WILD NATURE PHOTO TRAVEL

This is a unique and special opportunity for a small group of just five passionate photographers to photograph wild Arctic Foxes in the remote northwest of Iceland during winter. We will travel by private charter boat to the remote Arctic peninsula in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to photograph nature’s most incredible survivor - The Arctic Fox. A small group of participants guarantees a more personal and intimate experience than bigger groups can provide.

Unfortunately, Arctic Foxes are hunted and shot across most of Iceland, making them extremely shy and difficult to find (and even more challenging to photograph). In the remote northwest, however, the Foxes are protected inside the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and can be more easily approached and photographed.

This photography expedition will last for 7 days (6 nights). We will stay in a small, remote cabin that is rustic but functional and clean. During our stay in the cabin, we will have a dedicated staff member to clean and prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for us (all included). However, this expedition is all about photography. We will work long hours in the field to ensure we give ourselves the best possible opportunities to photograph the Arctic Fox. We may take food and drink into the field to ensure we are positioned and ready to photograph when the foxes are active. We will have up to 10 hours of daylight to photograph the Arctic foxes. With luck, we may also see and photograph the spectacular Northern lights.

There will be some moderate walking on uneven ground, and you will be required to assist with carrying your equipment, expedition gear, and food from the boat to our cabin (approximately a 100-meter uphill walk). A reasonable level of fitness is therefore recommended.

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Accommodation: Our workshop accommodation is a cozy but rugged haven where photographers can enjoy a great atmosphere after a day out in the cold, photographing Arctic Foxes. The house was originally built in 1921. In 1948 (just 27 years later), the last inhabitants left this isolated arctic peninsula for a better life. The cabin was abandoned for many years and has only recently been restored. Although no one lives here permanently, the cabin is a great getaway and the perfect place to accommodate us whilst we search for and photograph wild Arctic Foxes. Curious Arctic Foxes frequently stop past the cabin to investigate visitors, and it is possible to even photograph them from right outside the cabin on occasion. Life is simple in the cabin, and you’ll be taken back in time as you enjoy how people lived in the area more than sixty years ago.

The cabin includes a bathroom, toilet, and hot shower. Bunk-bed accommodation with duvets provided (BYO Pillow), a Full kitchen (chef to prepare meals and clean), and Hydronic and log-fire heating. There is power for laptop battery charging (generator provided) and an outdoor sauna. Please note that there is no Internet access in the cabin, and cell phone coverage is sporadic and not guaranteed. A Satellite Phone and Radio are available for emergencies.

Photography: Arctic Foxes are predominantly territorial animals that roam and patrol vast areas of the Arctic. The Icelandic arctic Foxes are particularly tough and hardy. They have to deal with constant freezing and thawing conditions throughout the winter months in areas where little or no food is available. Arctic Foxes are, by their nature, inherently very curious animals and will approach quite close if we are patient. Over the years, we have photographed the foxes with lenses as wide as 14mm.

The number of Arctic Foxes we expect to see and photograph in the area of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve where we will be staying will likely vary between one and two pairs (two to four individual foxes) of both white and blue morph varieties. As the foxes are territorial, they will visit us repeatedly on a daily basis (often several times per day), which provides us with multiple opportunities to photograph them.

In addition to the Arctic Foxes there is also bird life along the coastline including Iceland Gulls, Eider Ducks, Ravens and Ptarmigan in winter plumage. Harbour seals, White-Tailed Eagles and Gyr Falcon are also occasionally seen.

The winter landscape in this part of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is simply stunning in its wild beauty. During this workshop, you will have many opportunities to make landscape photographs, and you should plan to bring both wide-angle and telephoto lenses.

Dietary Requirements: If you have special dietary requirements, we will do our best to accommodate you. Please just be sure to let us know when you make your booking.

Travel: We will travel by private charter boat from our starting location in Iceafjord, Iceland to our private cabin. Once on location, we will work from the cabin as our base and make morning and afternoon excursions on foot for photography. Typically, we work within 200 metres of our accommodation.

Equipment: Telephoto lenses from 300 mm to 600 mm are recommended. Zoom lenses generally provide more flexibility for fast-moving foxes. A wide-angle lens and tripod are also recommended if you wish to take advantage of the lack of light pollution and the clear night sky for astronomy photography. There are frequent opportunities for Northern Lights photography.

Application: Places on this expedition are minimal and are by application only. Applicants should have cold weather photographic experience in temperatures below 0º Celsius and be willing to spend time in the field in cold winter weather. Applicants should be able to walk at least 250 meters over steep rocky snow and ice-covered ground while carrying their camera equipment. Please use the register button at the bottom of this page to register your interest.

REGISTER ONLINE FOR THIS WORKSHOP