World class ground level polar bear photography tour designed to offer the serious photographer the very best chances to capture stunning eye level polar bear photography in small five person groups.
The location is Churchill Manitoba. Churchill is home to the largest concentration of polar bears in the world. Relax and let Michael & Julia Bertelsen organize your meals accommodations and pickup at the Churchill airport. Michael Bertelsen is a trained and very experienced Manitoba licensed guide with WMA permits. Michael has worked with National Geographic, Love Nature 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.
This is more than just a Polar Bear Photography Workshop. Cross, silver, red and arctic fox photography is also possible along with ptarmigan, arctic hare, snowy owls, gyrfalcon, wolf and even a small chance for wolverine.
Quality Not Quantity
Small groups of 5 photographers shooting on the ground, thus allowing:
- The ability to move 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
Accommodations
The Churchill lodge is exclusive to our small group of photographers. Each room has a private 3-piece bath and refrigerator along with comfortable beds and individual thermostats for personal preference. There is a communal kitchen and room for gathering and working on images and sharing stories about the day.
Quiet times are between 9pm and 5:30am (no doors slamming & people talking in the hallways) thus allowing everyone a restful sleep.
Safety and Experience
Michael has 13 years experience guiding and guarding photographers for Polar Bears. 5 years was spent in Northern Hudson Bay working and learning from Inuit guides. Understanding bear patterns and behaviour is the key to success and safety. Michael carries a firearm for your safety.
Equipment Recommendations
Wide angle lens for landscapes & northern lights. Your most used focal length for wildlife will be in the range of 300 to 600mm. If possible bring 2 camera bodies and a sturdy tripod.
Suggested Clothing
Temperatures range from +2C 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 to medium level of fitness is required. Very short walks in snow depth of less than a foot. Icy conditions may occur. Bathroom breaks are available throughout the day.
Itinerary
Arrival
Morning fly from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba. Michael & Julia will pick you up at the Churchill airport and take you directly to the private lodge. Once arriving at the lodge, Coffee, tea, and a light snack is provided along with a short safety and orientation and some winter photography tips before you head out in search of polar bears. That evening a dinner is planned at one of Churchill’s finer restaurants.
Shoot Days
Early breakfast then at first light we are out in search for polar bears and other arctic wildlife in a 4X4 Tundra van with aggressive tires that carry 5 photographers very comfortably. All photography is on the ground. Landscape photography is also offered if light and clouds permit the opportunity. Break for a short lunch in the field. Driving back to town wastes too much of an already short day. Dinner together and review the day. Northern lights are a possibility when the sky is clear. Michael will offer an in-field Aurora Borealis workshop.
Departure
Breakfast then more polar bear photography in the morning. Midday, Michael, and Julia will take you to the Churchill airport where you will fly back to Winnipeg.
Price Includes:
All WMA permits and licenses.
Personalized photography instruction always offered.
Continental Breakfasts.
Use of communal kitchen and common room.
Trips to the town of Churchill to pick lunch and snacks to have in the field.
6 Day trip includes 5 nights accommodations. 5 Days of photography (4 full and 2 half days)
7 Day trip includes 6 nights accommodations. 6 days of photography (5 full days and 2 half days).
Not included: Alcoholic drinks, Hotel rooms in Winnipeg, All flights to and from Churchill, Lunch and Dinner. Please join Michael and Julia for every meal. Michael has lots of good stories and bad jokes to share with you.
Available Dates & Pricing
October 14 - 20, 2023
7 Day Trip
$6,300
October 20-25, 2023
6 Day Trip
$5,395
October 25-30, 2023
6 Day Trip
$5,395
Oct 30 - Nov 4, 2023
6 Day Trip
$5,395
November 4 - 10, 2023
7 Day Trip
$6,300
November 10-15, 2023
6 Day Trip
$5,395
Please contact me if you are interested in 2024 dates.
Booking Terms
6 Day Trip
Cost $5,395.00 cdn funds + 5% Manitoba tax
$1,500.00 cdn deposit required at time of booking.
Remaining amount of $3,750.00 cdn due 90 days prior to departure date.
Single occupancy available for an additional $1,175.00 + 5% Manitoba tax.
7 Day Trip
Cost $6300.00 cdn funds + 5% Manitoba tax
$2000.00 cdn non-refundable deposit required at time of booking.
Remaining due 90 days prior to departure date.
Single occupancy available for an additional $1,380.00 + 5% Manitoba tax.
Payment, Registration and Refund Policy
A deposit is required to reserve your spot. Once the deposit is received your spot on the trip is confirmed, and an email that includes a detailed itinerary will be sent to you. Balance in full is due 3 months before the tour start date. A reminder will be sent to you via email, but it is the sole responsibility of the participant to remember this due date. If the balance is not received in time, we will attempt to fill your spot from the waiting list. If the spot is filled, you will receive a credit towards another trip of your choice. Fees are based upon double occupancy. Single rooms can be arranged for an additional cost if they are available. We do our best to pair participants up with a roommate, but if a roommate is not found, the single occupant will be charged for the single supplement. Checks can be made payable to Wild Outdoors Limited and sent to Michael Bertelsen P.O Box 1012, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, R0B0E0. Payment can be made through Paypal (add 3.5% surcharge) or e-transfer
Travel Insurance
Whenever travelling with Wild Outdoors Photography travel insurance and health insurance is highly recommended.
Liability
Wild Outdoors Photography does not accept responsibility for any losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike or other causes. The tour participants shall bear all such losses and expenses. Wild Outdoors Photography will take all reasonable steps to ensure that services provided are of high standard. Wild Outdoors Photography will not accept liability for physical injury, loss, damage or expense resulting from circumstances beyond our control. By agreeing to participate in a Wild Outdoors Photography workshop, each participant agrees to release, indemnify and hold harmless Wild Outdoors Photography, its agents, employees, shareholders, directors, attorneys, and contractors as more completely set forth in the liability waiver that will be provided. The waiver must be signed and received by Wild Outdoors Photography prior to participation.
Contact Michael if you have further questions or to check availability and to request a booking.
Photo Gallery
