We’re Different.
We’re not like the Other Guys.
At Wild Departures, we do things a little different.
We specialize in total immersion, meaning we offer plenty of time in the field with the wildlife you came to see. Of course, you (or your travel companion) can choose other activities if you get bored of bears, bald eagles, polar bears, or cheetahs. We’re flexible.
Our ideal guest wants to be surrounded by a specific species for as many days and hours as possible. This gives you the opportunity to study animal or bird behavior, fully experience and understand their habitat, and get images in varying light and weather conditions.
We welcome Diversity.
Wild Departures is a woman-owed, LGBTQ business, and we believe that the love of wildlife and nature is universal. We practice inclusivity. We laugh. We learn. We have fun.
Our Team.
Michelle Theall is the executive editor and photographer at Alaska Magazine, and her images have appeared in National Geographic, Sierra, Outdoor Photographer, Backpacker, and other global titles during her 30 years in publishing. Her work appears in galleries and private collections. She works hard to make travel easy and fun for her clients, while providing the creature comforts that make remote tours feel like home.
Corrynn Cochran has worked as the photo editor at Alaska Magazine and Women’s Adventure magazine, in addition to guiding Wild Departures trips since 2017 and running her own photography business. Her award-winning work over two decades has appeared in national and international publications, and she thrives on adventure.
C
Michelle Theall
Owner and Pro Photographer
Corrynn Cochran
Guide and Pro Photographer
If You’re not having fun, we aren’t either.
On our trips, the one thing we agree on is having fun. Our job is to take you to places that inspire joy, awe, and wonder, sending you home with images that will bring those feelings back to you every time you see them. And, because we are with “our peeps” in small groups, it’s not a stretch to say that many of our clients have formed life-long friendships on our excursions. We laugh, we play, and we get the shot!
The Cure For FOMO
Set aside your fear of missing out. We take you to the right place at the right time and get you into position and prepared with the appropriate gear. We know how terrifying FOMO can be, and we’re here for you.
Why Our Clients Love us…
How do we do it?
The Solution For “Image Envy.”
You’ve dreamed about capturing the moment. We’ll deliver it to you.
Life is Short.
Book a tour with us today.
Our History
Three decades of working as a travel writer and photographer have allowed our founder, Michelle Theall, to access all things of fur, feather, and fin. But it’s her work in Alaska that drove her to start Wild Departures. As a professional photographer and the editor-in-chief of Alaska Magazine, Theall explored every nook and cranny of the state. She often heard readers voice frustrations about coming to Alaska and not seeing wildlife. Bucket list items like grizzlies and wolves went unchecked. Her desire to place travelers in the middle of the best wildlife viewing spots at the ideal times of year resulted in the creation of Wild Departures. She then expanded her offerings to include other wildlife hotspots, keeping groups small in order to preserve the intimacy and wonder of the natural environment. Theall has been profiled in Oprah Magazine and is a certified photo instructor for Lindblad/NatGeo.