Polar Bear Photography Tours in Northern Canada

Join Canadian Guide and Wildlife Photographer Michael Bertelsen for an incredible opportunity to photograph Polar Bears and other Arctic wildlife at ground level.

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6091 Sunrise Polar Bear
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This polar bear photography workshop is specifically designed for the serious wildlife photographer looking for high quality images of polar bears, red, arctic, and cross fox, willow and rock ptarmigan, gyrfalcons and the northern lights. Churchill is the world's premiere location to experience migrating polar bears. You will not be in the Tundra buggy and taking pictures through a window 15 feet off the ground. On this trip you will be on the ground, eye level with the bears. Michael Bertelsen is a trained and very experienced Manitoba licensed guide with WMA permits. Michael has worked with National Geographic as well as BBC Films. He will offer you the very finest possibilities to capture stunning images of the animals that call Northern Canada home.

Quality not Quantity
Small groups of 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 the Aurora and landscapes. Your most used focal distance will be in the range of 300 to 500mm. If possible bring 2 - 35mm digital 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
Our rooms offer comfortable beds & en suite bathrooms with private showers. Internet is available in each room along with television.

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.
Personalized instruction offered at all times.

Not included:
Alcoholic drinks, non-meal time drinks or snacks.
Lunch and Dinner.
All flights to and from Churchill.


Booking Terms
5 Day Trip
Total Cost $4900.00 + 13% HST cdn funds or $3888.00 usd + 13% HST (exchange rates could vary)
$1,900.00 cdn + 13% hst non-refundable deposit required at time of booking. Remaining amount of $3,000.00 cdn + 13% hst payment due 90 days prior to departure date.
5 Day single occupancy available for $1000.00 +13% HST

6 Day Trip
Total Cost $5900.00 + 13% HST cdn funds or $4682.00 usd + 13% HST (exchanges rate could vary)
$2,500.00 cdn + 13% hst non-refundable deposit required at time of booking. Remaining amount of $3,400.00 cdn + 13% hst payment due 90 days prior to departure date.
6 Day single occupancy available for $1,250.00 + 13% HST

Please make payments to Wild Outdoors Limited and send to PO Box 5335, Huntsville , ON, Canada, P1H 2K7

To book a trip please contact us




Testimonials

Michael, Thank you so much for all your assistance with the shoot and for being so accommodating with the many questions we fired your way. Katy and Tom both had a great shoot with you and they really valued your knowledge and expertise. Looking forward to working with you again, Susan S, BBC FILMS

I am a first time participant in one of Michael's workshops and boy did I luck out and choose the right one. First of all, I am veteran of photography workshops and this was by far one of the best for many reasons which I will summarize. We had a small group of wonderful people who got along extremely well (large groups are hard to shoot with). The transportation and lodging was prearranged including airport pickup personally. He arranged our wonderful meals and he was our driver, guide and scout and entertainer all in one. Michael is extremely affable and easy to talk to and ask questions and he pointed out tips in technique when necessary. He always ensured we got first crack at the shots before he even pulled out his camera. Foremost, he is an honest and ethical nature photographer. We had such a great time together and had so many memorable photo ops that I am going to sign up for more of his workshops. Thank you Michael! Karl C



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