Join Canadian Guide and Wildlife Photographer Michael Bertelsen for an incredible opportunity to photograph Polar Bears and other Arctic wildlife at ground level.
Quality not Quantity
Small group of 8 photographers shooting on the ground, thus allowing: The ability to move around and choose a better background or angle. Overall feeling of the workshop is more intimate. Feel more in tune with the surroundings and its species.
Equipment Recommendations
A minimum 400mm lens is required. Wide angle lens for landscapes. Your most used focal distance will be in the range of 300 to 500mm. If possible bring 2 camera bodies, sturdy tripod or monopod.
Clothing Recommendations
Temperatures range from -1C to -20C during this time. Insulated boots, warm winter coat, insulated pants to wear over your inside pants. large warm mitts, thin gloves you can use camera buttons with, warm hat and wool socks.
Other Considerations
Low level of fitness is required. Very short walks in snow depth of less than a foot.
Bathroom breaks are available through out the day.
Itinerary for 6 day trip
Day 1
Early morning fly in to Churchill from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Michael will pick you up at the airport and take you directly to the lodge. One hour orientation and some winter photography tips.
Lunch, then out in search of polar bears for the afternoon. That evening a dinner is planned with a short slideshow.
Day 2,3,4,5 and 6
Early breakfast then out in search for polar bears, possibly arctic fox, cross fox, red fox, willow and rock ptarmigan. All day landscape photography if light and clouds offer the opportunity. Break for lunch then we head back out for the afternoon and evening shoot .
Dinner together and review the day. Northern lights are always a possibility when the sky is clear.
Day 7
8:30 am to the Churchill airport flying back to Winnipeg.
Accommodations
Michael's own private lodge offers comfortable beds & en suite bathrooms with private showers. Internet is available in each room.
Price Includes:
5 Day trip - 5 nights accommodations, 4 1/2 days of photography.
6 Day trip - 6 nights accommodations, 5 1/2 days of photography.
All breakfasts.
All WMA permits and licenses.
All transportation once arriving in Churchill.
Not included:
Alcoholic drinks, non-meal time drinks or snacks.
Lunch and Dinner.
All flights to and from Churchill.
Payment, Registration and Refund Policy A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. Once the deposit is received your spot on the trip will be confirmed and an email that includes a detailed itinerary. Balance in full is due 3 months before the tour start date. A reminder will be sent to you via email, but it is the sole responsibility of the participant to remember this due date. If the balance is not received in time, we will attempt to fill your spot from the waiting list. If the spot is filled, you will lose only the deposit.
Fees are based upon double occupancy. Single rooms can be arranged at an additional cost if they are available. We do our best to pair participants up with a roommate, but if a roommate cannot be found, the single occupant will be charged for a single supplement. Once you book with Michael, Checks can be made payable to Wild Outdoors Limited and sent to Michael
Bertelsen P.O Box 1012, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, R0B0E0. Payments can also be made through Paypal (add 3% surcharge) or e-transfer.
Travel Insurance
Whenever traveling with Wild Outdoors Photography travel insurance and health insurance is highly recommended.
Liability
Wild Outdoors Photography does not accept responsibility for any losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike or other causes. The tour participants shall bear all such losses and expenses. Wild Outdoors Photography will take all reasonable steps to ensure that services provided are of high standard. Wild Outdoors Photography will not accept liability for physical injury, loss, damage or expense resulting from
circumstances beyond our control. By agreeing to participate in a Wild Outdoors Photography workshop, each participant agrees to release, indemnify and hold harmless Wild Outdoors Photography, its agents, employees, shareholders, directors, attorneys, and contractors as more completely set forth in the liability waiver that will be provided. The waiver must be signed and received by Wild Outdoors Photography prior to participation.
Contact Michael if you have further questions or to check availability and to request a booking.
Testimonials
