Photographers seem to be a special breed. Constantly searching for the perfect photograph. They seem to be related to surfers searching for that perfect wave or painters in front of their easels, once again starting over on the Mona Lisa's smile.
The charming ship M/S Stockholm has been on a photo expedition! It took us to the pack ice and its polar bears in the north and reindeer, foxes and midsummer flowers in the south. Svalbard showed itself from its best side and our photography guests got to see and experience everything they could dream of and more.
For the participants on this trip, photography is not just a hobby, it is a burning passion. As a guide, it was wonderful to see the participants' quest for the perfect photograph and their desire to discover Svalbard's nature and learn more.
We start with a meeting where the trip's photography expert goes through the equipment and settings so that everyone has the best chance of not missing a unique photo opportunity. In a photographer's world, such opportunities can arise anywhere, anytime, and it is vital to be prepared. It may be the only time in your life that you get that particular animal, in that particular light, with the right camera settings and the perfect composition.
At the introductory meeting, we go through which wildlife and environments we hope to see. Everyone gets to share which photos are most important to them. The trip's ‘shot list’ is defined and tactics are laid out. The room is filled with anticipation and smiles.
When ten intense days came to an end, we had checked off all the photos on the list and then some. The trip ended with a Zodiac cruise in front of a shimmering blue glacier. Completely unexpectedly, we saw a beautiful walrus on a small ice floe and a king eider flying just above the mirror-like water with the blue glacier in the background.
There were spontaneous hugs and high fives. The Zodiac was filled with smiles. A guest dressed in camouflage from head to toe and with two cameras on his chest turned to our expedition leader and beamed with joy: ‘I think I got it! But after a quick look at the cameras, everyone agrees that it wasn't quite the perfect picture after all.
Someone would have liked a slightly different angle. Someone captured the beautifully spread wings, but the blue of the glacier didn't really shine through. Someone would have liked a little more motion blur in the background. It's an insatiable hunger, and the guests talk about the next time they get the chance, on the next trip, because all the photographers agree that they will visit Svalbard again.
The hunt for the perfect photo continues!
Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.
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Fredrik Aurell -
Fredrik Aurell
