Wildlife Photography and Wildlife Respect

I wanted to share a photograph that shows how a Polar Bear (or any wildlife for that matter) can be not only be safely photographed (this image shot before the new restrictions in Svalbard – more than a year ago), but also treated with the highest degree of respect and not interfered with, harassed or stressed in the slightest. We observed this magnificent bear, walking slowly across some fast ice near a glacier at a distance of more than three kilometres. We parked our small expedition ship (12 passengers aboard – all photographers) at the edge of the fast ice, shut off the engine and watched and observed through our binoculars for more than two hours – enjoying the moment with respect, awe and hopeful anticipation. Slowly, the bear approached of its own volition and curiosity, without need for us to do anything other than remain calm, quiet and patient. All on board remained quiet, observant and patient. Cameras at the ready, we began to photograph the bear from the safety of our ship as it walked slowly along the fast ice, still at distance from the boat. Of course, it noticed us, as it sniffed the air in passing in curiosity. But, it was never interfered with. It was never stressed and it was never chased. It was treated with the highest degree of respect it deserves. The Polar Bear is the king of the Arctic. It deserves nothing less than the highest degree of respect at all times. When the bear was ready, it continued its journey along the edge of the fast ice, disappearing into the distance. It was never chased or followed and there was never stress caused. There was never a question of danger from the safety of the expedition ship. When the bear had gone, we started our engine and continued our journey. This is how you photograph wildlife with respect. Perhaps scientists who chase bears with helicopters could learn a thing or two from wildlife photographers about how to approach and photograph wildlife with respect and patience. Even in this ‘cropped’ photograph, taken with a 600mm lens and a 1.4 TC (effective focal length 840mm) the bear was never closer than a couple of hundred metres. Wildlife photography of Polar Bears doesn’t need a wide angle lens to be powerful, emotive and dramatic. What is required is an understanding and respect for the wildlife. Wildlife FIRST. Photography second. This is not a comparison between Science and Tourism. That is not the intent. This is a comparison between methodologies. How Polar Bears can be engaged with, with respect, or as in the case of the recent helicopter incident by researchers, without respect that unduly stresses the animal. For the record, I am not against the Science of Polar Bears. I am against invasive, stressful methods for Polar Bear sedation and research such as chasing bears from helicopter.

Edit: Update: 24th April 2025 8.35pm AEST – Svalbard Posten has posted an article about the incident HERE. NRK Media in Norway has also posted a front page Article HERE.