There is now only a single place available on my Polar Bears of Svalbard expedition this July before the expedition will be sold out (Read the report from last years expedition). The expedition runs from the 25th of July until the 4th of August and is strictly limited to twelve participants – one place remaining only.
The High Arctic is a place to inspire the imagination. Nowhere is it more accessible than the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located deep within the Arctic Circle. Nowhere else can the Polar Bear be seen more reliably in its natural habitat, and photographing these magnificent animals will be our main objective. We will also search for walrus and the other wildlife of the region. Dramatic glaciers, plunging cliffs and beautiful drift ice formations will be present as well.
Our intention is to sail directly north from the small town of Longyearbyen in Svalbard to approximately 80o degrees north, to the very edge of the permanent pack ice. At our northerly most point we will likely be less than 600 miles from the North Pole and depending on the sea ice we may get even closer. We will be using the ice hardened expedition ship M.S Origo that will enable us to skirt the edge of the pack ice searching for and photographing Polar Bears. M.S Origo is widely regarded as the best ship in the Arctic for Polar Bear Photography. With low-lying decks and operable portholes a mere 60cm above the water line we can photograph at eye level with wild Polar Bears. Our expedition ship is also equipped with sufficient zodiacs (2 x Zodiac MKV models) and crew for all photographers to be shooting simultaneously with plenty of room to spare for camera equipment – So bring what you need!
Watch the expedition video ‘Kingdom of the Ice Bear’ to get an idea of what this expedition entails.
If you are excited by the idea of traveling to the edge of the permanent pack ice to photograph Polar Bears in their natural environment with a small group of dedicated photographers now is the time to secure the very last place. You can download a detailed PDF itinerary HERE.
The Lofoten Islands are approximately 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle, west of Norway. Lofoten’s natural beauty, with incredible mountains and magnificent fjords offers our small, and intimate group (maximum six participants plus leaders – only 3 places remaining before it will be sold out) a chance to explore these remarkable and unique landscapes and seascapes. The breathtaking village of Reine on the island of Moskenesoya will be our base for six nights situated in some of the most picturesque mountain scenery rising precipitously out of the fjords. Reine has often been described as one of the most beautiful places on earth. If we are lucky and blessed with clear skies, we will be able to witness the Aurora Borealis and the magic of the Northern Lights as they flicker across the night skies. Besides the incredible wealth of photographic locations in the vicinity of Reine, we will use the local Fjordskyss ferry service to Vinstad and to the tiny hamlet of Kjerkfjorden, both of which are surrounded by towering granite mountains. Our private transportation will allow to access some of the iconic beaches near Leknes which might be covered in snow.
Our home away from home while on Lofoten and in Reine, will be a quaint and venerable traditional house (built in 1906) which makes it a very cosy, but basic place that we will have all to ourselves. All guests of the house share one bathroom. Additionally, we will also have the use of a Rorbu, a style of housing historically associated with seamen now converted into homely accommodations complete with private bathroom and small kitchen. Our second base for two nights is Leknes where we will stay at a comfortable hotel. From here we can easily access the beautiful coastal beaches of Utaklieve, Haukland and Skagsanden.
Being surrounded by water Lofoten offers great opportunities for seascape photography at just about every turn and we plan to take advantage of this by visiting and photographing many different beaches and areas of coastline. Much of the coastline is rocky or dotted with large boulders (JCB’s – Otherwise known as Joe Cornish Boulders) which provides limitless opportunities for foreground interest. Many of the beaches are also very accessible and only a short walk from car parks or pull off areas. We plan to spend quite a lot time exploring and photographing various areas of coastline. In the right conditions, Lofoten in winter also has the added benefit of snow down to sea level for even more interest.
It is worth noting that Lofoten isn’t just about landscape photography. During this workshop we will also take a private charter boat out to photograph White-Tailed Sea Eagles fishing off the coastline. The opportunity to photograph these remarkable raptors up close is not something to be missed.
From the moment the workshop begins in Leknes, Lofoten until it ends 9 days later, all costs are included – transportation, food, drinks (excluding alcoholic beverages), and accommodation based on a single room per person. If you have special dietary requirements you will be accommodated – please be sure to advise when booking. Packed lunches will be taken in the eld and we suggest you bring a thermos ask for soup, coffee or tea.
This year for the VPPY awards, I split my print entries across the Documentary and Science, Wildlife and Wild Places categories. I was very pleased to receive word a couple of days ago that not only had the majority of my prints been awarded Silver or Silver with Distinction awards, but that I was also the honoured as the overall winner for the EPSON Victorian 2017 Professional Documentary Photographer of the Year as well as being a finalist in the Science, Wildlife and Wild Places category. I have previously 
All of the prints were printed on 
www.WILDNATUREPHOTOTRAVEL.com 