At Natural World Safaris, we run several specialist photography departures to Svalbard each summer. I recently returned from one of these departures with Shannon Wild and Russ MacLaughlin on board the M/S Freya, and had an incredible time picking up some tips and tricks from the professionals. My photos might not be National Geographic standard (like Russ and Shannon's) but I learned a lot, and had a fantastic time while I was at it!

Nobody goes to Svalbard hoping to see a polar bear and return without a photograph to prove it. Everyone is hoping for that perfect shot of a bear padding across the ice, or hunting a seal. If you’re lucky and get to see one of these magnificent bears, you want to be prepared to capture the moment without hesitation, without fumbling nervously with your camera settings, and without worrying that the photo will be blurry, overexposed or the wrong colour. Before we had even left Longyearbyen, all our group talked about was getting that iconic shot of a polar bear on the ice. I have to admit, it’s what I was hoping for too!

Having expert photographic guides on board your ship means that before you even get to the polar bears, you can sit down with someone who really knows their aperture from their ISO and figure out how best to set up your camera for that perfect shot. Our pro's run special photography lectures and workshops to inspire you, and help you get the best out of you once in a lifetime trip. If you’re already confident in your skills, and know your way around a DSLR, this is the time to pick up some tips to make your photos stand out from the crowd and take them to another level.

I sat down with Russ and Shannon for a chat about photography expeditions to Svalbard so you can hear it straight from the experts.

Lorna: We get some travellers thinking about taking a photography expedition to the Arctic, who don’t think they have enough experience to join a photography tour – what would you say to them?

Russ: You really don’t need any experience! You should just get yourself here!

Shannon: You can’t set limits on yourself, because this is a beautiful environment to learn in. It’s either that you are learning in your own backyard, or you’re learning out here in a really spectacular environment. I don’t think skill level should have anything to do with it.

Lorna: Is there a basic level of equipment you think is necessary to have? For example – do you think a DSLR is absolutely necessary for a photography trip?

Shannon: No, I don’t, especially when you look at some of our travellers and they got some great shots on their point-and-shoot cameras! Obviously most people specifically interested in a photo tour are likely to have a DSLR, and are actively wanting to expand their skill set… but I don’t think that your equipment or skill level should hinder your decision to come along.

Russ: I don’t think so. Limited equipment shouldn’t ever be part of the decision to not come. If they are bringing DSLRs though, I would say you need at least a lens with a 300mm reach if you’ve got it or can get it.

Shannon: At the very least someone could come along on a trip with a point-and-shoot and we can help in terms of composition and framing, or we can help teach the animal behaviour side of things.