Snap & Soar: A Travel Photography Guide for Wildlife, Northern Lights & Cold-Weather Adventures
There’s something magical about capturing a moment in the wild; the flick of an arctic fox’s tail, the ripple of northern lights across a frozen sky, or the quiet gaze of a caribou at dawn. Whether you’re chasing wildlife through forested paths or bundled up waiting for the aurora to dance, travel photography helps you connect deeply with the places you visit.
And guess what? You don’t need to be a pro with a thousand-dollar lens to create something beautiful. With a little intention (and the right packing prep), your travel photos can become keepsakes that take you right back to those soul-filling moments.
Wildlife Photography Tips
Patience Is Everything
Wildlife doesn’t operate on our schedules. Slow down, breathe deep, and take in your surroundings. Often, it’s the quiet observers who catch the best moments.Zoom Lenses are Key
Respectful distance is a must. A quality zoom lens (even on a mirrorless or bridge camera) can let you capture the close-up magic while keeping animals safe and undisturbed.Golden Hours = Gold Photos
Early morning and late afternoon light brings warmth, depth, and drama—plus, many animals are more active then.Blend In and Be Still
The less you move, the more wildlife will accept your presence. Neutral clothing tones (beige, tan, cream and brown) and quiet behavior help you stay part of the landscape.
When to Go: Best Times for Wildlife Photography
Timing is everything when it comes to wildlife! Here's a quick peek at when your favorite animals are most active and photogenic:
Polar Bears (Arctic Canada/Svalbard):
October–November for tundra lodge sightings in Canada; April–June for Svalbard expeditions when ice is breaking and hunting starts.Reindeer & Arctic Fox (Iceland/Norway):
Winter months (December–March) for snow-covered landscapes and thicker coats; summer for baby reindeer and more daylight.Humpback Whales (Alaska):
June–August is peak for bubble-net feeding and active pods in Southeast Alaska.Killer Whales / Orcas (Norway & British Columbia):
November–January in northern Norway during herring season—cold, dramatic, and incredible for photography.
May–September in British Columbia or the Pacific Northwest for calmer waters and great whale-watching from shore or boat.Brown Bears (Alaska & Katmai):
July–September for salmon runs and iconic fishing shots.Puffins (Iceland/Norway):
Late May to early August—they’re only on land during nesting season!Moose (Rockies/Northern Europe):
September–October for rut season and golden hour fall color combos.The Big 5 (Tanzania/South Africa):
Dry seasons are best—June to October in Tanzania and May to September in South Africa—for easier sightings at water sources.🐾 Want to see something specific? I’ll help you plan around migration patterns, baby animal seasons, or bucket-list moments (like snow-covered lynx or puffin-filled cliffs). Wildlife doesn’t clock in, but knowing when to go makes all the difference.
Snap with Purpose: Ethical Wildlife Photography
Taking an amazing shot should never come at the expense of an animal’s well-being—or the natural environment around them. Here’s how to photograph ethically and leave nothing but footprints:
Respect the Animal’s Space
If the animal changes its behavior—freezes, flees, hides—you’re too close. A long lens lets you get the shot without disrupting their world.Stay on Trails or Natural Clearings
Avoid trampling vegetation, disturbing nesting sites, or following animals into their territory. The best photographers are invisible guests.Don’t Bait or Call
Never use food, sounds, or lights to lure animals. These tactics can change their natural behavior or make them reliant on human interaction.Limit Flash Use
Flash can stress animals and disrupt nighttime behaviors. Use natural light or low-light settings whenever possible (also important if shooting Northern Lights in a group - it’s incredibly distracting and interferes with other people’s shots).Leave No Trace
Pack out all gear, trash, and food scraps. Your presence should never affect the ecosystem for those who come after—or the wildlife that lives there.Know the Local Guidelines
Every park, reserve, and sanctuary has its own rules. Follow signage, listen to guides, and model great behavior for others around you.
Ethical photography creates more meaningful images—because you know you captured a moment without harm. And that’s something to be proud of.
Northern Lights Photography Basics
Manual Mode is a Must
To capture the lights clearly, you’ll need to play with your camera’s settings. Start with ISO 800–3200, aperture as wide as possible (f/2.8 is ideal), and shutter speed between 5–15 seconds.
👉 Need a comprehensive how-to? Check out this guide to Northern Lights Photography article by Dave Morrow.Use a Tripod
A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposures in low light. No tripod = blurry lights, even if you’re shooting on a phone with night mode.Understand How the Auroras Work
It’s important to understand how to set yourself up for success. Knowing what makes for the best conditions for shooting can help you be there when it’s most likely to capture the best shots.Dark skies are best for shooting the Northern Lights. Check out the Blue Marble dark skies light pollution map to see where the best areas are for getting your shot.
Clear skies will help you see the lights. Cloud coverage can make it difficult to see the lights in the sky, especially if you’re in an area where the lights themselves look like clouds. Some clouds are fine, but you’ll need at least some clear spots to see the lights. Simply check your local weather app.
Did you know there’s an activity index for the Northern Lights? It’s called the KP index, and it’s the global geomagnetic activity index that is based on 3-hour measurements from ground-based magnetometers around the world. Ratings go from 0 - 9, with 5 being considered a storm. The higher the number, the more lights you may see, but it’s possible to still get good shots with a KP of 2 or 3.
Track the Lights Like a Pro
Use apps and websites that forecast aurora activity based on geomagnetic data:Don’t Forget to Look Up
Take a few shots, then step away from the camera and soak it in. The aurora isn’t just something to photograph - it’s something to experience.
Cold Climate Camera Tips
Shooting in chilly conditions brings its own set of challenges. Here’s how to stay warm and keep your gear happy:
Keep Batteries Warm
Cold weather drains battery life fast. Bring extras - more than you think you’ll need - and store them in inner jacket pockets close to your body heat. Swap as needed.Protect Your Lens from Fog and Frost
Condensation can wreck a photo op. Consider using a lens warmer or tuck a chemical hand warmer into your lens pouch to reduce fogging.Slow Temperature Transitions
Before bringing your gear inside, place it in a ziplock bag or dry sack to let it slowly adjust. This prevents internal condensation.Glove Up Smartly
Wear touchscreen-friendly liner gloves under warmer mitts so you can adjust settings without freezing your fingers off.
Packing Your Camera Gear for Travel
Carry-On Is a Non-Negotiable
Always pack your camera and essential lenses in your carry-on. Look for a padded camera cube or dedicated photo backpack.Choose Your Essentials
A DSLR or mirrorless body, one zoom lens (like 24–200mm), a wide-angle lens (for landscapes/aurora), a microfiber cloth, extra memory cards, and spare batteries = a solid, travel-friendly kit.Protective Cases for Checked Items
If you must check something (like a tripod), use a hard case or wrap it inside clothes for extra padding.Compact Options for Casual Shooters
Not ready to go all-in on gear? Many cell phones these days take incredible shots, especially with night mode. Add a phone tripod and you’re golden.
👉 Need help picking the right gear for your adventure?
Check out our photography gear recommendations for tried-and-true favorites, including cold-weather friendly picks and beginner-friendly options!
Final Thoughts: Photography as a Form of Presence
I truly believe that travel should recharge your soul, and photography can be part of that. Let it guide you to slow down, notice the little things, and celebrate the awe of the wild world around you. However, don’t let the obsession of catching the perfect shot take you away from the beauty of the moments you’re in.
In fact, I’ve found that sometimes the best shots were the throwaways; the candid shots, the ones that I only had a second to take. Look over everything after the fact, and you might just be surprised at what you find.
Whether you're heading to the Arctic, the savannah, or the forests close to home, Wayward Wings is here to help you plan a trip that’s as photogenic as it is meaningful. Contact us to plan your own perfect trip to photograph the landscape and wildlife of your dreams, or tag us in your own wildlife themed photos!
Yours in flight,
Tianna
