The Arctic is a dream destination for wildlife photographers. The vast, icy landscapes of Alta Norway are home to incredible animals like whales and dolphins, fish, birds, and reindeer, making it a unique place to capture nature in its raw form.
However, shooting in such extreme environments requires special preparation. Here are some key tips for wildlife photography in the Arctic.
Know the Wildlife
Arctic Norway is filled with fascinating flora and fauna, and Alta is a great gateway to familiarize yourself with its many species. From the majestic white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, gyrfalcons, and merlins soaring over the mountain tops and sea cliffs to the great cormorants and black guillemots along the coast, Alta’s birdlife is perfect for wildlife photography.
Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a beginner, this avian variety will offer incredible photo opportunities.
For those who prefer photographing mammals or marine life, Alta has much to offer. The Sami people have raised reindeer for millennia, and many herding camps welcome visitors to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Since the winter of 2025, humpback whales and orcas have also been spotted near Alta, drawn by the herring that migrate into the fjords during the winter. This provides an exceptional opportunity to capture these magnificent creatures in action.
Additionally, the Alta River is one of Norway’s best spots for sport fishing, with a rich population of salmon and a unique culture of salmon fishing.
By understanding the wildlife around Alta, you can better anticipate their behavior and movement, increasing your chances of capturing the perfect shot.
Camera Settings for Arctic Conditions
Lighting in the Arctic can be unpredictable, and capturing wildlife in this environment requires more than just basic camera knowledge.
Here are the key settings and considerations to help you take stunning wildlife photos.
1. Shutter Speed
Wildlife in the Arctic often moves quickly, whether it’s birds in flight or reindeer running across the tundra. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000 to freeze motion. For fast-moving animals like birds, increase to 1/2000 or 1/4000. Slower-moving animals, like reindeer, can be shot at around 1/500, but it’s best to err on the side of faster speeds to avoid blur.
2. ISO Settings
During the polar night or twilight, light is scarce, so you’ll need to adjust your ISO accordingly. An ISO range of 400–1600 is ideal for low-light conditions. In very low light, such as twilight or heavy cloud cover, you might need to push the ISO higher (up to 3200). Remember, higher ISO settings can introduce noise, so balance your need for exposure with minimizing noise.
3. Aperture
A wider aperture (f/2.8 – f/5.6) is great for isolating your subject by blurring the background. This works especially well for close-ups of wildlife. For landscape shots that include wildlife, use a narrower aperture like f/8 or f/11 to keep more of the scene in focus while still highlighting the animal.
4. Lenses
Choosing the right lens is crucial for Arctic wildlife photography. Here are the key lens types to consider:
- Telephoto lenses (300mm to 600mm): These are essential for photographing distant wildlife without disturbing them. A telephoto lens allows you to zoom in on animals like birds or reindeer from a safe distance while maintaining sharpness and detail. Look for lenses with Image Stabilization (IS) to reduce shake, which is especially useful when shooting handheld.
- Wide-angle lenses (16mm to 35mm): These lenses are perfect for capturing wildlife within the dramatic Arctic landscapes. If you want to showcase both an animal and its environment, a wide-angle lens will give you the flexibility to capture more of the scene while keeping the subject prominent.
- Zoom lenses (70-200mm or 100-400mm): A versatile zoom lens can be useful for wildlife photography when you’re not sure how close you’ll be to your subject. These lenses give you flexibility to quickly adjust focal lengths without changing lenses in harsh conditions.
5. Focus Mode and Drive Mode
Switch to Continuous Focus (AI Servo or AF-C) when photographing wildlife in motion. This will ensure your camera continuously adjusts focus as the animal moves. Combine this with Burst Mode (High-Speed Continuous Shooting), which lets you capture multiple frames per second to increase your chances of getting the perfect shot.
6. White Balance
The Arctic’s light is often cool due to snow and ice reflecting the sky. Using Auto White Balance (AWB) works well in many situations, but for warmer tones, switch to a Cloudy or Shade preset. Manually setting the Kelvin scale between 5000K–6500K can also help reduce the blue tint in your photos, giving you more control over the final image.
7. Exposure Compensation
Bright snow can trick your camera’s light meter into underexposing your images. To compensate, increase exposure by +1 to +2 stops to capture the snow’s brightness while keeping the details in darker areas visible.
8. Stabilization
Cold and windy conditions in the Arctic can make it hard to keep your camera steady. If you’re shooting handheld, use a lens with Image Stabilization (IS) to reduce camera shake. For long exposures or tripod shots, turn off stabilization, as it can cause blurring when the camera is stationary.
Dress for the Cold
The Arctic’s harsh weather can be challenging, so dressing correctly is crucial. Wear moisture-wicking, insulating layers, and a waterproof outer shell to stay warm and dry. Protect your hands with gloves that allow you to operate your camera while keeping your fingers warm.
Be sure to protect your camera gear too—cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so bring spares and keep them warm.
Ethical Wildlife Photography
It’s important to respect the animals and the environment while photographing in the Arctic. Don’t bait or feed wildlife to get a shot, and avoid getting too close to the animals, for both their safety and yours.
Stick to designated trails to minimize your environmental impact.
Safety First
Finally, always prioritize your safety. The Arctic is a remote and challenging environment. Travel with a guide, be aware of the risks posed by animals, and carry communication equipment in case of emergencies.
Wildlife photography in the Arctic offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it requires preparation, patience, and respect for the environment. By knowing your subjects, using the right gear, and staying safe, you can capture stunning images of wildlife in this incredible frozen wilderness.