Stephane: Photographing Polar Bears & Muskoxen

August 23, 2023 | Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Stephane: Photographing Polar Bears & Muskoxen

Guest Stephane shares his images from the recent Muskox & Polar Bear Photography Workshop

At Weber Arctic, we relish the moments when our guests graciously share their photographic treasures with us. It's a source of immense joy for our team to witness the culmination of our visitors' patience and dedication. Equally, we're continually inspired by the unique perspectives each guest brings to their photography.

Stephane Alberola, a passionate photographer and adventurer, joined our High Arctic Muskoxen & Polar Bear Photography expedition at Arctic Watch this past season. This adventure centered around immersing oneself in the pristine beauty of Somerset Island and capturing the grace of the inland herds of muskoxen and polar bears that congregate along the Northwest Passage coastline.

Our journey with Stephane yielded unforgettable moments—some of which we couldn't have scripted any better ourselves. One standout day featured an extraordinary encounter with not one or two, but 11 polar bears, all within a mere 10 kilometers of our lodge Arctic Watch. The resulting images captured the essence of this extraordinary encounter as well others throughout the week.

Without further ado, we invite you to savor the visual delights from Stephane's lens. Each image is a testament to the beauty and wonder of the Arctic wilderness, as well as the passion and skill of the photographer behind the camera. As you peruse these photographs, we hope you'll be transported to the Arctic landscape, sharing in the awe-inspiring moments that Stephane experienced during his adventure.

Thank you, Stephane, for allowing us to showcase your remarkable photography, and to all our guests who contribute their artistry and passion to our Arctic experiences. We can't wait to see what wonders the future holds for our guests and their lenses.

Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge — Arctic Watch under the midnight sun

Bull muskox near Arctic Watch — A bull muskox stares at Stephane

A polar bear near Arctic Watch — A perfect portrait of a polar bear on the coast of the Northwest Passage

A bull muskox on the tundra near Arctic Watch — A little patience pays off for Stephane. Notice the shedding qiviut. Qiviut is the warmest wool on earth.

Bowhead whale bones on the Northwest Passage near Arctic Watch — Bowhead whale bones on the shores of Somerset Island

A bull muskox at Arctic Watch — Perfectly captured on a very windy day - this bull muskox means business.

A bull muskox alone on the tundra near Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge — An absolutely stunning muskox.

Muskox carcass — In death brings life - a muskox carcass eaten by arctic wolves. The bones fertilize the surrounding flora helping to boost the local plant life in what is a very harsh environment.

ATVing along the coast of the Northwest passage near Arctic Watch — Exploring the coastline of the Northwest Passage

Out for a hike near Arctic Watch — On a hike

The dramatic landscapes of the high Arctic

A female muskox near Arctic Watch — A young female muskox near Arctic Watch

A polar bear walking the coast near Arctic Watch — Gorgeous composition

A very healthy polar bear near Arctic Watch — This extremely healthy polar bear was rather unperturbed by the photographer.

Polar bear on the coast of the Northwest Passage near Arctic Watch — Polar bears are typically skinny in August. We were so delighted to see (after a high ice year) that so many polar bears were healthy and almost fat!

Polar bears on the tundra near Arctic Watch — The start of a yawn

A polar bear walking the northwest passage near Arctic Watch — In his element: patiently waiting for the fall ice to return on the Northwest Passage.

Mother and baby muskox near Arctic Watch

A herd of muskoxen near Arctic Watch — The whole family - we were delighted to see four newly born muskox in this herd during the 2023 season.

FOUR MUSKOXEN ON THE TUNDRA NEAR ARCTIC WATCH

Polar bear walking the coastline of Somerset near Arctic Watch

A polar bear cub — A young polar bear cub near Arctic Watch

A young polar bear cub looking at photographer near Arctic Watch — Polar bear cubs (that live near Arctic Watch) can be more inquisitive than older counterparts, having often never encountered humans before.

Polar bear drinking water near Arctic Watch — Notice the perfect reflection

A polar bear looking at an Arctic Watch guest

A polar bear on the shores of the Northwest Passage near Arctic Watch

A polar bear on an ice floe near Arctic Watch — In August, polar bears will await the return of sea ice onto the Northwest Passage. As soon as the ice returns they typically will head back onto it to begin seal hunting anew.

A polar bear resting on the coastline of the Northwest Passage

Polar bear portrait near Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge — A staff favourite. The perfect polar bear portrait.

Two polar bears near Arctic Watch — Polar bears are generally solitary animals. They are typically quite cautious around one-another.

Stephane: Photographing Polar Bears & Muskoxen

Stephane: Photographing Polar Bears & Muskoxen

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