Bowhead Whale Harvest in Utqiagvik, Alaska

I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Barrow—now officially known as Utqiagvik, Alaska—with a couple of awesome friends. It was my friend Sheila’s birthday. We went expecting beautiful Arctic landscapes, a polar plunge, and just to have a new experience. What we didn’t expect was a moment that felt both humbling and awesome.

On our first day, our taxi driver who owns Polar Cab (hands down one of the friendliest and most knowledgeable locals we met) shared some news: a bowhead whale had been successfully caught, and the harvesting was happening on the beach. He asked if we’d like to see it, and before we knew it, we were driving across town toward the shoreline, with curiosity and respect.

When we arrived, the scene was unlike anything I’d ever witnessed. Adults, teens and children — were working together havesting the whale. There happened to be two whales that were being harvested I asked for permission before lifting my camera, and they kindly allowed me to photograph. Each ship has their own flag, unfortunately, I don’t think I got a photograph of both of the boats and their flags. Watching the whale being harvested was powerful. The bowhead whale is central to the Iñupiat way of life, sustaining their community for generations.

It’s an experience I’ll never forget: the Arctic wind, the sound of waves hitting the shore, the smell of the ocean and the whale. More than anything, it reminded me that photography isn’t just about capturing pretty pictures—it’s about telling stories, honoring cultures, and capturing moments worth remembering. Utqiaġvik gave me more than I expected: a memory that will stay with me for a lifetime.