Svalbard Photography Expedition
Dates
May 17–24, 2025
Location
Svalbard
Vessel
MV Freya
Price
Twin/Double cabin €10,150 pp
Single cabin €12,150
In Partnership with Secret Atlas
The Expedition
Imagine snow-capped mountains, fjords filled with sea ice, iconic wildlife, and 24 hours of soft sunlight. These are the magical conditions awaiting us on this Svalbard photography expedition in May 2025.
This is a true photography expedition, with no fixed route. Weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and our preferences as a group will shape our journey. Each day, we’ll wake up in a new location, ready to explore the raw nature of the archipelago as it slowly emerges from the Arctic winter. Whether we observe from our vessel, get low on the water with the zodiacs, or explore the shoreline on foot, the opportunities for discovery and photography are endless.
Our experienced expedition team includes a leader, a guide, and an expert photographer. Together, we’ll ensure you have an unforgettable experience and return home with incredible memories and photographs. Join us on this extraordinary adventure!
Highlights
- The best time to visit the Arctic for landscape photography
- A chance to encounter iconic wildlife which could include: arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, whales, walruses, seals and polar bears
- Small, intimate group size of just 12 like-minded explorers
- A minimum of 3 guides for a group of 12 for the best guide-to-guest ratio available
- 2 Zodiacs to use for exploring and close-up photography opportunities
- Friendly, inclusive atmosphere
- A modern, ice-strengthened expedition vessel
Expedition Leaders
Lana Tannir
Photography Specialist
Lana Tannir is a nature photographer, science storyteller, and biologist based in Germany. As a National Geographic Explorer, ILCP member, and Girls Who Click ambassador, she has spent the past decade documenting the relationship between humans and nature in remote Arctic regions and marine environments.
Her work has been featured magazines such as National Geographic Germany and Serbia, Terra Mater, Oceanographic Magazine, Wildlife Photographic, Sony Alpha Universe, Sidetracked Magazine, and Female Explorer.
In 2021, Lana received an Honorable Mention at the International Photography Awards and was named an Emerging Photographer in Landscape Photography by National Geographic Germany. Since 2023, she is serving on the judging panel for Nature TTL's Photographer of the Year competition. She recently completed her National Geographic Storytelling grant, presenting her work at society’s annual Storyteller’s Summit. In November 2024, she also made her first appearance on the TEDx stage as a speaker.
Giancarlo Gallinoro
Expedition Leader & Photographer
Giancarlo is a nature photographer, guide and educator from Italy with a background in wildlife biology and conservation. Drawn to cold places from a young age, he has been working in Svalbard, Antarctica, Greenland and other high-latitude regions since 2017. Through his work, he strives to instill awe of the natural world and inspire people to take action to preserve it.
Over the years, Giancarlo has taken on a variety of roles, ranging from expedition guide, photographer, and lecturer on board vessels in the polar regions, to content creator for nature conservation and rewilding organizations, to photography workshop leader.
With extensive experience in the film industry as a VFX artist, and more recently as a cinematographer, drone operator, and colorist, he has contributed to nature documentaries that showcase resilience in the natural world. His work includes National Geographic's "Hostile Planet", and Treehouse Films' "Terre dell'Orso" (The Land of the Bear) and "Aspettando la Neve" (Waiting for the Snow).
The Vessel
MV Freya is a classic and stylish ship, ideal for a photography expedition. With a recently upgraded interior and a solid ice strengthened hull, this vessel is perfect for traversing Arctic waters, whilst retaining first class comforts. Originally used as a lighthouse-building vessel, MV Freya boasts spacious en-suite cabins, multiple viewing decks to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Arctic, hot tub and sauna.
Expedition Amenities & Services
Included:
- Expert expedition leader, guide and photographer
- Lectures on Svalbard and photography
- Use of Zodiac (dinghies) for cruising, shore landings and photography opportunities
- Polar bear protection guides for shore landings
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner and alcoholic drinks with evening meal)
- Bedding and towels
- Highly experienced captain and cook
- Rubber boots for shore landings
- Transfers from hotel to vessel for embarkation and vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation
Not Included:
- Flights and transfers from airport to hotel
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Any additional expenses such as museum entry
- Anything not specified in “What is included?”
Exploring the Wonders of the Arctic: Why a Svalbard Photography Trip is Unmissable
Nestled high in the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is a realm of rugged landscapes, unique wildlife, and icy terrains that feels like stepping into another world. For nature and landscape photographers, a Svalbard photography trip offers a chance to capture some of the most awe-inspiring sights on earth, where the isolation and untouched beauty make each image feel like a rare treasure. Here’s what makes Svalbard an extraordinary destination for a once-in-a-lifetime visit.
Join the Photography Expedition
Workshop Testimonials
One of the best workshops I have ever attended! Everything was well thought out, planned and set up. The day before the workshop we had a theoretical session in which Lana reviewed the basics and explained everything necessary for the workshop in detail. At the beginning of the practical part, Lana ensured again that all participants had set up the camera correctly. All in all, Lana took excellent care of us, was a "motif scout", answered all questions in detail and also gave us one or two "insider tips". Also the follow-up leaves nothing to be desired! Thank you for the great workshop - I will definitely book a workshop with Lana again.
I took part in a wildlife photography course run by Lana Tannir and I am absolutely thrilled! The course was interesting and inspiring. Lana is a competent and committed trainer with incredible expertise - also when it comes to the different cameras with their functions and settings. I liked the mixture of theory (in the online meeting) and practice on the photo day. I particularly liked the fact that Lana didn't just let us take photos, but set us specific tasks. She also answered all the questions that arose in an understandable way and knew how to respond to each participant according to their knowledge. I learnt a lot of new things, changed my view of motifs and understood the setting options of my camera. I have rediscovered the joy of photography! Anyone who has the opportunity to take part in one of Lana Tannir's courses should seize the chance!
The workshop appeals to beginners, as well as advanced photographers. The 2-hour theory session beforehand is helpful, in which the exposure triangle and other useful points are recapitulated. In contrast to other genres, camera settings are particularly helpful in wildlife photography, especially everything around the AF. All of this is undertaken at the very beginning of the practical session. In the workshop, the participants have enough time to ask questions and always receive helpful answers and tips on how to approach the subject. Four hours provide enough time to experiment and receive feedback from the instructor. The Poing Wildlife Park is particularly suitable for practicing on different subjects due to the different animal worlds - from the resting forest fawn to the flying goose, there was a lot on offer. A very entertaining event with nice participants and instructor.
If, like me, you've arrived at Lana's site and are wondering if she's the real deal, then let me set your mind at rest by reassuring you that she is not just a great photographer but is also a super tour guide.
I am a competent amateur photographer with a reasonable portfolio, so it was crucial for me was to find someone who not just had local knowledge but also a much better portfolio than me. I wasn't really looking for photographic insights, but I picked up some very useful tips from Lana and I also have a couple more photos to add to my portfolio.
Here's what you can expect with Lana: no matter what your level, she can adapt to your needs.
If you need coaching, then she knows how to teach. If you need feedback and advice, then she can do so without imposing her artistic style on you. If you just want to shoot undisturbed then she's great at letting you enjoy the day while she manages the clock, watches the weather, sorts out logistics, all while being your camera assistant when needed.
The workshop impressed me with its well thought-out structure, the practical instruction regarding landscape photography basics (image composition, lighting design, camera settings) and the competent support from Lana. Each participant received extensive support and their individual questions and problems were discussed in detail. Lana also knows how to give suggestions and assistance, but leave room for the interpretation of the participants. I can therefore give a clear recommendation for the workshop.
I was thrilled. With her open, friendly and engaging manner, Lana can explain things wonderfully and convey her great skills and experience. Absolutely participate, even those who are not "actually" landscape fanatics. You will certainly broaden your photographic horizons.
A photography course in a very relaxed atmosphere. Lana is patient, calm and answers each question in a lot of detail. She applies different topics on the spot and provides good examples using her extensive experience. The course has brought me a lot of new insights and encouraged me to see things from a different point of view. An enrichment for everyone who likes to photograph wildlife!
Even if you have a technical problem with your camera, she looks for and finds a solution...
Very successful, instructive and well thought-out workshop. I really learned a lot. Especially about the image compositions that could be used in animal photography to make the pictures more interesting. The workshop group was pleasantly small, so Lana had the opportunity to advise each participant individually. You learn something and have fun at the same time. A clear recommendation!
Lana gave a very good introduction to the different aspects of landscape photography and above all explained them very clearly and understandably. The practical exercises were very well prepared, location, spots etc. and when the weather was not playing along, an alternate date was offered. I learned a lot in a very short time. Lana has a very likeable and calm manner and therefore the workshop immediately had a great atmosphere.
With a lot of time and patience, Lana works with participants to improve their photo composition and camera settings, among other things. The theoretical seminar prior to the course ensures that you can get started straight away and that all participants have a solid foundation. It is also worth mentioning that Lana gives detailed individual photo feedback on selected photos after the course. I can highly recommend the course and would definitely do it again.
I was very impressed! Lana is just great at sharing her knowledge in an understandable and simple way with the workshop participants. Regardless of one's knowledge level. She is very patient and her easy-going and open manner makes the experience comfortable and relaxed. We laughed a lot and learned a lot. I will definitely book a workshop with her again. Thanks again to you Lana! It was awesome.
Good choice of location, good briefing on theory with practical tips, incl. handout, sensitive coaching on site, down-to-earth manner, passing on practical handicraft...Great, highly recommended!
For me, it was especially interesting to compare the differences between filter photography with glass filters and digital processing, for example with Lightroom. Lana Tannir is very helpful and has a very good knowledge of photo locations.
Very informative workshop with detailed tips for improvement in animal photography. Clear analysis of the selected photos. Today, I have a clearer view of the subject and a more versatile perspective for creating interesting animal photos. Lana's subtle advice leaves room for own interpretations, inspires new concepts and sticks in mind.
Very pleasant course, well organized, structured, detailed instruction, friendly atmosphere. Lana is very competent, can explain concepts proficiently, solves problems efficiently, and the theoretical, as well as practical part of the course is highly recommended!
I have never participated in a workshop where the workshop leader cares so much about his/her participants and gives practical tips on the spot. Lana is a great coach. You really learn something here. I'm saving up for a big workshop with her.
I joined Lana's wildlife photography workshop in Poing. Overall, it was a great experience. Lana explains calmly and precisely. She uses the time in the course to help her participants to advance in photography.
Lana's personal coaching greatly improved my photographic abilities. Her expertise and patience helped me to be able to tailor my pictures to tell better stories, while at the same time giving me the tools to be more intentional in the creation of each image. I can confidently say that thanks to her guidance, I was able to improve faster and gain a deeper understanding of photography, which culminated in my first photographic exhibitions and publications.
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