Travelling to the Arctic is itself an incredible experience, but if you love nature and are a keen photographer, it’s also an unforgettable place to photograph some of the most extraordinary, rare, and resilient species that call the icy tundras, mountainscapes, and waters their home.
Whether you’ve long dreamed of photographing polar bears in their natural habitat, tracking eagles and reindeer, or spotting the enormous whales that navigate the Arctic Ocean, a photography holiday can bring you closer than you’ve ever imagined to these wonderful creatures.
Today, we’re discussing the varied species of birds, sea life, and land animals you’ll see in the Arctic Circle throughout the year, with tips and advice on selecting the perfect itinerary for your photography holiday.
Understanding the Arctic Seasons for Photography Trips
The first consideration is the types of animals you’d like to photograph and whether you’re hoping to join a whale-watching cruise or take to the water with a knowledgeable local guide to see other species in the remote islands and archipelagos in the heart of the Arctic Zone.
As a quick and concise guide to photography cruises and expeditions:
- Between October and May, the sea ice tends to be thick, with long hours of darkness during and on either side of the Polar winter. Due to the conditions and the depth of the ice, expeditions and cruises don’t run during these periods.
- Around June, the sea ice has normally melted sufficiently for cruises to return to the water. While it’s essential to have a strengthened boat crewed by experienced guides, you’ll often see seals floating on the ice and polar bears looking for lunch after a long winter.
- From July to August, the water and air become warmer, and it’s also a busy period in the Arctic. You’ll see seals, walruses, birds, polar bears and numerous whale species, including minke, fin and humpback whales – and, if you are lucky, even a blue whale.
- In September, at the end of the Arctic summer, you’ll find most boats and vessels heading to East Greenland, catching an early glimpse of the stunning Northern Lights as the season comes to an end.
Most photographers prefer the period from late June to early July as an optimal time when the temperature is more pleasant at an average of 3°C to 7°C. The Midnight Sun means it is daylight for 24 hours for a limited time, which provides excellent conditions for photography.
Although peak season is always a little more in demand, this period of travel gives you a unique window of time to see polar bears and other species, although you’ll also find quieter and private photography cruises at different times of the year, often focusing on whale watching.
An alternative is to consider an Arctic holiday adventure during the cold winter months – the conditions are more challenging, and tours will be land-based. Still, seeing wolves, caribou, owls and hares against the backdrop of the Aurora Borealis is a photograph you will treasure.
Which Species Can You Photograph During an Arctic Holiday Excursion?
The animals you’ll be able to photograph will depend on the time of year you travel, the weather, and whether you’re staying in a static accommodation such as a lodge or hotel, heading into the wilderness on a snowmobile or jeep, or want to take to the water.
Each provides ample opportunity to photograph some of these remarkable animals, with photography trips in Svalbard among the best if you’d like to see as many species as possible within one holiday.
Alongside the animals we’ve already mentioned, a photography tour in this remote area, just north of Norway, can provide access to Arctic foxes, walruses, voles, and numerous rare and protected bird species, including Arctic terns, pink-footed geese, kittiwakes, puffins, and red-throated divers.
Other destinations, including Greenland and Iceland, also provide outstanding photography opportunities where, during the winter, orcas are known to line the fjords.
It’s important to remember that wildlife moves at its own pace, and patience is often crucial. Many photographers go up to several days without seeing any wildlife, followed by several sightings within a short period.
This is why the knowledge and expertise of local guides are paramount. They’ll know where polar bears are most likely to roam, the areas close to habitats and nature reserves where the rarest seabirds nest, and the spots where you’ll get the best view to photograph larger animals at a safe, respectful distance.
Guides can also suggest ‘haul out’ sites where walruses come to dry off, as well as the glacier fronts and snowy mountain peaks that create a stunning backdrop for all your photographs.
Tips for an Arctic Wildlife Photography Adventure
There are several basics we’d always reiterate, regardless of the destination and dates of your forthcoming photography trip:
- Long lenses are key since it’s very common to need to keep a distance between yourself, your vehicle or vessel, and any species. This ensures animals are never put at risk and that guests’ safety is protected. We suggest a 300 mm lens as a minimum, although you can also bring other lenses for close-up shots.
- Renting a lens is possible and something we can often organise on your behalf, especially if you are considering purchasing a specialist lens specifically for a wildlife photography tour in the Arctic.
- Spare batteries are a must. Even if you have new and fully rechargeable batteries, they will deplete much faster than normal in the icy Arctic temperatures, especially during the Arctic winter when the temperatures are at their lowest.
- Practising fast shutter speeds will help with photographing birds, which tend to move rapidly and can be tricky to capture if you’re unprepared.
If you’d like to organise a tailored Arctic photography trip, learn more about the best times of year and destinations to arrange your travel, or need advice about planning a trip to photograph some of the most amazing wildlife up close, please get in touch with the Baltic Travel Company at your convenience.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 at 9:27 am; on the subject of Arctic.