As a wildlife photographer, I spend an inordinate amount of time just waiting and waiting — and more waiting. Every once in a while, one of those long waits pays off. I have been trying to get images of sea otters in Icy Strait for more than ten years, dreaming of an amazing close-up portrait. Icy-Strait sea otters can be hard to photograph up close because they are leery from hunting pressure, making them very skittish. I finally came upon one friendly otter outside Elfin Cove. He swam right up to our boat and hung out with us. I got my shot and left him floating without a care in the world. This image was worth the wait. It is the March image in my Alaska 2026 calendar. The calendar is available for purchase in Juneau-area stores and online at markkelley.com. This year marks my 37th year at the Juneau Public Market. I look forward to seeing everyone. The market opens today, November 28th and runs through Sunday, November 30th. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season. Mark
(Camera…Nikon Body 850: Lens 70-400mm)
