Arctic Fox Winter 2019 Expedition Report

In February of 2019 I lead my annual expedition to the remote Hornstrandir Nature reserve in the far north west of Iceland to photograph Arctic Fox in winter. I have been travelling and photographing Arctic Fox in this part of Iceland for many years now and it never ceases to be any less exciting or wonderful. Being in a beautiful and spectacular remote location in the depths of winter, surrounded by wild Arctic Fox is quite literally a wildlife photographers nirvana.

This year we were extremely fortunate to encounter a total of six individual foxes including five blue morphs and one white morph (although the white morph was at a distance). Even more exciting was that we experienced and photographed some truly superb interactions and behaviour between the foxes as they went about their daily lives. This year, perhaps more than any other, we had the opportunity to catch the foxes fighting and squabbling amongst themselves.

Winter was late to arrive this year in Iceland with generally lower than previous years snowfall. However, we did experience one day of absolutely incredible snow and wind that provided simply wonderful photographic opportunities (our best day).  We experienced a variety of weather during this expedition that included everything from overcast, sunshine, to rain and snow blizzard. The variety of weather gave us many different opportunities; with the driving snow being my preferred option.

I lost track of how many hours we spent this year photographing the foxes, but it would be fair to say that we put in a solid days photography every day with almost all of our time spent in the field behind the camera. We had very little down time in the field as the foxes were extremely active the majority of the time.

As per previous years we took the opportunity to visit the Arctic Fox centre in Sudavik (this time at the conclusion of our expedition) where we had the opportunity to learn a little more about this amazing mammal. It was also a personal thrill for me to see my photographs now adorning the walls of the centre.

My 2020 Winter expedition to photograph Arctic Fox in the remote north west Hornstrandir Reserve in Iceland is long sold out. If you missed out and are keen to photograph this tenacious little predator in a spectacular winter setting then I am now taking bookings for the 2021 expedition. The 2021 expedition will run from February 1st until February 6th (6 Days / 5 Nights) and includes return private transfer in a charter boat to our private cabin (departing from the town of Isafjord), accomodation in private rooms in the cabin, breakfast, lunch and dinner for the duration of the expedition and all photographic instruction.

Our accommodation for the expedition is a cozy but rugged haven for photographers to enjoy a great atmosphere after a day out in the cold photographing Arctic FoxesThe house was originally built in 1921. In 1948 (just 27 years later), the last inhabitants left this isolated arctic peninsula in search of a better life. The cabin was abandoned for many years and has only recently been restored. Although no one lives here permanently, the cabin is a great getaway and the perfect place to accommodate us whilst we photograph wild Arctic Foxes. Curious Arctic Foxes frequently stop past the cabin to investigate visitors and it is possible to even photograph them from right outside the cabin on occasion. Life is simple in the cabin and you’ll be taken back in time as you enjoy how people lived in the area more than sixty years ago.

If you are interested in photographing one of Nature’s greatest feats of engineering in a beautiful and private winter setting then please drop me an email to register your interest.

2 thoughts on “Arctic Fox Winter 2019 Expedition Report

Leave a comment