Alaska is home to some of the most photogenic ice on Earth—but not all glacier photos are created equal. Some are about sheer scale. Others capture motion, texture, or a fleeting trick of light. A few happen by luck. Most take planning. This guide breaks down 18 distinct Alaska glacier photography scenes you can chase across Alaska—from glowing blue melt pools to abstract aerials, grounded icebergs to collapsing towers of ice.

Some of these shots you can get on a day cruise or a short hike. Others require a helicopter, joining a glacier photo tour, or showing up at the exact right moment when light, weather, and tide all line up. Whether you’re carrying a DSLR or a smartphone, this article shows you what’s possible—and how to go after it.