Swalbard, a Norwegian archipelago where nature ruins the supreme rule provides a unique and challenging photographic experience. While many trips to the region focus on wildlife, and I have traveled there for that purpose, also, the Arctic landscape is an incredibly captivating theme. I will find it in this article.
Photography usually in the conditions found in Swalbard is not an easy achievement. This is a real challenge that tests a photographer’s creativity, patience and physical endurance, especially when the most dramatic scenes are sought at the beginning of the season. But it is also very beneficial as a photographic subject.
The discovery of svalbard is often the meaning of traveling from the sea riding in the sea, or (once you get closer to the edge) inflatable boats. It is best to select tourism using small vessels, usually only 12 photographers along with the crew and guides.
This method of travel allows for quick movement between places and enhances the possibility of capturing the condition of diverse scenarios, wildlife and light. However, it presents unique challenges for landscape photographers, mainly needs to be shot while walking – often in unexpected weather. It demands patience and adaptability.
For example, while hovering with a fjord with a fJORD with mountains reflected in cool water, a sudden ray of sunlight can break through the clouds, illuminating the view. At that time, you have only a few seconds to create shots, adjust your settings and capture the image. If you are not ready, you will miss the opportunity. Auto ISO can be your friend, and don’t even think about using a tripod! You will see that I have taken many photos in this article a little more than Base ISO.
Shooting by a boat, you will cope with the clouds and fog more often, and the movement of the ship constantly changes your perspective. Each turn and course adjustment reveals new ideas and compositions because the position relative to the snow flashes and mountains changes. Photographers must be cautious, be ready to seize fleeting opportunities and shoot quickly, relying on the instinct and experience to set the camera immediately. Nevertheless, however, patience is important. Just wait and observe how the landscape change can reveal the hidden details and stimulant atmosphere.
Patience: Art of Management of Light
Arctic light is unique. During the summer, The Midnight Sun provides full daylight light and leads to the extended golden hour. Meanwhile, if you are lucky and travel at the beginning or end of the season, you can see the northern lights dancing in the sky, actually unforgettable spectacle. This is even more likely during the polar winter, although I have not experienced that season myself due to the boundaries about daylight deficiency.
The photographs with this article were taken during two trips, one in June and the other in March. The position of light and landscape was quite different. Nevertheless, the Arctic light is unpredictable and ever changing, regardless of the weather. Clouds can quickly obscure the sun, convert a vibrant view into a uniform gray. Conversely, after waiting for the patient, clouds can participate, reveal a landscape published by a fierce sky and a light, which seems to be other form for unfamiliar photographers with these extreme latitudes. Or, the low sun can hit the fog above the sea, everything can turn into a golden vista.
In these conditions, the photographer should efficiently use the light available to catch the developed mood of the scene, which enhances its inherent magic with the elements present in the landscape.
Tips for sailing landscape photographer
- Keep your equipment ready and accessible: Preparation of two camera bodies is helpful. One can be installed with a versatile 24–120 mm zoom lens, and the other is like 100–400 mm with a long zoom. I bring three lenses (24–120 mm, 100–400 mm, and a 500 mm or 600 mm Prime) and two bodies. I keep 100–400 mm on a body for the entire journey, while the other camera switches between telephoto zoom and supertelphoto prime, which depends on the subject. I usually shoot in manual mode with auto-ISO, adjust the shutter speed and aperture depending on the topic and lighting position.
- Avoid condensation: Although my previous recommendation is to keep your equipment accessible, but there is an exception. Especially during early or late season trips, it is best to leave your gear on the deck inside the backpack, at least during the day. This prevents condensation buildup caused by the temperature difference between the hot interior of the ship and the cold. As long as you can run out and hold the camera quickly. If something interesting is, it does not struggle with the previous tip!
- Use a stable lens: The tripods are not practical on the zodiac cycle and are ineffective on the ship due to engine vibration. Using them will require very fast shutter speed. It is better to rely on a stable lens and shoot in hand with enough sharp shutter speed to avoid speed blot! (Consider sharp shutter speed during navigation of the ship, and only by using shutter speed only when staying in the boat place.)
- Embrace dynamic composition: Try to guess how the scene will be revealed because the ship moves forward – how to change the relationship between the upcoming pieces of ice. Use the movement of the ship to align objects instead of shooting randomly and create dynamic compositions.
- Maintain constant observation: Scan the surrounding landscape carefully for interesting ideas and photographic opportunities. Don’t just think about wide-angle scene; Also consider how zoom-in details will translate photographically.
- Patience, patience and more patience: Be prepared to wait for the right moment to catch ideal light, favorable weather and your shot. As soon as this happens, it can last for a few seconds. But remember that the environment observation is also a part of the experience, and you are not just to take photos.
dress properly
Weather makes significant changes in both climate and mild conditions. Dressing in the key layers of comfortable stay:
- Start with a breathing base layer, such as merino wool.
- Add one or more insulating thermal layers.
- Despite the relatively dry climate of the islands, windproof and waterproof exterior layers are required.
In my experience, specific summer conditions (June, July and August) can usually be managed with gear used in the Alps, as the temperature ranges from +5 ° C to +10 ° C (23 ° F to 50 ° F). However, if you stand on the deck for hours to see the landscape and take photos, you will cool quickly without proper gear. Your fingers can also be cold by handling your camera for so long, so bring warmer by hand.
During my second visit in March 2024, the temperature was quite cold, and I experienced a personal record of photographing on -37 ° C (-34.6 ° F). In such extreme conditions, the safety of full body is important. This includes wool socks and thermal boots for your legs, double gloves for your hands, a wool cap for your head and face, and a thick over-pants added to a thick down jacket. Not all cameras will work properly in situations in this cold, but the unique environment can create some really attractive photos!
conclusion
Swalbard provides a remarkable photographic experience that demands technical skills, quick reflexes and adequate patience. For landscape photographers, these islands provide an opportunity to pursue creative boundaries and capture images that tell the story of a wild and ancient world. Here, nature determines the rules, and light – whether soft and immersed, or strong and directional – plays a role.
I hope that this essay about landscape photography in Swalbard was pleasant and valuable. If you want to share your thoughts about this subject or ask some questions about such trips, I will be happy to discuss it with you, so do not hesitate to leave the question or response in the comment section below!
