Daniel Hagaman2016
Since 1992, Daniel has migrated seasonally between Alaska and Patagonia, following the rhythms of the sun and birdlife. He spends northern summers with bears in Alaska and southern ones in Chile and Argentina’s temperate rain forests. A naturalist and educator, he has lived and worked across Latin America, including Mexico, Bolivia, Chile, and Costa Rica, and guides wildlife trips in Alaska for Natural Habitat Adventures.
Dan’s interest in bears began with fieldwork on Andean spectacled bears in Bolivia. Later, he spent four summers in Denali National Park, gaining deep familiarity with the landscape and its wildlife. His guiding career began in college with snorkeling and diving trips in the Florida Keys. Since 2008, he has led university field study programs across the Andes and currently teaches in Chile. His experience also includes guiding in New Zealand.
Raised in Wisconsin’s North Woods, Dan pursued anthropology at Colorado State University, focusing on Latin American archaeology. His graduate work at the University of Wisconsin–Madison centered on mountain ecology and forest systems in Bolivia. He remains deeply interested in botany and the relationships between plants, people, and wildlife.
Dan lives with his family in Paonia, Colorado, on the state’s Western Slope. In his free time, he gardens, photographs, and explores the canyons and ranges of the American Southwest. His passions include ornithology and sustainable resource management in protected natural areas.
What's in My Camera Bag
I carry two to three lenses and one camera body, and I always bring a large zoom lens and my phone. I switch off the other lenses using the tools I have in my pack. Packing is tough, especially for more extended and more diverse trips, but it is good to keep it light, where all camera gear fits into a carry-on bag. At times, especially with the potential for night photography, I will bring a tripod and will place it in my checked luggage. Some days in the field, I'd like to challenge myself by bringing only one lens to see what I can create with those limitations.
Cameras
Sony A7III
Sony A6500
Lenses
Sony 200-600mm f/5.6
Sony 100-400
Sony 90mm f/2.8 macro
Sony 24-105mm f/4
Rokinon 12mm f/2
Other
Mindshift 26 L backpack
Peak Design harness and straps
Memory cards
Charger + 2 extra batteries
Cleaning Kit
Nikon Pro-Staff 8x30
Lightweight tripod
What Our Guests Say
Dan is an amazing Expedition Leader. He handled all trip details with ease and certainly ensured that our journey moved expeditiously. His knowledge of the area, its geology, the flora and fauna ensured that the trip was always detailed and fascinating. But beyond his high level of expertise, Dan is just a great human being. He is funny, patient and always kind. I have been on many tours with a variety of companies, and Dan is the best Expedition Leader I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Dan made this trip extraordinary! He was always offering information and observations about the flora, fauna and activities of the animals we were observing. I would have missed the aggressive and submissive behaviors of the grizzlies as they unfurled at Brooks Falls, if he had not alerted me to watch as the dominant bear arrived. I would not have seen the bald eagle watching the salmon morsels and then swooping in to take them from the gulls. Everyone in the group agreed that Dan is an exceptional guide. He was always willing to make our expectations happen or solve our concerns. His level of knowledge about the history, culture, animals, whales and frankly everything was unbelievable.
Dan went above and beyond from the moment he picked us up from the airport (even though we were a day early.) He answered questions thoughtfully, and if he did not know the answer, he researched the answer and informed the group. He is constantly trying to improve, and it shows! He takes notes when other guides give information, makes notes about the bears at Katmai and basically is a sponge for knowledge. In addition, he is kind to all the bus drivers, guides, park rangers, etc., which ensures future Nat Hab trips will receive great service. He moved easily between members of the group, ensuring everyone was comfortable. If an individual expressed a food preference, he would pop up and consult with the kitchen 'in the background' so as not to disrupt the flow. He was up late and early, preparing for the day. Dan is experienced, knowledgeable, easy to be with, fun and in short, a gem.
Upcoming Adventures with Daniel Hagaman
Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp
A secluded immersion with brown bears in the wilderness of Lake Clark National Park—enjoy total privacy and comfort at our deluxe fly-in wilderness camp accessed via chartered bush plane from Homer.
Alaska Bear Camp Photo Expedition
A secluded immersion with brown bears in the wilderness of Lake Clark National Park. Enjoy total privacy and comfort at our deluxe fly-in wilderness camp accessed via chartered bush plane from Homer.
Alaska's Grizzly Ship: Kodiak to Katmai
An exclusive small-ship adventure to view giant brown bears—the world's largest "coastal grizzlies"—up close! Walk the shores as bears dig for clams, forage for sedges and pursue salmon in season in tidal streams.
Grizzly Ship Photo Expedition: Kodiak to Katmai
Based aboard our private small ship, just eight guests photograph brown bears in the roadless Katmai wilderness, going ashore with an expert bear naturalist and photography pro who knows these animals intimately.
Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari
See more of wild Alaska on this wide-ranging, small-group adventure including Alaskan brown bears, a fly-in backcountry lodge in Denali National Park, marine life of Kenai Fjords, and the scenic Alaska Railroad to Seward.
Ultimate Alaska Photo Expedition
A truly epic photography adventure! Alongside expert guides, get aerial shots of Denali from a helicopter; capture brown bear portraits at close range, and shoot glaciers, whales, puffins and more in Kenai Fjords.
Fat Bears of Brooks Falls Photo Expedition
Capture shots of the fat and famous brown bears of Katmai National Park in the fall, once Brooks Lodge closes and visitors dwindle—we fly by private floatplane to watch them plunk on the pounds as they gorge on the salmon that remain.
Patagonia Wilderness & Wildlife Explorer
An all-encompassing expedition straddling Chile and Argentina! Marvel at the granite spires of Torres del Paine, survey the vast ice face of Perito Moreno Glacier, search for pumas and see condors soar.
Wild Patagonia Photo Expedition
An all-encompassing expedition straddling Chile and Argentina! Come away with stunning shots of granite spires, glaciers, turquoise lakes and Andean wildlife including pumas, guanacos and condors.
Monarch Butterfly Photo Expedition
Each winter, millions of monarch butterflies migrate to the fir forests of Mexico's Central Highlands—stand among them for exquisite photography opportunities as you listen to the air hum with the vibration of their wings!
Moab, Arches & Canyonlands Escape
Experience the power of the elements on a red rock desert immersion in Utah’s most dramatic sandstone landscapes, based at a luxury lodge on the banks of the Colorado River.
