Wildlife photography tours

Meet your guide and photographer

Hei! I'm Stuart Thomson, a Svalbard-based photographer and guide.
My passion for Arctic wildlife, landscapes, and photography has led me to offer intimate,
small-group photography tours designed to help you capture the stunning beauty of this remote wilderness.

Enquire for a Tour

 

 

person sitting on a rock in a snowy landscape wearing winter clothing with mountains and a body of water in the background exploring nature's beauty

 

Local expertise. Breathtaking photography. Unforgettable Arctic adventures.

I have an MSc in marine biology from The University Centre in Svalbard. I also work supporting scientists and students in their work at the university - this includes training them in snowmobile driving and arctic natural hazards. My passion in life is nature photography and I have been fortunate enough to have incredible nature experiences during my time living in Svalbard. As a photographer I have been awarded in numerous international prestigious photo competitions and have had work published by multiple photography magazines and by conservation groups. I enjoy meeting  people and taking like minded photographers out in the wilderness here and getting them to the right place at the right time to get the perfect shot.

 

 

 

More than just a tour – a personalised photography experience

Local
Expertise

There are many photographic guides who work in Svalbard. I live in Svalbard year-round. This is my home.

Flexible, Small-group Tours

I focus on groups of just 2–4 people, ensuring a personalised experience that works with your photography goals.

Dual Expertise as Guide and Photographer

Most wildlife photography tours require both a professional photographer and a guide. I offer both in one, making my tours more affordable without compromising on quality.

Science-backed Knowledge

Working at the university keeps me informed about Arctic conservation, climate change, and wildlife research.

 

 

 

What sets my tours apart?

True Local Knowledge

Based in Svalbard, over a decade of experience, teacher of arctic safety courses at the university.
Professional photographer and guide in one: saving you money.

Limited Small Groups

No crowds, just a Svalbard photography tour experience to suit you.

Flexible Scheduling

On winter tours, we plan around the light conditions.

Science-Friendly Approach

Insight into arctic research via my work at The University Centre in Svalbard.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What tours do you run?

 


I run multi-day spring-time snowmobile-based wildlife and landscape photography small group tours from two to four people in Svalbard. I will make sure the tour works around what you want to photograph, so you have the best possible chance of getting the shot you want.

I also run car-based evening wildlife safaris throughout the summer months where we explore local valleys and photograph the wildlife that we find.

How cold is it?

 


In winter months the temperatures can be down to -25 degrees Celcius. In summer months the temperature is an average of +7 degrees Celcius. With climate changes, we can experience huge deviations from these averages - we have experienced +20 degrees Celcius in recent summers! In winter we provide warm outer clothing to keep you warm enough on the tour.

What will the landscape be like?

 


Svalbard is a land of mountains and valleys and fjords and glaciers. In the March and April trips the landscape should be entirely snow-covered, making for a beautiful backdrop, ideal lighting conditions, and superb wildlife photography opportunities. The valleys are snow free by June 

What wildlife can I expect?

 


In winter: We can't guarantee encounters but we look for and hope to find Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer and Svalbard rock ptarmigan. We might also be lucky and photograph seals and walruses. The change in the regulations from January 2025 means it is difficult for us to photograph polar bears now. We are now required to keep a minimum 500 m distance from bears. There may be the opportunity to photograph polar bears in grand landscape from a distance.

In summer: we hope to find Svalbard reindeer, Arctic fox, and many species of birds. Sometimes we might be lucky to find a walrus, beluga whales, or seals. 

What are the best months to visit?

 


The light is best on the transitions between polar night and midnight sun - that means March and April is winter and September and October in Autumn. There are thousands of visiting birds in summer from May til August. In winter it is possible to travel more easily around the island via snowmobile and become more immersed in the nature.