SVALBARD WORKSHOP 2022
ARCTIC WILDLIFE & GLACIERS
June 22-30, 2022
BOOKED OUT!
Cost of Workshop
€3,600 (Early Bird)
€4,000 (Regular)
Participant Number
2 guides
8 participants
Workshop Dates
June 22-30, 2022
Photography Level
Beginner and intermediate
Minimum Age
18 years old
This workshop focuses on iconic arctic wildlife and landscapes, taking advantage of the 24-hour daylight of the polar summer which provides excellent conditions for outdoor photography.
We will venture out both at sea and on land, exploring different locations across Isfjorden. We will stop by blue glacier fronts, look out for marine wildlife such as Beluga and Blue Whales, Walruses, Seals and, of course, the king of the Arctic, the Polar Bear. We will visit a few locations known to be home to Arctic Foxes, where Reindeer are often seen roaming. In summer, Svalbard is also home to many species of birds, including Little Auks, Kittiwakes, Arctic Skuas, Snow Buntings and Rock Ptarmigans, so get ready so crank up that shutter speed.
Every day, after returning from our field trips, we will hold class-based lectures to dive deep into technical, creative and ethic aspects of nature photography.
In order to make this workshop as personable as possible, spots are limited to 8 participants. This way, we ensure that you gain the utmost value from this trip and profit from the experience of two professionals. Join us for an unforgettable adventure!
- A chance to experience and shoot iconic Arctic wildlife and landscapes
- First-hand knowledge from two experienced photography professionals
- A multi-lingual team (English, German and Italian)
- One-on-one feedback on your work and how you can reach your photographic goals
- A collection of astonishing photographs for your portfolio
- Guidance on finding your personal photography style and storytelling
- Connections with a creative community of people who share the same passion as you
- Access to a private Facebook Group with all the attendees when the workshop finishes
Giancarlo Gallinoro
Giancarlo is a professional nature and adventure photographer and videographer with a focus on cold and remote places both in the Arctic region and Europe. With his work, he strives to instill awe of the natural world and inspire people to take action to preserve it. Over the years, Giancarlo has worked with NGOs, environment oriented companies and brands. Alongside photography, he works as a VFX artist in the film industry and is studying toward his MSc in wildlife biology and conservation.
Lana Tannir
Lana Tannir is a professional wildlife and landscape photographer, biology student and ambassador for World Animal Protection and f-stop. She specializes in conservation and animal welfare projects for organizations, editorials and sustainable brands. Her focus lies on challenging environments and remote Arctic places. Her most recent publications include National Geographic Germany, Terra Mater, Oceanographic Magazine, Wildlife Photographic, and Wild Planet Photo Magazine.
Day 1: Welcome to Svalbard
You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. You can enjoy strolling around this former mining town, visit the local museums and get acquainted with the world’s northernmost settlement. When everyone has landed and settled in our accommodation, we’ll have dinner together and officially start our adventure!
Day 2-6: Exploring Svalbard by Speedboat
With a speedboat, custom built to navigate the polar environment, we take you on 5 day trips from Longyearbyen into the arctic wilderness. Our local guide will pick the route based on weather conditions and recent wildlife sightings to maximise our chances of encountering wildlife. We’ll also sail and stop by beautiful blue glacier fronts, surrounded by icebergs and deafening arctic silence.
Day 7-8: Discovering Local Wildlife
We’ll drive out of town until the end of the only road on the island. From there, we’ll start our search for arctic foxes, reindeer and other local wildlife.
Day 9: Farewell & Departure
After 8 adventurous days together, it’s (sadly!) time to say goodbye. Departures overseas can begin anytime on this day. If you’d prefer to extend your stay in Svalbard, we’re happy to give advice on locations to visit and places to see.
Please note. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availability, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. For this reason, flexibility is paramount.
We will be staying at Coal Miners Cabins, in Longyearbyen, for duration of the workshop. Coal Miners Cabins is located at the top of Longyear Valley, within walking distance from the town centre and grocery shop. It includes all necessary amenities, such as restaurant, bar, self-catering kitchen, WIFI, a lounge and a gift shop. Participants will share a room with private bathroom and individual beds, unless otherwise requested.
Included
- Photo workshop, individual coaching and photography feedback by two experienced professional photographers throughout the programme
- Transfer from/to the airport in Longyearbyen on 22 and 30 June 2022
- 8 nights in hotel
Breakfast and Lunch - Days 2-6: Thermal suit, snacks, hot drinks, rescue insurance, local guide, emergency/safety equipment, pick-up and transport to and from the accommodations
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- Photography handbook with all the notes covered throughout the workshop
Not Included
- Flights
- Pre- and post-travel arrangements
- Passport and Visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes
- Dinners
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges
- Extra activities, such as visit to the museum
Terms & Conditions
Please read the Terms & Conditions for the workshop. Travel insurance, including trip and flight cancellation due to Covid-19 restrictions, is strongly recommended.
Physical Condition
The participant must be in good health and be in good physical condition, as moderate walking and hiking will be involved throughout the workshop. Please inform us if you have any serious health conditions and make sure to take your medication with you on the expedition.
Location Information
The weather in Svalbard is harsh and unpredictable. Therefore, it is crucial to bring warm and weatherproof clothing and gear. Additional gear will also be provided on the speedboat to ensure that all participants are safe and warm.
You may use all images that you captured during the workshop for your portfolio. However, please note that we do not provide exclusive photo releases during the workshop.
Drones are permitted to be flown in certain areas, but not in Longyearbyen. If you wish to fly a drone before or after the workshop, please make sure that you are following all the regulations in Svalbard.
During this tour, we will be sharing photography insights from over 10+ years experience in landscape and wildlife photography. The tour is aimed at improving your photography skills, as well as meeting other passionate creatives and experiencing the beautiful nature that Svalbard has to offer. Therefore you must have interest in photography – beginners, as well as intermediates are welcome!
The weather in Svalbard is unpredictable. Therefore, it’s very important to bring good winter boots, warm and waterproof clothing, gloves, and headgear. Your clothing must keep you warm and dry to provide for the best experience possible.
We will be sending out an equipment list to all participants before the workshop.
Please bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, as well as telephoto, normal, and wide-angle lenses, a tripod, extra batteries, several SD cards, ND filters (if available). Drones are permitted to be flown in certain areas, but not in Longyearbyen. If you wish to fly a drone before or after the workshop, please make sure that you are following all the regulations in Svalbard.
This workshop is tailored towards both beginner and intermediate photographers. Lana and Giancarlo will be covering a wide range of topics that every participant can learn from. Moreover, our individual feedback on your photographs will help you to improve your skills, regardless of your level of experience.
It’s crucial that you check with your embassy in order to confirm if you need to apply for a Visa ahead of time if you are traveling to Svalbard from outside the EU or EEA.
Absolutely! If you would like to spend a few extra days exploring Svalbard and applying your new found photography knowledge, you can stay after the workshop (and as long as your Visa allows). We are happy to provide suggestions of locations to visit after the workshop if you decide to explore the area further!
We will be doing some moderate hiking and walking throughout the workshop. Therefore, a good level of health is advised. Please inform us ahead of time of any medical conditions and bring your medication to the trip.
Participants must be 18 years of age at the commencement of the tour.
For up-to-date Covid-19 entry rules to Norway, please refer to this link. We strongly advise that you get personal travel insurance. It should also cover trip and flight cancellations due to Covid-19.
The Terms & Conditions for the workshop can be found here.
You can confirm your spot with a deposit of 50% of the total price. Deposit payment can be made by wire transfer or credit card. The final balance of 50% is due by April 22nd, 2022.