Niklas Nilsson works with the planning of our trips to Svalbard, but he is also a professional and rewarded photographer. Niklas has a great interest in our nature and wildlife and when he is not at the office he enjoys spending time outdoor with his camera. Here he shares his best tips on how to take great pictures during your polar expeditions.
Photographing in Backlight
Light is, in my opinion, the most important element in a photo, and I generally prefer to have the subject lit from the front. However, backlight can be incredibly beautiful if you learn to handle it, even though it can be challenging.
Backlight is most effective at sunrise or sunset when the sun is low and provides warm light. To bring out this light in your photo, a good tip is to find a dark background for your subject. A telephoto lens gives a very narrow field of view, meaning that small movements like crouching or standing up can create entirely new backgrounds. Try to avoid shooting in direct backlight, as it only produces silhouettes due to the high contrast.
It can be difficult for the camera’s automatic settings to measure light correctly in backlight, which can result in dark images. My recommendation is to increase the exposure compensation by about one stop (+1.0) and use the camera’s spot metering mode, which measures only a part of the image and, for instance, disregards the dark background.
Image 1: Puffin in backlight with dark rock wall as background.
Image 2: Grey Owl in backlight with dark trees as background.
Tips for Sharp Photos
Blurry photos often result from camera shake, especially in low light conditions. Many new cameras and lenses have built-in image stabilization that helps to some extent, but nothing fully replaces a tripod.
In situations where a tripod isn’t practical, a monopod can be a good alternative, offering increased stability, high mobility, and relief when handling heavy camera equipment. When photographing from a car, a bean bag can come in handy. If you’ve traveled with PolarQuest to Svalbard, you’ve likely seen how the pontoons on the inflatable boats can be used as support.
In addition to stabilizing the camera, it’s important to use the right shutter speed. A good rule of thumb is to use a shutter speed that is double the reciprocal of your lens’s focal length. For example, with a 200mm focal length, a recommended shutter speed is 1/400 seconds.
Tips for Better Landscape Photos
Landscape photography doesn’t require advanced camera equipment but does benefit from an understanding of composition. It’s easy to place the subject in the center of the image, which can make the photo feel flat and uninteresting. Instead, try using the rule of thirds to create a more engaging and balanced composition.
Divide the image into nine equal parts using two vertical and two horizontal guiding lines. Place your subject at one of the intersection points. This technique helps shift the subject away from the center towards the edges of the frame.
Image 1: Svalbard ptarmigan, photographed in Svalbard during a PolarQuest expedition.
Image 2: King penguins, photographed in South Georgia during a PolarQuest expedition.
Polarization Filter
Clear blue skies and sparkling glaciers are part of Svalbard’s stunning scenery, but they can be tricky to capture with a camera. A polarization filter is especially useful on sunny days as it reduces reflections and enhances saturation, which can sometimes fade in bright light.
Another advantage of the filter is that it reduces reflections on water, allowing you to capture parts of an iceberg hidden below the surface.
Extra Batteries
Batteries lose capacity quickly in cold environments, so it’s always a good idea to bring extras. Keep them warm by storing them in a pocket close to your body.
Image Stabilization
Movements can easily make your pictures blurry, and carrying a heavy tripod isn’t always practical—especially when cruising in Zodiacs. This is where image stabilization can be very helpful, making it easier to take sharp pictures even in challenging conditions.
Auto Focus
One or several focus points? Follow focus or one-shot focus? It’s important to find settings that suit your photography style and trust the adjustments.
In general, the ability to move the focus points is useful for ensuring the subject is properly positioned in the frame. Try to place the subject in focus outside the center of the image to create a more dynamic composition.
Learn Your Camera from A to Z
Today’s cameras are incredibly advanced and come with plenty of features that make it easier to take great pictures. To truly benefit from these functions, it’s crucial to know your equipment inside and out. The better you understand your camera, the better your photos will be.
Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.
