As a photographer, unless you’re lucky enough to live somewhere truly spectacular, hopping on a plane to go to shoot some of the world’s most stunning scenery is on your bucket list. But often there’s a big disconnect between the dream and the reality.
Heading to a remote environment armed with nothing but Google Maps is a sure way to end up in a sticky situation. You could always take all your kit on a cruise ship, or head to a popular “money shot” location, but then you’ll be stuck fighting through crowds – and elbowing other photographers out of the way so you can all get the exact same shot.
There are traditional photography tours, of course, but so often these are overcrowded affairs with far too many people in your party – and you often end up at the very same “money shot” location, duking it out with tourists and even more people with cameras.
A solution to this issue has been hit upon by Secret Atlas. A pioneer of the Expedition Micro Cruise – itinerary-free, expedition-style Arctic and Antarctic adventures with just 12 guests – its photography tours are an antidote to oversubscribed, uninspiring photo cruises.
Secret Atlas photo tours to Svalbard and East Greenland – with a maximum party of 12 and a go-anywhere expedition vessel – are exclusive and intrepid experiences. With a pair of expedition leaders and a professional photographer-guide to shepherd you, this truly is an expedition in the most authentic sense of the word.
Not only do you receive a guide-to-guest ratio that’s the best in the industry, for unrivaled attention and assistance, the Expedition Micro Cruise concept ensures that you have the time, space and freedom to truly explore your location – and gain access to areas that few people will ever have the opportunity to reach.
It’s transformational – for your photography and beyond.
Tours that are profound, not prescribed
By limiting the party to just 12, every expedition is tailored to guests’ specific needs. Rather than sticking to a fixed itinerary, Secret Atlas leads organic explorations that embrace the spirit of adventure and wander off the beaten path, making the most of all the environment presents and the “What’s over there?” opportunities that arise.
This not only ensures that every expedition is unique, but also that everyone’s photographs are unique. Whether it’s knowing the best place to spot a polar bear in Svalbard or the most magical way to capture the northern lights over East Greenland, your photo guide ensures that everyone has the chance to take those once-in-a-liftime shots on this one-of-a-kind trip.
These photographic expeditions aren’t just for experts, either. Everyone is welcome, of any level of experience or ability. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, looking for unique images to add to your portfolio, an eager enthusiast getting to grips with new gear, or a complete newcomer to photography, you will be a welcome member of the group – and you’ll go home with shots that tell incredible stories.
This isn’t just a spray-and-prey extravaganza. Between the expertise of the expedition leaders, the knowledge of the photo guide and the extraordinary locations, Secret Atlas offers a truly transformative, immersive experience. These unique ingredients enable you to create engaging, evocative, emotional images imbued with narrative interest.
Special occasions call for special locations
From sunsets to auroras, landscapes to wildlife, no matter your photographic interest, the locations chosen by Secret Atlas are as incredible as they are untouched. And, with guidance from some of the most knowledgeable and passionate photography experts in the world, your lens will see every locale at its best.
Secret Atlas’ early-season expeditions to spectacular Svalbard offer some of the finest polar photography opportunities imaginable. Pastel sunsets and soft-rising sunlight provide utterly unique lighting conditions, whether you’re capturing stunning snowcapped mountains, fjords scattered with crystal-like sea ice, or wildlife taking their first steps after a winter slumber.
Extended summer photo tours operate when the Svalbard day is at its longest, with 24-hour daylight and 15 days of exploration giving you the time and conditions necessary to scout the archipelago’s northern ice edge for wildlife, capturing incredible images of each encounter – and telling the story of your adventure through photography.
To capture the full spectrum of Svalbard, head out on an autumn photography expedition. This is the season when the archipelago presents its most captivating colors. Sailing north to the mighty Austfonna ice cap reveals meltwater waterfalls that tumble artfully down the glacier’s mammoth ice wall, while sunrises and sunsets paint the landscape in magical hues as the wildlife gets ready for winter.
And for aurora fanatics, there is no better voyage than the East Greenland northern lights photo tour to Scoresbysund – the world’s largest fjord system – with magical views of incredible icebergs, fairytale landscapes and wondrous wildlife, all watched over by the overworldly beauty of the northern lights.
For more information about these exclusive expeditions and unique photographic opportunities, visit the Secret Atlas website – and sign up to the newsletter to make sure you don’t miss the trip of a lifetime.
