Libby Libbey is a wildlife photographer with a passion for working with moose and loons. She and her husband, Rick, live in New Hampshire but annually travel to Alaska to spend weeks, even months, photographing the moose rut. Libby says, “There’s no balm for the soul like the haunting call of a loon cutting the silence on a misty, still morning, nor anything quite like sitting in a kayak (or on an Alaskan mountainside) with a moose as it feeds in the morning fog. Wildlife is my forever passion; photographing anything that is wild and free is what I live for.” Libby and Rick own MooseMan Nature Photos. Checkout Libby and Rick’s website and follow them on Facebook.

Wildlife photographer Libby Libbey in winter gear with an owl on her head
Wildlife photographer Libby Libbey. Courtesy Libby Libbey

Product descriptions by Libby Libbey

Sony Mirrorless A7rIII Camera Body 

Sony Mirrorless A7rIII Camera Body

After being a Nikon pro for years, I recently switched over to Sony. While they are comparable, I find the Sony edges out the Nikon for photographing birds in flight. Mirrorless is the way to go these days; it alleviates the shutter shock/slap. And the electronic viewfinder means that you can view any adjustments you make in real time.

sony.com;  $2,300

Frogg Toggs Women’s Road Toad Jacket

Black Frogg Toggs Women’s Road Toad rainjacket

Whether out on the water or hiking, I need to be prepared for any weather condition. Good raingear is a must. Frogg Toggs Women’s Road Toad jacket is lightweight, durable, comfortable, and I can scrunch it into a bag and keep it in a stowage bin in my boat or backpack. I’m also not afraid to be seen in public in it. While not evening wear, it’s not as utilitarian as its predecessors.

froggtoggsraingear.com;  $50

Nikon Prostaff 10×42 Binoculars

Nikon Prostaff 10x42 binoculars

Binoculars are a must. I use one pair for distance work, glassing for moose, and another for the closer shoots. My kayak binos are for closer work. They are lighter, and as I’m not apt to be out in the dark, the 42s work perfectly. (In low light, I use Vortex 12×50 Diamondbacks for the added light allowance and magnification.) You can’t photograph them if you can’t find them, right? 

nikonusa.com;  $200

Hobie Mirage Revolution 11 Pedal Kayak

Hobie Mirage Revolution 11 Pedal Kayak

For working on the water, the most important piece of gear is my Hobie pedal kayak. I used to have a much lighter, traditional sit-inside kayak, but for photography that just didn’t work for me. Having to constantly pick up the paddle to make subtle adjustments meant too many lost shots. Or too many spooked subjects. Pedaling leaves my hands free to hold the camera.

hobie.com;  $2,760

Author

Bjorn Dihle is Alaska magazine's gear editor and a lifelong resident of southeast Alaska. You can follow him at instagram.com/bjorndihle or facebook.com/BjornDihleauthor.

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