As a seasoned Arctic guide and photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing many moments in one of the world’s most remote and unique environments. But there are some encounters that stand out, moments that defy expectations and remind me just how unpredictable—and magical—the Arctic can be. This is one such story, one that perfectly captures the unexpected beauty of wildlife in its natural habitat.

An Uncharted Adventure

We had arrived in Woodfjorden, a shallow and uncharted waterway on the northern edge of Svalbard. The MS Freya had carefully navigated these waters, and we were eager to set out on our next exploration. As we had spotted fresh bear tracks around the edge of one of the islands, the excitement onboard was palpable. We immediately launched the zodiacs, ready to track the movements of this elusive creature.

The sea between some of the islands was still frozen, but the ice was far from reliable. The thick ice we knew we couldn’t approach, so we kept to narrow channels of clear water, making our way cautiously through the landscape. We moved forward with experience, but the world around us was eerily still—nothing but broken ice and clear water stretching into the distance.

The Moment of Discovery

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something. A flash of movement, a small grey shape no more than 50 meters away at our 8 o’clock position. At first, I thought it was a seal, and I quietly informed my team of what I had seen. The excitement that rushed through me was tempered by the uncertainty of the sighting. Was it really a seal? Or something else?

Minutes passed, though it felt much longer. We continued to scan the horizon, and just when I thought the moment was lost, there was a sudden crack in the ice, and up popped a head—no longer a seal, but a polar bear. I could hardly believe my eyes. It was as though the bear had been playing hide and seek with us, waiting for the right moment to reveal itself.

A Playful Encounter

We stayed with the polar bear for a while, watching in awe as it moved across the fractured ice. The bear seemed to be having its own adventure, at times falling through the thin ice, at others grabbing driftwood and tossing it playfully around. It was as if the bear was inviting us to join in, to leave the safety of the zodiac and play along with it.

It’s rare to see a polar bear in such a playful mood, especially in the wild, and we were lucky to witness this rare display of curiosity and intelligence. The bear’s movements were fluid, its energy palpable, and it was as though time stood still as we shared that space with it.

Peekaboo, Bear!

There was a moment during this encounter when I couldn’t help but smile. It was like a game of “peekaboo”—a playful interaction between us and the bear. It seemed as if the bear was teasing us, almost aware of the photographers aboard the zodiac, giving us just enough to capture a perfect shot before darting off again. Maybe next time, we thought, we could get a little closer. For now, however, the playful “peekaboo” was enough.

Capturing the Arctic’s Magic

As a photographer, it’s moments like these that make the Arctic such a fascinating place to document. The unexpected nature of these encounters with wildlife is what makes each trip so special. Whether it’s a polar bear on the ice, a walrus lounging on a distant shore, or the shifting landscape of glaciers and snow, there’s always something to surprise you.

For those who share a love for wildlife photography, these are the moments we strive to capture, the ones that tell the real story of the Arctic—moments of raw beauty, unpredictability, and connection with nature.

Join Me on an Arctic Photo Tour

If you’re captivated by stories like these and want to experience the wild beauty of the Arctic firsthand, I invite you to join me on one of my Arctic photo tours. As an Arctic guide and photographer, I lead groups to some of the most remote and stunning locations on Earth, where you’ll have the opportunity to capture wildlife in its natural habitat.

Whether you’re looking to photograph polar bears, capture the majesty of glaciers, or simply immerse yourself in the breathtaking Arctic landscapes, I’ll provide expert guidance to help you get the best shots possible. Let’s explore the North together, creating memories and images that will last a lifetime.