Marcus Atkins2025
Marcus is a biologist, wildlife photographer and Expedition Leader with deep expertise in bear ecology and coastal ecosystems. For more than a decade, he has guided photography-focused trips across western North America, Antarctica and the subarctic, with extensive time in the Great Bear Rainforest. He maintains an active academic research career, studying a wide range of species from spirit bears to rattlesnakes. His field interpretation blends current science with a calm, methodical approach that supports low-impact wildlife viewing.
As a photographer, Marcus seeks images that feel true to the light, weather and animal behavior unfolding in front of the lens. His photographic style is rooted in the discipline of film, with an emphasis on careful planning, composition and timing. He pays close attention to exposure, foregrounds and storytelling elements that convey a sense of place. Marcus has led photography trips on land, at sea and in the air, teaching guests how to adapt their techniques to each platform—from stabilizing in a swell to reading wind angles and composing for scale.
Marcus emphasizes safety and ethics, and helps guests return with images that feel authentic to the place and the moment. His guiding philosophy is simple: create conditions for unhurried observation, share accurate science and support intentional image making rooted in respect for wildlife.
What's in My Camera Bag
Cameras
Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark 3
Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark 2
GoProHero 13 Black
Lenses
Olympus 150-400 Pro 4.5
Olympus 300 Pro 4
Olympus 40-150 Pro 2.8
Olympus 12-40 Pro 2.8
Olympus 8mm Fisheye Pro 2.8
Olympus 60mm F3.5 Macro
Other
Chargers
Batteries
Caps
Straps
Dongles
Upcoming Adventures with Marcus Atkins
Churchill’s Belugas, Polar Bears & Arctic Wildlife
Meet hundreds of friendly beluga whales up close via Zodiac and kayak, and look for caribou, polar bears, Arctic fox and more on this exhilarating summer adventure in the Canadian subarctic.
Ultimate Churchill: Tundra Lodge & Town
Stay at our exclusive Tundra Lodge, situated for unparalleled proximity to roving polar bears—then add two nights in the frontier town of Churchill to experience the culture of the Canadian North.
Beluga Whales & Polar Bears Photo Expedition
Photograph hundreds of beluga whales in the Churchill River, take a private helicopter flight for aerial shots of roving polar bears, look for Arctic fox and hare, and capture close-ups of brilliant tundra wildflowers.
Churchill Polar Bear Photo Expedition
Our flagship polar bear photo safari is an exhilarating small-group adventure among the world's largest concentration of polar bears along Hudson Bay, guided by top naturalists who are photography pros.
Polar Bear Quest & Helicopter Safari
A total immersion in the world of the polar bear! View bears from our custom Polar Rover, visit a polar bear den, survey the tundra by helicopter, and learn about the history and culture of the Canadian North.
