Know Before You Go

For many travelers, a visit to Churchill, Manitoba, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re going in the fall to witness the largest annual gathering of polar bears on Earth, in the winter to view the northern lights, or in the summer to meet migrating beluga whales, these photography tips from Expedition Leader and pro photographer Giulia Ciampini will help you capture every moment. Learn what camera gear to pack, tips for cold weather photography, and techniques for getting the best wildlife shots!

From the Arctic tundra to the forests of China and Southeast Asia, from the coasts of Alaska to the mountains of South America, the planet’s eight bear species (sloth, polar, black, moon, sun, spectacled, panda and grizzly/brown) make their homes in a variety of habitats. Expedition Leader and pro photographer Court Whelan shares fun facts about each bear species and his tips for photographing these charismatic creatures. Learn what camera gear to pack and which settings to use for shooting in different landscapes, plus which Nat Hab trips offer the best opportunities to capture stunning bear images.

Few environments are as challenging to photograph as the Arctic, with its featureless landscapes, camouflaged wildlife and luminous aurora. Make the most of a northern photo expedition as Nat Hab’s staff photographer shares lessons from Churchill.

Composition is a powerful tool for photographers and a fundamental building block of image-making. In this virtual workshop, Expedition Leader and professional photographer Giulia Ciampini explains the basics of photo composition, offering practical tips and techniques any photographer can use to create more compelling images. Take your travel photography to the next level as you discover new ways to direct the viewer’s eye, emphasize your subject, create depth, find balance, and develop your own photographic eye, style and voice.