Laura Geissinger2018
Laura was born in Alaska, where her love for nature began with playing in the snow and berry picking. After her family moved to Pennsylvania, she continued spending time outdoors, especially at summer camp, where her passion for the natural world deepened. She later worked at camps in Pennsylvania, Alaska and California, leading backpacking, canoeing, caving and climbing trips for youth. From an early age, Laura knew she wanted to dedicate her life to the outdoors.
She earned a degree in biology and environmental education from Messiah College in Pennsylvania and has since worked as a naturalist, camp director and guide. Her career has taken her around the world—from developing an outdoor program in India to studying abroad in England and Africa, and exploring ecosystems in Belize, New Zealand, Australia and Antarctica. Most recently, she completed a master’s in environmental science, researching sea otters in Cook Inlet for her thesis.
Now back in Alaska, Laura is proud to guide in the place where it all began. As an Expedition Leader for Nat Hab, she enjoys sharing her deep knowledge of the state’s plants, animals and cultural history with travelers. When not guiding, she can often be found adventuring—backpacking, biking, canoeing or photographing wildlife. In winter, she enjoys skiing, snowshoeing and capturing the aurora borealis. Indoors, she stays busy crafting, reading or playing music. Whether outside or in, Laura brings energy, curiosity and a love for learning to all she does.
What's in My Camera Bag
I prefer to keep my gear minimal and my pack light, focusing on efficiency and mobility in the field. I use a camera packing cube inside my backpack. I typically carry either a single versatile zoom lens or a combination of a dedicated telephoto lens and a wide-angle lens.
Camera
Canon R6
Lenses
Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5
Canon 10-18mm f/4.5
Canon 16mm f/2.8
Other
Lens adapter
Rain cover
128GB Memory cards
Charger + Extra Batteries
Cleaning Kit
UV and polarizer filters
Zeiss 10x42 Binoculars
What Our Guests Say
Laura was really in her natural element on this trip and it helps that she is from Alaska because she is so knowledgeable about the landscape, ecology and wildlife. She has a wonderful disposition and temperament and was very open to feedback and also very accommodating. She truly went above and beyond to make sure we had a really special experience, even treating us with surprises. She is truly outstanding!
Laura is an exceptional Expedition Leader. She has excellent organizational skills while at the same time, really seems to enjoy people. Her natural curiosity and intelligence are truly obvious. She's quite nurturing and checks in with each member on the trip daily to make sure all is good. She rises to the occasion to support individuals in order to give them the best trip imaginable. I can't say enough about her leadership and role in making this trip so magical.
Laura was thoroughly knowledgeable about the habitats and wildlife of Alaska. Her insights made the trip more enjoyable. Her passion for Alaska and wildlife habitat preservation are obvious in a most positive way. She went above and beyond to surprise our group with events that were not on the scheduled itinerary. She made each traveler feel special.















