.
Out of all your photos, which is your favorite and why?
I honestly can’t pick just one favorite!
What was your first fishing experience?
Living in Alaska, you are born into fishing so it’s hard for me to pinpoint which was my first experience. I can remember my grandpa taking me fishing in the summers for Pink and King salmon. I always looked forward to that.
When did you begin fly fishing?
I started fly fishing later in life. I started to get bored of spin fishing and just didn’t really feel like I was “fishing.” I wanted to feel more connected to the fish and finesse it more. I got some used fly gear from a friend and started fishy for Dolly Varden and I’ve been hooked ever since.
What draws you to fly fishing, both personally and professionally?
Like I said earlier, I wanted to feel more connected to not only the fish but nature, too. Fly fishing has taken me to some truly magical places that I believe I would have never seen if it wasn’t for the sport. Going to these places also was a plus for my photography as well. These two things combined are what fuels me to keep pushing and exploring my backyard.
Who is your biggest inspiration or mentor?
My biggest inspiration in the fly fishing world is my buddy Jake Armer. I actually introduced him to fly fishing and ever since then he has surpassed me in just about every way having to do with fishing, haha.
Watching him progress over the years has been awesome. He never cared what gear he was using. It was always just about getting out and enjoying the day and catching a few fish. I think too many fishermen get caught up in how they look and what gear they are using. The fish don’t care…
Do you remember your first published piece (if applicable)?
I believe it was in Pacific Fishing magazine. Definitely wasn’t fly fishing related but it was my first piece.
With so many people scrolling on their phones, does social media play a role in your photography?
As much as I don’t like it, yes, social media plays a huge role in my photography.
I wouldn’t be here without it. I think it’s super important to take a break from socials though. It’s really easy to get caught up in it.
Do you have any tips to help people take better photos with their smartphones?
Think outside the box. Think to yourself: “how can I take this photo differently than everyone else?” That’s what you should try to capture.
Do you suggest any smartphone apps for photo editing?
I like VSCO and the built-in photo tools on my Iphone.
Any tips for other aspiring outdoor / fishing photographers?
Strive to be different from everyone else. Believe me, it’s hard to do that nowadays but if you try, your efforts will show through your work.
What is your favorite weather to photograph in, or what is your favorite time of day?
Early morning mist/fog or late in the day. I try to avoid the sunny days.
Where can people find your artwork? (Retail store, online store, social media handles, etc)
Instagram: @high_ridge_expeditions
Facebook: Rafe Hanson Photography
Webpage: www.highridgesitka.com
Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?
Stay true to yourself and remember why you picked up that fly rod in the first place.
