Hello fellow NASIOC member I'd be more than happy to school you on my favorite and secret spots for landscape photography that are relatively close to Anchorage, as well as tips for when and how to do it. I'm really into photography myself, and I have many plans a'brewin for this winter for pictures
As far as when is the best time to go if pictures is one of your main concern, personally I believe October or later would be the best. The landscape looks
that much better when it's blanketed with snow, and the super long nights make for more and better star/Aurora pictres. You could come mid-September too if you'd like to catch the fall colors, and maybe get lucky with early snowfall.
I'll PM you my landscape pictures and more info after I get off work.