BEHIND THE SCENE

Being able to observe polar bear cub emerging from the maternity den is a photographer’s dream, but it’s certainly not an easy task.
With temperatures that can drop below -40°C/F, technical and physical challenges abound.
Cold is a challenge for your equipment as well as you yourself. If you’re uncomfortable you won’t be able to focus on the job. You must be clothed properly to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Knowing how and when to apply layers while avoiding perspiration is vital. Hydration is important but I’ve learned to manage my fluid intake as getting rid of surplus fluids is far from enjoyable in these conditions.
Once you’re physically comfortable, you face the technical challenge of operating a camera with all its small buttons while wearing bulky gloves. Finally, you have to accept the fact that after a while parts of the camera will freeze, and you need to find a way to work around that. Batteries tend to freeze first, followed by the control panels and back monitor.
It comes with practice. You must be skilled enough to work your camera in blind mode. The only way to learn is to keep shooting and hope for the best.

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