As a photographer who leads Arctic photo tours, I’ve had the privilege of capturing some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildlife in their natural habitat. But one encounter stands out—an unforgettable moment with the true king of the North: a cheeky polar bear on the ice.
It was late June, and we were aboard the MS Freya, a small converted expedition ship with a group of dedicated photographers, on an Arctic adventure that would take us to the edge of the ice cap. The weather was clear, and the gentle swell of the sea made for an ideal day of exploration. With 24 hours of daylight at 82° North, we could feel the raw beauty of the Arctic landscape unfolding around us.
After navigating through loose ice for hours, we decided to park the Freya on the edge of the ice cap to rest, recuperate, and wait to see what would unfold. The crew was relaxed—many of them were retired Arctic veterans—and the atmosphere was calm. Lunch that day was chilli con carne and enchiladas, and Maria was busy in the galley, preparing a much-needed meal for the crew and photographers onboard.
But as the ship rested, something extraordinary began to happen.
The Polar Bear Approaches
It all started when one of the crew members spotted something on the horizon—far in the distance, just 6 miles away, a polar bear was making its way towards us. It must have picked up our scent from at least 15, maybe even 20 miles away. These magnificent creatures are incredibly curious, and clearly, this bear was as keen as we were to find out what was going on.
The excitement on board was palpable as the bear moved steadily toward the ship. It was a remarkable sight—a lone polar bear crossing the shifting ice, which was constantly ebbing and flowing with the gentle sea swell. With each step, it grew closer, and you could hear the increasing clicks of camera shutters across the ship.
Polar bears are naturally wary of humans, but this one seemed determined to investigate. It moved effortlessly across the ice, never missing a step, and the closer it got, the more excited we became. The moment felt magical—every frame felt like it could be the perfect shot. I remember thinking how lucky we were to witness this rare encounter. There’s a certain stillness in the Arctic, a quiet that envelops everything, and this bear’s movements, slow and deliberate, seemed to match that sense of calm.
A Quick Visit from the King of the North
As the polar bear made its way to within a few meters of the ship, there was a brief but intense moment when it stopped, sitting on the ice, gazing directly at us. Its eyes locked with ours, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. It was as if the bear was sizing us up, deciding whether we were a threat or not. In that instant, I knew I was capturing more than just a photo. This was an encounter with one of the most powerful creatures on Earth, and it was a privilege to document it.
The bear remained on the ice for about half an hour, investigating the ship, sniffing the air, and keeping a cautious but curious distance. But as quickly as it had appeared, it seemed to lose interest in us, realizing there was no food on offer. It turned and disappeared back into the drifting ice, its silhouette fading as it made its way back across the frozen expanse.
As for the rest of us, we returned to the warmth of the Freya, reflecting on the incredible experience we had just shared. It was a reminder of how unpredictable and beautiful the Arctic truly is—how nature can surprise you when you least expect it. And, of course, how lucky we were to have captured this moment on film.
The Picture Behind the Moment
The resulting photograph from this encounter is one of my favorites—a cheeky-looking polar bear, sitting confidently on the ice, heading toward the viewer. It’s a striking image, full of the wild, raw energy of the Arctic. The bear’s eyes almost seem to challenge you as it moves across the ice, and the way it captures the harsh yet stunning beauty of the landscape behind it makes it a perfect representation of what I seek to capture during my Arctic photo tours.
Join Me on an Arctic Photo Tour
If you’re a photographer looking to experience the wild beauty of the Arctic firsthand, I invite you to join me on one of my upcoming Arctic photo tours. As a seasoned Arctic guide and photographer, I’ll take you to some of the most stunning, remote locations on Earth, where you’ll have the chance to capture incredible wildlife like polar bears, walrus, and Arctic foxes, as well as the breathtaking landscapes that define the region.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in wildlife photography, I’ll provide expert guidance, ensuring you have the skills and knowledge to get the perfect shot. From the best camera settings to positioning for ideal lighting, I’m here to help you make the most of your Arctic adventure.
Are you ready to experience the Arctic up close and personal? Book your spot on one of my photo tours today and discover the magic of the North through your lens.