Focus on Photography

Svalbard is a dream for anyone out and about with a camera — whether for wildlife or landscape photography. On our photo tours, we take the time to capture the special subjects of this extraordinary region: vast, dramatic landscapes of ice, rock, and tundra, as well as the unique wildlife of the High Arctic. Here, light, expanse, and silence merge into images of a kind found only at the edge of the inhabited world.

When it comes to wildlife photography, the focus is on birds, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and other inhabitants of the island. In summer, an astonishing variety of bird species appears around Longyearbyen, often easy to observe and photograph close to the settlement itself. Polar bear photography, on the other hand, is barely something you can plan: polar bears are hard to find — it takes a good measure of luck — and strict legal minimum distances apply: 500 metres until the end of June, and 300 metres thereafter. We never set out deliberately in search of them, and we do not disturb them.

Depending on the season, we travel in different ways: in summer by car or on foot, and in winter by snowmobile as well. This lets us reach the best spots for the moment and adapt fully to the conditions and the light.

Above all, one thing matters: time. Good wildlife photography takes patience, because this is no zoo — every animal here is wild and free. We respect them and their habitat, and we wait until the right moment arises of its own accord. A pair of binoculars is an absolute must in your luggage, to spot the animals from afar.

This way, you experience Svalbard at your own quiet pace through the lens — and bring home images that capture the raw wildness of the Arctic.

For a photo tour, you bring your own camera equipment that you know well. For wildlife photography, a telephoto lens with sufficient focal length is recommended, since we don't get too close to the animals and keep to the legal distances. For landscape photography, a wide-angle lens is also ideal. Remember to bring enough memory cards, plenty of batteries (the cold drains them faster), and, if possible, a tripod. A pair of binoculars is also an absolute must in your bag, to spot the animals from a distance.

Since wildlife photography involves a lot of waiting and observing, warm, weatherproof clothing is especially important – ideally in several layers, complemented by a windproof and waterproof outer layer, a hat, gloves, and sturdy, warm footwear. Standing still in particular makes you cool down quickly, so it's better to have one layer too many than too few.

For the snowmobile tours in winter, we provide the necessary warm equipment such as a thermal suit, boots, helmet, and mittens. A detailed packing list will be sent to you after booking your tour.

Request a private tour

A private tour means full flexibility — in route, breaks, photo stops, and pace. Get in touch — we'd be happy to put together a personalized offer for you.