Photographer’s Eye on Churchill

Gray jay Churchill, Manitoba

Gray Jay eating out of photographers hand. Maximilian Munch photo.

Churchill attracts some of the best world renowned photographers throughout the year. Many of them come just to capture the next best polar bear image in October or November. Many others come to this frontier town year-round and discover the incredible beauty of the Arctic summer or the mystical northern lights in February or March. No matter what time of year, there is always a secret treasure waiting to be found.

These photos by Maximilian Munch in Churchill display some of the beauty of the land and landmarks. Enjoy!

Ithaca Churchill

The Ithaca shipwreck in Churchill. Maximilian Munch photo.

polar bear in Churchill, Manitoba.

Polar bear on the rocks near the Hudson Bay. Maximilian Munch photo.

Polar bears on the rocks in Churchill, Manitoba

Mother and cub polar bear on the rocks. Maximilian Munch photo.

Miss Piggy plane wreck in Churchill, Manitoba.

Miss piggy plane wreck. Maximilian munch photo.

Churchill Video of the Week – Polar Bear Swimming

A polar bear swimming in the Hudson Bay is a great way to kick off the summer. Polar bears will often get in the water to try and take a seal though they also enjoy the occasional cool dip on a hot day. Polar bears are curious and playful by nature and this young sub – adult seems to have plenty of energy.  Witnessing all the different behaviors of polar bears in the wild is why venturing to Churchill is so rewarding. Photographers come here because they can get all the different facets of a polar bear’s life often in one trip. Enjoy this Churchill Video of the Week!

Polar Bear Photo and Tip

Sparring polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba.

Polar bears sparring on the Churchill Tundra. Brad Josephs photo.

Being prepared with all the right gear is the best photo tip I can offer from years of working with professional photographers in the field. If you’re not a full-time wildlife photographer that could be tricky. As we all know ,camera gear is pricey, so when going on an once -in – lifetime trip like Churchill to see polar bears, renting equipment might be the best option.

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You don’t need to spend a ton of money on different filters, meters or other accessories but you should absolutely try and acquire the longest lens you can. A 600 mm or even a 800 mm or longer lens to get up -close and personal would be optimal.

The FL 880 f/8 provides high contrast even at pictures taken at long distances.

 

Many times you are close enough in the polar rovers to utilize general photography lenses such as 200-400 mm telephoto types. However, to capture many of the shots like the sparring bears above from Natural Habitat guide Brad Josephs you need the longer lenses. Again, if you are not going to be using the lens on a regular basis, consider renting for the week of the trip. It’s well worth the expense to get those amazing shots. Mixing the up-close photos with the landscape and horizon shots allows you to tell a deeper more personal story with your camera.

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