A local photography shop has popped up on the hillside overlooking the waterfront and the cruise ship dock.
Alaska Wild Bear Photography’s Brian Staurseth said he officially opened the doors on his yellow-roofed mini-studio on July 9.
Staurseth, who lives in Haines year-round, used to operate his shop right across from the dock. But in 2019, he said he snagged the lease on the building where the Three Northmen meadery is currently operating. His plan was to have a space where he could offer a restroom for customers and be able to do things in the winter as well.
“Then we had COVID for two years, so I gave up those leases,” he said.
His studio building has been sitting on his property up the highway since. He said he would consider leaving it in its current location – on a lot owned by Delta Western – depending on how business goes this season.
He offers prints, canvas, wood, framed and unframed art of wildlife primarily from Southeast Alaska, though there are a few on display from Yukon Pass and other parts of the state.
Customers can order the size they want and get it shipped to their house. He said there are not really any discernible favorites yet.
““It all depends on the cruise ship passengers. What they’ve seen on their tour, they want that.” Their favorite animal. It all depends,” he said.
He plans to be open until the last cruise ship of the season sails through in October.