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 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?”

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 Leaders

Lana Tannir

Photography Specialist | @lanatannirphoto | Lana Tannir is a Germany-based nature photographer, science storyteller, and biologist. A National Geographic Explorer, ILCP member, and Girls Who Click ambassador, she has spent the past decade documenting human-nature relationships in Arctic and marine environments. Her work has appeared in National Geographic (Germany and Serbia), Terra Mater, Oceanographic Magazine, and more. Recognized as an Emerging Photographer in Landscape Photography by National Geographic Germany in 2021, she now serves as a judge for Nature TTL’s Photographer of the Year competition. Lana recently completed her National Geographic Storytelling Grant and has made her TEDx speaker debut in November 2024.

Giancarlo Gallinoro

Expedition Leader & Photographer | @giancarlogallinoro | Giancarlo is an Italian nature photographer, guide, and educator with a background in wildlife biology and conservation. Drawn to cold regions, he has worked in Svalbard, Antarctica, Greenland, and other high-latitude areas since 2017, aiming to inspire awe for nature and motivate its preservation. His diverse roles include expedition guide, photographer, polar lecturer, and content creator for conservation organizations, as well as leading photography workshops. With a strong film industry background, he has contributed as a VFX artist, cinematographer, drone operator, and colorist to nature documentaries such as National Geographic’s Hostile Planet and Treehouse Films’ Terre dell’Orso and Aspettando la Neve.