Wildlife Photography – An Ultimate Expert's Guide with 50 Top Tips
My telephoto lens is a 400mm at f/2.8 and it's great for capturing wildlife, eliminating the background, and giving you excellent compression. The big battle of ...
Svalbard
Wildlife photographers buy weather-sealed camera gear to shoot in all kinds of weather conditions. In order to become a better wildlife photographer, you can kiss your fair weather hobby goodbye. Wildlife photographers immerse themselves in whatever weather conditions and terrain that the wildlife endure. Therefore it’s imperative that you get the gear that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Again, this echoes the previous point that investing in premium gear allows you to take advantage of any opportunity without fear. While in <anchor>Svalbard</anchor> photographing Polar Bears and Arctic wildlife, you will have to contend with the salt water splashing up from the zodiac rides, sleet/wet snow during the spring season, and rain during spring and summer. Ask yourself, is it better to invest in a premium weather proof system now or risk ruining a cheaper system and then having to re-buy the more premium gear after?
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[![Secret Atlas](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/logo-secret-atlas-dark.svg)![Secret Atlas](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/logo-secret-atlas-dark.svg)](https://www.secretatlas.com/ "Secret Atlas - Small ship expeditions to the polar regions, Svalbard, Greenland, Antarctica, and South Georgia")

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### Svalbard Photo Tours & Expeditions & Workshops

[Dates & Prices](#dates_prices)

- [Svalbard Tours](#tour)
- [Highlights](#highlights)
- [Meet Our Tour Leaders](#tourleader)
- [FAQ](#faq)
- [See All Voyages](#seeall)

Download Brochure Book

Contact UsDownload Brochure [Book](#dates_prices) [Show Cruises](#show_cruises)

![Polar Bear Standing on the ice in Svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Polar-Bear-Svalbard-Shutterstock-Secret-Atlas-500x500-c-center.jpg)

# Svalbard Photo Tours & Expeditions & Workshop

[See Tours](#tour)

A polar Bear in Svalbard by Forian Ledoux

## Svalbard Photo Tours: An Introduction

## Our Svalbard photo tours are designed exclusively for photographers by photographers.

## Our mission? To get you the very best photography opportunities in the wild!

We keep our group sizes small, with a maximum of just 12 guests traveling on our ice-strengthened expedition ships, allowing great flexibility for all our Svalbard photo expeditions. In the true spirit of exploration, we can adapt to the whims of nature while ensuring you’re in the right place to capture those perfect shots.

Our ships are equipped with Zodiacs, sturdy, inflatable boats that we use for exploration and photography. Often some of our most intimate wildlife encounters are taken from the Zodiacs with the engine switched off, allowing us to blend silently into the environment. Unlike larger groups, our trips allow you unhurried time in the field, free from crowds, and you’ll never have to wait to get ashore on the Zodiac because we can launch all our guests simultaneously.

Guiding you through this extraordinary experience is our professional expedition team and a photography expert. **Our Svalbard photo tours are suitable for photographers of all levels, from professionals to semi-pros to amateurs.** Allowing you to gain valuable knowledge from the experts at your fingertips.

[Join us](https://www.secretatlas.com/get-in-touch/) on an unforgettable journey to explore Svalbard one click at a time.

![small ship cruises to svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/small-ship-cruises-to-svalbard.jpg)

![photo tour Florian Ledoux Svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/svalbard-photography-tour-412x500.jpg)

![photo tour Florian Ledoux Svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/svalbard-photography-tour.jpg)

![Polar bear on ice Svalbard Rayann Elzein Secret Atlas](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Polar-bear-on-ice-Svalbard-Rayann-Elzein-Secret-Atlas--1400x0-c-default.jpg)

### Choose Your Svalbard Photo Tour

Svalbard has very distinctive seasons and may significantly impact your visit. Contrary to its Arctic Circle location, Svalbard is not always the frozen fairytale you might expect it to be. It’s a land of surprises, where you can uncover the secrets of a landscape that transitions from crisp frozen tapestries and snow-covered mountains to green tundra, sandy beaches, and rich red mountain ranges.

To learn more, check out our ‘ [When to Visit Svalbard: Month by Month Guide](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/travel-tips/best-time-to-visit-svalbard/)’

![Frozen Svalbard Pack ice Secret Atlas](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Panoramic_photo_frozen_fjord_Svalbard_22_FlorianLedoux_SecretAtlas_WebVersion.jpg.webp)

#### Small Ship

with 12 Guests

#### Days

9

#### Months

April, May

#### [Frozen Svalbard Photo Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/frozen-svalbard-photo-expedition/)

#### Our very first expeditions begin after the long winter, where Svalbard showcases a magical frozen fairytale

**Highlights:**

- Frozen landscapes, snow-capped mountain ranges, dense pack ice and prominent glaciers.
- Soft diffused twilight periods, known as the ‘blue hour’, create a magical atmosphere and excellent photo opportunities.
- Wildlife activity is often less than during the summer, but it is still possible, and photographing it against the snowy backdrops can yield impressive results.

[See The Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/frozen-svalbard-photo-expedition/) [E-mail me Brochure](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/brochures/photography/)

#### [Natural Wonders Of Svalbard Photo Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-photography-tour/)

#### **The short spring season offers the most transformative landscapes as the ice melts and unveils another world**

**Highlights:**

- Wildlife springs into action in sync with the warmer temperatures, allowing for great wildlife encounters, including the much-loved polar bear as they hunt on the pack ice.
- The contrast between the white snow and the rugged terrain can result in stunning and minimalist compositions.
- 24 hours of daylight.

[See The Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-photography-tour/) [E-mail me Brochure](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/brochures/photography/)

![polar bear watching arctic cruise](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/polar-bear-watching-arctic-cruise-Secret-Atlas-scaled-1.bak_-477x477-c-center.jpg)

#### Small Ship

with 12 Guests

#### Days

9

#### Months

May

![zodiac cruising near bird cliff in Svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Zodiac_cruising_near_bird_cliff-412x500.jpeg)

#### Small Ship

with 12 Guests

#### Days

10

#### Month

June

#### [Spitsbergen Explorer Wildlife Photo Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-wildlife-photography-tour/)

With [Paul Goldstein](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/meet-the-team/paul-goldstein/)

#### **The height of summer is the peak season for wildlife and visitors to Svalbard**

With Florian Ledoux

**Highlights:**

- Great chances to encounter wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes and marine life.
- Bird cliffs are bustling with new life in the hundreds of thousands – a must for bird watchers!
- 24 hours of daylight.
- Explore more locations and fjords due to the reduced ice coverage.

[See The Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-wildlife-photography-tour/) [E-mail me Brochure](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/brochures/photography/)

#### [Ice Waterfalls, Wildlife & Arctic Colours Svalbard Photo Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-autumn-photo-tour/)

#### **The latest expeditions of the season offer a chance to witness the dramatic autumn colours and the most diverse landscapes**

With Florian Ledoux

**Highlights:**

- Spectacular sunrises and sunsets, warm hues, and soft lighting.
- A rare chance to photograph the meltwater waterfalls of the Austfonna ice cap.
- Reach the furthest parts of Svalbard that are inaccessible during the early season.

[See The Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-autumn-photo-tour/) [E-mail me Brochure](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/brochures/photography/)

![Brasvellbreen Waterfall Austfonna Ice Cap Svalbard Autumn Photography Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Brasvellbreen_waterfall_Svalbard_22_LarsKorvald_SecretAtlas-320x240.jpg)

#### Small Ship

with 12 Guests

#### Days

10

#### Month

September

[![svalbard photo tours](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/svalbard-photo-tours-900x0-c-default.jpg)](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/svalbard-photo-tours-1400x800-c-default.jpg "")

[![Svalbard Ice Waterfall Austfonna Secret Atlas](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Svalbard-Ice-Waterfall-Secret-Atlas-900x0-c-default.jpg)](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Svalbard-Ice-Waterfall-Secret-Atlas-1400x800-c-default.jpg "")

[![Arctic Tern in Svalbard by Lucy Eckersley](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/arctic-tern-lucy-eckersley-secret-atlas-900x0-c-default.png)](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/arctic-tern-lucy-eckersley-secret-atlas-1400x800-c-default.png "")

[![Photography Tour Guests in Svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Guests_taking_photos_in_front_of_snow_covered_mountains_Svalbard_22_DavidGonzalez_SecretAtlas_WebVersion-900x0-c-default.jpg)](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Guests_taking_photos_in_front_of_snow_covered_mountains_Svalbard_22_DavidGonzalez_SecretAtlas_WebVersion.jpg "")

### Svalbard Photo Tour Highlights

## Numbers matter. We deliberately explore in small groups to minimise our environmental impact and enhance your experience – bringing you closer to nature and creating incredible photography opportunities in the process.

[Our Commitment](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/travel-tips/our-commitment-to-sustainable-travel/)

![polar bear in svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/polar-bear-alkefjellet-svalbard-photography-holidays-secret-atlas.webp)

### WILDLIFE

Svalbard is known for its abundance of Arctic wildlife. While we can’t promise you’ll see all those who call Svalbard home (we must remember we are respectful guests in their wilderness and cherish every encounter), but the chances are high for some remarkable sightings. During our photography tours, we often encounter polar bears hunting along the sea ice and observe walruses hauled out on the beaches by the hundreds.

Ashore, Svalbard hosts a unique subspecies of reindeer; their distinctive compacted bodies and legs have adapted to survive the harsh winters. Cunning arctic foxes hunt for small prey on the tundra, their fur camouflaging brown in the summer to match the color of the landscape but changing to a striking white coat in the winter for camouflage in the snow..

But that’s not all, those who love seabirds will not be disappointed during the months of June, July and August, as the cliff faces become blanketed with nesting birds: puffins, guillemots, terns, kittiwakes and auks that all make Svalbard their summer home.

### **LANDSCAPES**

The best light for photography in Svalbard is the early (April – May) and late (September) season.

In the early spring season, Svalbard’s frozen landscapes grace the archipelago like something from a frozen fairytale. The landscape is dominated by jagged, snow-covered mountains, framed by shimmering glaciers. While some areas still remain encapsulated by ice, we explore mostly by Zodiac, providing a platform for immersive adventures.

The shift from spring to autumn in Svalbard marks a dramatic transformation. As the ice thaws, it reveals the naked mountainscape, rich with warm hues and lush vegetation carpeting the lower elevations. With winter around the corner, the sun dips below the horizon for the first time after the endless daylight of summer. The September sky is awash with mesmerising rainbows of watercolor tones delivering captivating sunsets that captivate the senses.

![Glacier in Svalbard by Rachel Bibby](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Glacier-Svalbard-Secret-Atlas-1400x0-c-default.jpg)

![zodiac cruise in the pack ice Svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Zodiac_Cruising_through_sea_ice_Svalbard_21_LarsKorvald_SecretAtlas1-1400x0-c-default.jpeg)

### **ICE**

Svalbard has over 2,000 glaciers with land masses crowned by some of the world’s last remaining ice-caps. Sea ice hugs coastal areas and narrow fjords, and when the alpenglow races down from the mountaintop to sea, it’s possible to view glittering pack ice, ablaze with pastel colors of pink, gold and lavender, so spectacular you’ll feel as if you are on a different planet.

Zodiac boats allow us to get up close to the ice for some amazing photo opportunities. Under the guidance of our expedition team, we navigate through floating ice and along the faces of calving glaciers (when conditions allow).

If you’re in search of a frozen wonderland, consider joining one of our early photography tours. For those enchanted by sunsets, diverse landscapes, and a whimsical atmosphere, a late autumn photography tour is the perfect choice for you.

### [Svalbard Wildlife](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/svalbard/svalbard-wildlife-animals/)

[![photo tours reindeer](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/small-ship-cruises-to-svalbard-reindeer-1-500x500-c-center.jpg)](#antarctica)

#### Svalbard Reindeer

![Ringed seal in Svalbard by Chase Theron](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Chase-Teron-ringed-seal-500x500-c-center.jpg)

#### SEALS

![](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/humpback-whale-svalbard-secret-atlas-500x500-c-center.jpg)

#### WHALES

![Walrus haulout in Svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Walrus-in-svalbard-500x500-c-center.jpg)

#### Walruses

[![polar bear photo tour in svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/polar-bear-photo-tour-in-svalbard-500x500-c-center.jpg)](#svalbard)

#### Polar Bears

![Arctic fox Svalbard Autumn photo tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Arctic-fox-autumn-Svalbard-Secret-Atlas-500x500-c-center.jpg)

#### ARCTIC FOX

To find out more about the wildlife of Svalbard please see our blog posts: [21 animals you can see in Svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/svalbard/svalbard-wildlife-animals/) and [Birds of Svalbard.](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/svalbard/birds-of-svalbard-a-guide-to-svalbard-birds/)

### Meet Our Svalbard Photo Tour Leaders

![Paul Goldstein photo tour guide](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Paul-Goldstein-profile-pic-Secret-Atlas-1-412x500.jpg)

#### [Paul Goldstein](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/meet-the-team/paul-goldstein/)

**Photo Tour Leader**

A travel veteran of over 35 years and a multi-award-winning photographer with a following spanning six continents, Paul Goldstein has a broad and burgeoning bank of followers.. He is also a big defender of persecuted species and has run 20 marathons including the fearsome Everest one last year, in his now fabled tiger suit, raising almost half a million dollars for his beloved Bengal cats. Paul is a great educator and shipmate. Travel with Paul and you’ll be sure to come back home with your own award-winning photos under his guidance.

[View Photo Tours](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/dates-and-rates/)

![Virgil Reglioni Photo Expedition Leader](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Virgil-Reglioni-Expedition-Leader-Secret-Atlas-412x500.jpg)

#### [Virgil Reglioni](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/meet-the-team/virgil-reglioni/)

**Photo Tour Leader**

Virgil has been an expedition leader in the polar regions since 2016. He is a professional photographer specializing in polar landscapes, with a particular focus on capturing the famous Northern Lights.

Virgil was awarded in several international photography competitions and was part of the 2021 & 2022 Best Northern Light Photographer of the Year collection, showcasing his powerful storytelling and unique impactful photography style. Following this accomplishment, he also made contributions to the European Space Agency, thanks to his renowned images. During late winters, he educates and teaches photography in Tromsø, Northern Norway, sharing his love for the untouched polar dark nights and remote locations.

[View Photo Tours](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/dates-and-rates/)

![Amos Nachoum Photography Guide Secret Atlas](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Amos_Photographer_Camera_Focus_Mid_Profil_Secret_Atlas-scaled.jpg)

#### [Amos Nachoum](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/meet-the-team/amos-nachoum-photography-expert/)

**Photo Tour Leader**

Amos Nachoum, a renowned wildlife photographer and explorer, has profoundly impacted photography and wildlife conservation. Celebrated for his close-up underwater shots of large marine animals like whales, sharks, leopard seals, crocodiles, anacondas, and polar bears, he has earned numerous awards and global recognition.

Beyond capturing stunning images, Amos passionately advocates for environmental conservation, using his work to raise awareness about endangered wildlife and natural habitats.

[View Photo Tours](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/dates-and-rates/)

![Lana Tannir photography guide secret atlas](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lana-Tannir-Photo-Guide-Secret-Atlas--500x500-c-center.jpg)

#### [Lana Tannir](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/meet-the-team/lana-tannir-photography-expert/)

**Photo Tour Leader**

As a National Geographic Explorer and Girls Who Click Ambassador, Lana Tannir has spent the past decade capturing the intricate relationship between humans and nature in the Arctic and marine environments.

Lana Tannir’s work has been featured in publications and podcasts to TV appearances. Some of her latest features include National Geographic Germany and Serbia, Terra Mater, Oceanographic Magazine, Wildlife Photographic, Sony Alpha Universe, Sidetracked Magazine, and Female Explorer.

[View Photo Tours](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/dates-and-rates/)

![Photo Guide Piet van den Bemd](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Piet-van-den-Bemd-Secret-Atlas-e1724757241627-500x500.png)

#### [Piet van dem Bemd](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/meet-the-team/piet-van-den-bemd/)

**Photo Tour Leader**

During Piet’s childhood, he developed an intense fascination for nature and wildlife. Guided by his parents, he travelled to many different continents, experienced other cultures and became inspired by the wildlife he witnessed outside of his home country in the Netherlands.

Growing up with a father who was a professional photographer, Piet received his first camera at the age of 16 which cemented the path ahead of him into photography.

Inspired by the beauty, freedom and pure wilderness of the North, Piet is driven to share this through photography and create awareness and interest in this fragile environment. For him, it is important to keep moving forward to secure and conserve the future of the remaining “untouched” places in the world.

[View Photo Tours](https://www.secretatlas.com/info/dates-and-rates/)

### Polar Photography Tips

[![Virgil Reglioni taking photos of Northern lights Aurora borealis in Greenland](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/virgil-reglioni-taking-photos-northern-lights-greenland-secret-atlas-900x0-c-default.png)\
\
**Northern Lights Photography – An Expert’s Guide with Top Tips** \
\
Join photographer Virgil Reglioni to capture the magic of the Northern Lights. Learn about camera…](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/photography-tips/northern-lights-photography/)

[![photo tour Florian Ledoux Svalbard](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/svalbard-photography-tour-900x0-c-default.jpg)\
\
**Svalbard Photography – Ultimate Guide with Top Tips** \
\
Explore our Svalbard photography guide for advice on equipment to enhance your shots and discover…](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/photography-tips/svalbard-photography-guide/)

[![Juvenile polar bear in Svalbard by Chase Teron](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-32-900x0-c-default.png)\
\
**Editing Wildlife Photography – An Introduction to Lightroom** \
\
Read this 10 step introduction to Lightroom and learn why colour grading and editing is…](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/photography-tips/editing-wildlife-photography-lightroom-introduction/)

[![Reindeer in Svalbard by Chase Teron](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Wildlife_Lightroom_Tips_Chase_Teron-19-900x0-c-default.jpeg)\
\
**Ultimate Tips for Colour Grading Wildlife Photos Using Lightroom** \
\
Read this in-depth guide by photography expert Chase Teron on how to colour grade, sharpen…](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/photography-tips/colour-grading-wildlife-photos/)

[![Iceberg in Greenland by Chase Teron](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2.jpeg)\
\
**Top Tips for Colour Grading Arctic Landscape Photos in Lightroom** \
\
Read this in-depth guide by photography expert Chase Teron on how to colour grade, sharpen…](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/photography-tips/colour-grading-arctic-landscape-photos/)

[![Rule of Thirds Chase Teron](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Blog_5_Chase_Teron_0538.jpeg)\
\
**Chase Teron’s Rule of Thirds for Landscape & Wildlife Photography** \
\
Enhance your photographic skills with our guide to the Rule of Thirds in Landscape &…](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/photography-tips/rule-of-thirds/)

[![Iceberg in Disko Bay by Chase Teron](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Greenland-4-900x0-c-default.jpeg)\
\
**The Ultimate Photographer’s Guide to West and East Greenland** \
\
Discover Greenland photography tips with expert photographer Chase Teron and learn to capture the different…](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/photography-tips/guide-to-west-and-east-greenland-photography/)

[![Greenland fjord by Chase Teron](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/image28-900x0-c-default.jpg)\
\
**Landscape Photography – An Ultimate Expert’s Guide with 50 Tips** \
\
Discover 50 in-depth wildlife photography tips from expert wildlife photographer Chase Teron to help you…](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/photography-tips/landscape-photography-50-tips/)

## Svalbard Photo Tours FAQ

### Plan Your Svalbard Photo Tour

Which month is best for a Svalbard photo tour?

Every month offers something different for a photographer in Svalbard and often our guests return to experience the place at different times of the year.

We offer photo tours in Svalbard throughout the season which runs from March until early October.

In **March** & **Apr** **il** Svalbard is emerging from the winter and conditions are more extreme with temperatures well below freezing. Expect frozen landscapes, plenty of ice and some amazing winter colours in the sky. Wildlife sightings are less frequent early in the season and it is suited to photographers looking to capture the magical winter light and frozen landscapes. Passages are shorter due to the sea ice restricting the north of Spitsbergen.

In early **May** the shores of Svalbard are still covered in snow making it a scenic paradise and ideal for photography. There is now 24 hours of sunlight. Wildlife begins to return and it is possible to sea polar bears on the edge of the fjord ice. Walruses can be seen resting on ice flows. Early in the month it is hard to land on the shores due to the ice and most of expedition will take place from the Zodiacs which we will use to explore the coastline. During these months cruises are shorter as access to the north coast can still be restricted due to the sea ice.

By the end of **May** and into **June** the coast to the north of Svalbard opens up making longer expeditions possible. Birds begin to arrive back in Svalbard and June offers a great month for wildlife photography. As the fjord ice disappears it makes it possible to get up close to mighty glaciers that have been locked in by ice for the winter.

In **July** and **August** the summer is here. The sea ice has retreated further north and it is usually possible to reach further less visited parts of Svalbard. These months offer the ideal opportunity for wildlife viewing. By the end of August the birds start to migrate south.

**September** is a good month for photography as the light becomes lower in the sky. Whilst the birds have mostly migrated south, Polar bears and walruses are still frequently sighted. It is also possible to witness the first snow of the coming winter.

Where do your Svalbard photo tours depart from?

All our Svalbard photo tours depart and return to the town of Longyearbyen.  Longyearbyen is easily reached by daily flights from Oslo in Norway making it one of the easiest destinations to reach in the High Arctic. To find out more about how to get to Longyearbyen [please visit our guide.](https://www.secretatlas.com/longyearbyen-travel-guide-longyearbyen-cruises/)

How do your Svalbard photo tours work?

All our Svalbard photography tours take place on purpose built, ice-strengthened expedition vessels that are capable of entering the sea ice.

What makes our tours really unique is that we take just 12 photographers per voyage. This helps us create an intimate experience for our guests and gives you lots of flexibility to get the photography that you came for.

Our trips are led by an experienced expedition leader, an assistant expedition leader and a professional photographer with lots of previous experience shooting in Svalbard. This team are there to help you get the shots you came for and provide you with any assistance as necessary.

During the days we will launch the Zodiac landing craft and use them to explore. This are ideal to shoot photography from and help us get close to wildlife without causing any disturbances.

Why is a a small ship expedition the best way to photograph Svalbard?

At Secret Atlas our philosophy is the smaller the group size the richer the expedition experience for our guests.

Large cruise ships taking over 100 guests offer a completely different type of experience.

A small ship with 12 guests offers a great deal of flexibility. We can reach areas large ships cannot reach, deploy our zodiacs rapidly if we see a photography opportunity, and have a much lower impact.

Our Svalbard photo tours offer you a chance to experience Svalbard in a personal way without the crowds of larger vessels. Our goal is to make you part of the adventure.

### During Your Svalbard Photo Tour

What wildlife will I see on my Svalbard photo tour?

Svalbard is an untamed Arctic wilderness and on every photo tour we encounter different wildlife. We can never guarantee specific wildlife sightings, although we do work with expedition teams that are excellent wildlife spotters to maximise chances.

Svalbard in our opinion is the best place in the High Arctic to see wildlife including polar bears as there are high concentrations surrounding the islands. Whilst a sighting is never guaranteed we do frequently get a chance to photograph polar bears in their natural environment.

The chances of encountering wildlife are very high and on all previous trips, we have seen walruses, whales, Svalbard Reindeer and a variety of birdlife. Whilst we can’t make any guarantees, we have encountered polar bears on the majority of our trips and we cruise areas where they are known to hunt.

You can find out more about the wildlife in Svalbard in this blog article [here.](https://www.secretatlas.com/explorers-club/svalbard/svalbard-wildlife-animals/)

What places will I visit on a photo tour to Svalbard?

Our Svalbard photo tours offer a chance to explore and don’t follow set itineraries or routes. This gives us a great deal of flexibility to maximise photographic opportunities based on the sea ice and weather conditions.

On a typical photo tour we will launch the Zodiacs on a daily basis to go exploring and carry out shore landings.

Our expedition team will ensure you see the most that Svalbard has to offer.

Will it be cold on my photo tour to Svalbard?

Due to the influence of the gulf stream on Svalbard’s climate, it is warmer during the summer than most people would imagine. A summer’s day rarely feels colder than the temperatures experienced in Northern Europe during the winter. It is not uncommon to be out hiking with only a base layer on when the sun is shining.

The temperature varies depending on the month you travel with the months of July and August offering the warmest temperatures.

Average High:

April -9°C,

May -3 °C

June +3°C

July +7°C

August +6°C

September +1°C

### Know More

Is an Expedition Micro Cruise or Small Ship Suitable for me?

Our cruises are suitable for the vast majority of people and we aim to make them as accessible as possible. We ask that our guests have a good level of mobility as it is a requirement that you can safely step down from the vessel into the landing craft and then exit the landing craft on the beach. Due to the remote areas we visit and the distance from medical assistance, we advise that you have a reasonable level of fitness and are in good health. During the shore landings, we have 2 guides which enable us to split the group if we have some keen hikers and some other guests with more limited range.

Who joins your Svalbard photo tours?

Our trips are friendly and inclusive. Our Svalbard photo tours attract guests from all walks of life and onboard we have a diverse group of like minded travellers. Photographers vary from professionals looking to build their portfolios to semi-pro’s and amateurs looking to experience a unique location.

We have welcomed young professionals, middle-aged solo travellers, looking for their next adventure, and retirees looking to see Svalbard in a more in-depth way.

Can I join your photo tour as a solo traveller?

Yes, you can and every year we welcome solo travellers onboard where you will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We offer accommodation options for single cabins or sharing a cabin with travellers of the same gender.

Can I join your photo tour as a non-photographer?

Yes, we welcome all kinds of guests that share an interest not only in photography but in learning more about nature and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Our photo tours are designed for guests that are looking to spend time out in the field taking photos. We welcome all levels of photography, so whether you’re an experienced professional or completely new to photography this is a great opportunity for you to capture images and spend extended time out on the zodiacs enjoying the nature and wildlife that surrounds you.

In addition to our photography guide, we also have a highly experienced expedition leader and guide on board, giving you plenty of opportunity to learn about Svalbard.

### Sustainability

How do you ensure your photo tours don’t have a negative effect on the environment?

That’s a great question and one we believe in complete transparency when it comes to the environment and sustainability.

At Secret Atlas, our core philosophy is based on an absolute admiration for the natural world. This principle governs every aspect of our operations, and we take great care to ensure that our encounters with the environment and wildlife are always conducted with the utmost respect. Our commitment to small-group travel is one of the ways in which we demonstrate this. By keeping our groups small, we help to minimize the impact on the environment, and we are proud to work only with partners who share the same values.

During our photo tours, we follow very strict guidelines as set out by AECO (Association Of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) to ensure minimal impact on the wildlife and places we visit. This includes following strict rules about not disturbing wildlife in its natural habitat. We employ highly experienced expedition leaders to run our expeditions in accordance with the rules and safety code laid out by AECO. The principal rules are:

1. Leave no lasting signs of your visit
2. Do not pick flowers
3. Do not take anything with you
4. Do not disturb animals and birds
5. Leave cultural remains alone. Cultural remains are protected by law and a zone of 100 meters around the remains is also considered a protected zone. Watch where you are walking and standing. Walk around and not in between objects.
6. Take the polar bear danger seriously.
7. Respect local culture and local people.
8. Be safe

Our expedition leaders are highly trained in safety and following these rules and brief guests at the beginning of each departure. They ensure the safety of the guests throughout the cruise and that the AECO rules are followed.

As a member of AECO we take great efforts to ensure our trips don’t have any negative impact on the wildlife or environment. You can find out more [here.](https://www.aeco.no/guidelines/visitor-guidelines/)

### See All Photo Tours

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Join Secret Atlas on a 15-day South Georgia Photography and Wildlife Tour. In-depth expedition aimed at Photographers and wildlife watchers.









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[Ice Waterfalls, Wildlife & Arctic Colours Svalbard Autumn Photo Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-autumn-photo-tour/)











Join Secret Atlas on a 10-day Svalbard Autumn Photo Tour in September to photograph ice waterfalls, wildlife and the colours of the Arctic.









Svalbard
10 or 12 days




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August & September










From €10,800











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- [![Antarctica wildlife and photography tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/plugins/essential-grid/public/assets/images/300x200transparent.png)](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/antarctica-cruise/)







[Antarctica Wildlife and Photography Expedition](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/antarctica-cruise/)











A 10-day, in-depth small ship Antarctica expedition to explore and photograph the fantastic nature and wildlife.









Antarctica
10 Days




89 people
November










From US$ 9,495











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- [![Two polar bears on ice in Svalbard by Paul Goldstein](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/plugins/essential-grid/public/assets/images/300x200transparent.png)](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-wildlife-photography-tour/)







[Spitsbergen Explorer Photo Tour with Paul Goldstein](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-wildlife-photography-tour/)











A 10-day Spitsbergen photography expedition with legendary wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein.









Svalbard
10 Days




12 people
May - June










£11,450











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- [![King Penguin Colony South Georgia cruises](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/plugins/essential-grid/public/assets/images/300x200transparent.png)](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/antarctica-south-georgia-photo-tour-with-paul-goldstein/)







[South Georgia & Antarctica Photo Tour With Paul Goldstein](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/antarctica-south-georgia-photo-tour-with-paul-goldstein/)











Join our 20 day Photo Tour with Paul Goldstein. You will sail from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and Antarctica.









South Georgia & Antarctica
20 Days




73 people
October










From US$ 14,995











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- [![Greenland northern lights secret atlas](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/plugins/essential-grid/public/assets/images/300x200transparent.png)](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/greenland-photo-tour/)







[Scoresby Sund Northern Lights and Remote Landscapes Photo Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/greenland-photo-tour/)











Join Secret Atlas on an exciting Greenland Photo Tour to Scoresby Sund for Northern Lights and Remote Landscapes with Virgil Reglioni









Greenland
10 Days




12 people
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From €9,900











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- [![](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/plugins/essential-grid/public/assets/images/300x200transparent.png)](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-photography-tour/)







[Frozen Svalbard Photo Tour](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/svalbard-photography-tour/)











Join Secret Atlas on an exciting Svalbard Photography Tour in May on a small ship to photograph the wildlife and landscapes of Svalbard.









Svalbard
8 or 10 days




12 people
April & May










From €11,900











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- [![King penguins on the beach in the Falkland Islands](https://www.secretatlas.com/wp-content/plugins/essential-grid/public/assets/images/300x200transparent.png)](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/south-georgia-falklands-cruise/)







[South Georgia & Falklands Wildlife and Photography Expedition](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/south-georgia-falklands-cruise/)











Embark on our unique Falklands and South Georgia Expedition Micro Cruise and Photo tour highlighting the diverse wildlife of South Georgia Island and Falklands.









South Georgia
17 Days




89 people
September—October










From US$ 13,795











[Show Cruise](https://www.secretatlas.com/tour/south-georgia-falklands-cruise/)


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