Colin Tyler Bogucki

Eagle River

Growing up in the lakes area of northern Minnesota, Colin developed a connection with the natural world at a young age. Upon moving to Alaska in 1996 to pursue what would be a short-lived career in human services, he soon discovered the art of photography after receiving a camera for Christmas – a gift that would change the course of his life. He ultimately resigned himself from the career he had studied for so diligently to pursue a new purpose; a decision that he has never regretted, and as a result, his life has been filled with a wealth of experiences, adventure, and subsequently, gratitude.

After attending a beginning photography course at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, as well as a class at a local community education organization, Colin began to find satisfaction in creating beautiful, unique images of wildlife and natural scenes. During the first year of discovering his new camera, Colin was grateful to have a photograph published with the Anchorage Daily News. That same image would later be published in Alaska Magazine.

Since that first year, Colin has had numerous images published and his work is represented by two stock photo agencies. Publications include the Associated Press, Alaska Magazine, US Postal Service, Anchorage Daily News, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Lake Country Journal Magazine, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine, American Essence Magazine, and AT&T. Additionally, he has written editorial pieces for publications including Alaska Magazine and the Lake Country Journal of Minnesota. His photography has received numerous awards in juried competitions and three of his images were featured in the 2021 AlaskaWild exhibit. One of his most cherished accomplishments was having an image featuring the aurora borealis and Big Dipper over Denali used by the US Postal Service on the “International Polar Year” commemorative stamp sheet in 2007.

In recent years, Colin’s desire to explore and create has taken him to international destinations where he’s had the opportunity to witness beautiful, exotic locations and wildlife, and interact with foreign cultures, in places like India, Cambodia, New Zealand, Australia, Cuba, Iceland, and recently, Namibia. Perhaps the greatest lesson he has received from the art of photography is what it has taught him about himself and his desire to explore and create. Colin has now taken that desire and launched a photo tour company, Nat Expo Tours, with a fellow photographer from Montana. They currently lead groups in Cuba, Iceland, Namibia, and more. When he’s not traveling, he lives at the Eagle River Nature Center in Alaska’s Chugach State Park and serves as the center’s Assistant Manager. He is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers, Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers, and North American Nature Photography Association.

Colin will always find the means to explore, create, and share the magic of the natural world. It is not only his dream; it has become his purpose.