Local People - Uncommon Knowledge
Captain Neil McDermott – Owner
Captain Neil McDermott is a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Master and the owner of A Whale’s Song Expeditions, a Southeast Alaska-based company specializing in small-group wildlife photography tours and expedition-style charters. His work focuses on ethical marine wildlife encounters, including humpback whales, orcas, bears, sea otters, and seabirds, with a strong emphasis on education, conservation, and photographer-focused experiences.
Captain Neil McDermott is the owner and lead captain of
A Whale’s Song Expeditions, offering immersive wildlife
photography tours in Southeast Alaska. He combines technical maritime
expertise with a science-informed approach on every expedition.
From a young age, Neil developed a deep passion for the natural world through
books, documentaries, and hands-on exploration. Watching Jacques Cousteau
specials sparked a lasting fascination with marine mammals—especially
whales—which shaped his career path.
Neil holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master License and maintains
First Aid and CPR certification, ensuring a strong focus on
safety and professionalism. He regularly attends marine science,
conservation, and wildlife tourism conferences and collaborates with whale
researchers visiting Southeast Alaska. This keeps his expeditions aligned
with current research and supports ongoing conservation efforts.
Professional affiliations include:
- Associate Member, Society for Marine Mammalogy
- Partner Member, World Cetacean Alliance
- Partner, Whale SENSE Alaska
- Member, North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA)
- Associate Partner, Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA)
- Contributing Author, The Last Frontier Magazine
Captain Neil’s guiding philosophy blends
ethical wildlife practices,
scientific literacy, and
photographer-first expedition design. His goal is to offer
respectful, meaningful wildlife encounters while creating ideal conditions
for authentic photographic storytelling.
Lione Claire – Professional Photographer & Naturalist
Lione Clare was born and raised in Sitka and fell in love with nature at a young age. Her passion for nature photography that budded at 13 has since led to her special photography experiences, including a North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) high school scholarship and being the guest young photographer on a wildlife safari in Tanzania. Lione holds a degree in resource conservation and minors in climate change studies and media arts from the University of Montana. She is excited to share her local knowledge and passion for photographing the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world with you on our expeditions. View her work on her website.
Simon Hook – Professional Photographer & Naturalist
Simon Hook discovered the natural world in his childhood, adventuring in the redwood forests of California. The adventure of Alaska has captured his curiosity and continues to inspire him. Simon’s interest in the landscape and wildlife of Alaska presents a wonder for exploration and subjects to photograph. From the tiniest plankton to the tectonic plates that make mountains; Simon’s curiosity has sought out scientists and cutting-edge researchers at symposiums and lectures to further an understanding of the natural world. Simon is also extremely handy with a camera, with several awards for photos of Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes to his name. You can view some of Simon’s outstanding photographic talents on his website.
Karen Mead – Owner and Chief Motivational Executive
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Karen has always appreciated beautiful, lush forests and waterways. Whether camping, hiking with llamas, fishing, or exploring, she is happiest enjoying the wonders of nature. After spending most of her adult life pursuing outdoor activities and teaching her children to appreciate and care for our natural world, she is excited to do the same for her clients.
