Mind blown by up close wildlife photography encounters in Svalbard!

Head to squarespace.co... to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code SIMON
Sign up for my email list and get a free e-book on How to Shoot Backlit.
www.simondentr...
Want to take amazing wildlife photos? Check out my new course with 20 modules and over 5 hours of content, no fluff!
journalofwildl...
My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada. This video will show you my adventure of a lifetime to Svalbard, Norway to photograph polar bears, pelagic birds, and icy landscapes.
I use Topaz Labs software for noise reduction, sharpening and upscaling:
topazlabs.com/...
Music in intro: "Nicer", by Houses on the Hill. Find that, and other sound effects at Epidemic Sounds
share.epidemic...
My equipment:
Canon R5 body amzn.to/3S5jtBf
Canon R6 body amzn.to/3ZYu6HC
Canon R8 body amzn.to/3M0Xoj7
Canon R5 battery grip amzn.to/3PVg8Sy
Canon RF 600mm f4 amzn.to/494Zd8S
Canon 100-400 EF II amzn.to/3FhWrPP
Canon RF 70-200 f2.8 amzn.to/45zDP8F
Canon 17-40 L lens amzn.to/3y71MGt
Canon RF 16mm f2.8 amzn.to/3M3i0HI
FLM Tripod (CP 34 L4 II) and Levelling Head (HB 75)
flmcanada.com?aff=sdentrem
Sigma Art 50mm f1.4 lens amzn.to/3FjGkkW
Sigma Art 20mm f1.4 lens amzn.to/3Fhj7zD
Rokinon 135mm f2 lens amzn.to/3QfqIFi
Sirui x-k40 ball head amzn.to/3rRzIHf
Sirui lightweight Traveler 7C tripod with head amzn.to/3M0XDe1
Manfrotto Video Head amzn.to/3tpUzBO
Wimberley Gimbal Head amzn.to/3rSijhC
Hollyland Mars M1 field monitor amzn.to/3rQCRaa
Jackery portable 240 lithium-ion battery amzn.to/3QgBmvg
ProGrade Gold 128 GB CF Express amzn.to/46wv40g
ProGrade Cobalt 325 GB CF Express amzn.to/3RSUtNo
ProGrade Gold 256 GB SD amzn.to/48R3CMq
Zoom H1n field recorder amzn.to/3tAoJCE
Comica shotgun mic amzn.to/3REWN73
Rode Videomic NTG shotgun mic amzn.to/3tCeAW8
Rode Wireless GO II mic set amzn.to/45vsIxw
Lenscoat neoprene camera bags amzn.to/3SNiqmz
Lencoat rain cover for 500mm F4 amzn.to/3SGtyl2
Falconeyes F7 LCD panel amzn.to/3y75z6F
Lowepro 450 AW large backpack amzn.to/3xZOHyL
Lowepro Flipside 300 small backpack amzn.to/3SOTWt7
Mindshift 36L (closest available) backpack amzn.to/3ZXIiAH
GuraGear 30L bag for 600mm f4, use Code Simon for 10@% off
guragear.com/?...
DJI Mavic Air 2S drone (flymore combo) amzn.to/3M3ijSS
B&W circular polarizer, 77mm amzn.to/3SKc6Mx
B&W 2 stop ND Filter amzn.to/3URyIN6
B&W 6 stop ND filter amzn.to/3y6gs8G
B&W 10 stop ND filter amzn.to/3fwRIjs
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 binoculars amzn.to/3rXt2qX
Blackrapid retro-classic shoulder strap amzn.to/3y0wUHt
FjallRaven trekking pants amzn.to/3rSisSc
Heat 3 gloves (shell only) www.theheatcom...
Heat Company Merino Wool liners www.theheatcom...
HP Omen 17.3" performance laptop amzn.to/3S1vd7O
Synology NAS storage amzn.to/3RVfFSX
16 TB hard drives for NAS amzn.to/3S03Hrk
Follow me on:
Facebook / sdentrem
Instagram / simon.dentremont
Website www.simondentr...

[@simon_dentremont]

What’s your bucket list photo dream? Let me know! Did you already accomplish it?

[@michaeltyniec7010]

Bucket list photo dream - a trip south of the equator to see the southern nigh time sky and photograph the Southern Cross and other constellations.

[@loustravels5858]

Amazing video and videos. Probably all trips are bucket lists 🙂. If you make a black panther trip, I would be interested. I made a polar bear trip last year, same ship you used this year, and will make a jaguar trip this year.

[@simon_dentremont]

@@loustravels5858cool!

[@RG-rm9jt]

It's long been my dream to visit all 7 continents. Svalbard is high on there. Hurtigruten has a cruise that goes to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Palmer Peninsula. Australia and New Zealand will be done someday, though I don't know where specifically.

[@margot6041]

Wow, what a fantastic trip! I would love to go to Alaska, Yellowknife, or Manitoba to photograph the Northern lights. I also would like to return to NB to do justice to the beautiful white birch trees I met there now that I have a decent camera. Fantastic footage and shots! I appreciate the information about the history, ecosystem, and wildlife.

[@nigelroberson8911]

If Simon is excited then you know it’s special.

[@Arcticfox7]

He is always excited. It’s always special

[@trishf29]

Oh WOW! The footage you, Thomas and Jonas are sharing with us is totally unreal! Thank you all so much for sharing this fantastic experience!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheAndyTortoise]

You made a 43 year old guy tear up, Simon. Mission accomplished. Thanks so much for letting us tag along!

[@maxluna8323]

You went from grown man to child in a matter of seconds. The true excitement and delight was visible from a mile away everyone deserves their happiness

[@brennan.rogers]

Awesome video man! What a trip that must have been.

[@simon_dentremont]

It was!

[@Fodan10]

This was some of the most beautiful footage I've ever seen... Thank you for sharing.

[@malycw7903]

Simon and Thomas are two of my favorite photographers on KZbin. Such a great pleasure to see how each of them shared their videos, giving us two distinct perspectives on how they see the world, and tell the story in their own way. Both videos are equally stunning! After watching the videos, Svalbard will be added to many photographers' bucket lists I am sure.

[@EnduringPhoen1x]

As someone who can almost never cry this video absolutely brought me to tears!💙 It's wonderful to see shared excitement and love for the world's creatures and their homes. 😊 I truly hope we can protect these ecosystems that are so crucial to the world.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

What a cool trip! Been following all the great photos over on Instagram!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Anthony! hope all is well.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

A great summation of these amazing islands. Your footage and images are wonderful and inspiring as is your visible excitement. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@Cafl_Music]

YES YES YES YES YES YES!! New simon post dropped!!

[@kerrygrim7934]

Excellent video and your introduction to Svalbard was excellent. I had watched numerous videos by photographers, but collectively I learned extremely little about that location as the photographers didn't say much about it. I did look up info about that location. But, your quick introduction was very interesting and packing with just the right amount of information. AS always, your photography is great. Thanks for sharing.

[@SeekerHead]

Would really like to see a video on how you managed to get these shots without completely blowing out the data from the intense white EVERYWHERE. I’ve seen your video about the topic, but I feel like this is an *extreme* example that would take a lot of consideration and preparation.

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Simon, what an amazing experience you had, great photos and amazing Drone footage, and i loved the video quality so crisp and clear. Loved the Glaciers, the Penguin's, the Birds, the Fox. And DRUM ROLL THE POLAR BEAR. Great moment when the Polar Bear had it's mouth opened. I also learned more about Polar Bears that i didn't know. Thank you very much for sharing your dream and passion with us viewers, congratulations Simon 👏

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@seaeagles6025]

Your very welcome Simon 😊

[@ryanzamaria]

Great video Simon! I could only imagine what it was like seeing the Polar Bears. I saw them at the Toronto Zoo when I was a kid, but seeing them in their proper environment would be on another level. It's why I'd love to head to Churchill one day!

[@Adogcallednoortje]

Great to see you so excited! Like a kid.

[@dennismurray703]

What a brilliant experience, well worth waiting a lifetime for Simon. Amazing wildlife, amazing photography. This video was a privilege to watch.

[@marklangdon2202]

Velkommen til Norge Simon. I am a Nova Scotian living in southern Norway and a trip to Svalbard is on our list. I shoot more landscape than wildlife but enjoy both. We have done many trips around the mountains of Norway and last year we visited the Lofoten Islands. Norway is full of beautiful sights and golden hour can last for hours. I have been to many places on this planet but the light in Norway is something special.

[@BJ-cy1bx]

My wife and I have just returned from Alaska. We enjoyed Denali very much….but it can’t compare to your trip, Simon. Excellent photos. Once in a lifetime. Well done!

[@johnlcallaway]

Thanks for sharing your amazing experience. I cannot fathom how you must have felt to have this opportunity, but your face shows such excitement and thrills. Congratulations on achieving your dream.

[@indiotizado]

We can see the excitement on your face! Congrats on crossing out this bucket shot, Simon!

[@TheRipge]

Simply beautiful! So happy you got the experience of a lifetime. Thank you for teaching us that it is OK to wait and important to have dreams to go towards. I'm sure your travels aren't done yet. To your many adventures 🌞 Motivates me to start and work towards my own journeys 🌞

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you so much!

[@valmaivorster4826]

Oh Simon the foto's are stunning. Polar Bears are so special, and to see them in their own environment is amazing. Thanks for sharing you wonderful experience with us.

[@simon_dentremont]

They are!

[@PhotographyByRune]

I want to visit Svalbard myself, as I partially grew up there, still reckoning Longyearbyen as my second hometown! My dad was a miner.

[@Deg99]

I know the feeling....I photographed polar bears in Churchill Manitoba several years ago....great video! 😊

[@wilfs1196]

Great video Simon !. reminds me of my younger years, mid 20s when I did 2 tours (approx 6-8 weeks each) of the high Arctic as a young helicopter mechanic. Several photos on 35 mm film of course, camera always buried under my winter gear.

[@valpayne2963]

Superb video. Really. I particularly appreciated your intro to Svalbad as I’ve watched others before but you gave meaning to the place. Music was perfect, video and your images perfect. Thank you!

[@stevenhaworth4838]

So amazing to see the polar bears in the wild. How beautiful. Cerro Torre would be amazing to see. So many beautiful places in the world. Thanks for sharing, Simon. Awesome channel. :)

[@thomasphillips5850]

Simon, I felt your excitement. This is a superb video , you nailed it my friend. Excellent images. I don't know my favorite. That first shot of the walrus, outstanding. And what can I say about the polar bears. WOW. Thanks for taking us along.

[@michelledalton6939]

This comment made me tear up! I was so happy for you Simon! Well done and well deserved!! ❤

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you so much!

[@JasonLorette]

Such an amazing experience, congrats on crossing that off your list. Not only polar bears would be on my list, but so would Elephants...and maybe Tigers.

[@anoukschurink1935]

Amazing Simon! Brought tears to my eyes, having had special moments shooting wildlife myself. Wondering if you’ll do an extended version of your Svalbard experience too! I would grab some popcorn for that.

[@bornimaker]

Wow. It looks like such an exciting trip and wonderful place. Very interesting to see some birds that I have seen last week on Helgoland in Germany of course in a total different Environment. Like the Kittiwakes, Eiders and the Fulmer. Again, wow. Looks like a very special place!

[@tarjei99]

You can actually defend yourself against a polar bear with a two-by-four. Especially if you are a mad Russian. Apparently, polar bears don't like being beaten with two-by-fours by small hominids shouting insults at them.

[@mariannejohnson5357]

Wow, wow! What an incredible experience! I was excited just to watch, I can only imagine what you felt. Your images and footage were incredible. Thank you for sharing!

[@fabian4326]

Wow, amazing footage! It´s also very nice to see people getting so excited after so many years of doing what they love. I only just started, but my dream would be to photograph a toucan eating a fresh mango on a tree. I think their colors would match perfectly, depending on which toucan it would be. And they´re so beautiful and special. Or maybe a lemur? :)

[@Stu_Whittaker_Photography]

Hey there! Another great video as always! I'm really happy that you have this opportunity. I can't help but feel immensely jealous right now, haha. Hopefully, I'll get to do this one day too. Looking forward to your next video!

[@marclaliberte4118]

Beautiful video and photos! Congratulations on your bucket list accomplishment!

[@angelobucciarelli8020]

WOW what an incredible experience. One of the great joys of photography is the outdoor experience of being there and the encounters. Thanks for sharing this amazing journey that I’m sure has added to the fabric of your life. Amazing and inspirational to get me out and exploring:).

[@blodwin1972]

Absolutely beautiful video! I loved this and your shots look amazing! What an amazing experience! ❤

[@37220jack]

GREAT pics! Also i love how you allways focus on being educational. BUT would love it if you could put your setting next to the pictueres, shutter speed etc.

[@ryanjmauchmarphotography]

You've inspired me to get back into photography!! Thank for sharing such an amazing experience!!

[@frenz2enz690]

Wow.. what a great experience! And thank you for sharing with us. When you said this was your greatest experience (so far), literally made me tear up. On a side note, your editing is impressive!

[@lyndarodig8707]

I could feel your excitement - what a great experience, and such a terrific video! Your best yet - dang, what great photos and video and music!!! Nailed it!

[@Ninja_Mittens]

That was an incredible video, and I can't even begin to imagine what the experience felt like. The video alone was enough to make me emotional. Thanks for sharing your journeys with us. Massively inspirational for me and I'm sure many others.

[@harveydoane6263]

Amazing work Simon. What a great production, and as usual, excellent pictures.

[@Thorstein31]

Amazing video and stunning pictures! Glad you had success. My more modest aims for this year were getting a jumping spider and a dragonfly in flight - no polar bears!

[@jesss7930]

I’m so happy for you!! You do so much to encouragingly share your knowledge so we can all enjoy making our own art, and you so deserve to have had such a dream experience. What phenomenal shots!!

[@Photo_doctor]

Wow! Never knew about a genre called "environmental pics" before. As always, thanks sir Simon, for teaching so clearly ❤

[@Janis_Celms_Channel]

I have been lucky enough to be in Svalbard twice. Unfortunately, I did not get to ride the ship, but I have traveled inland. A truly unique and magical place.

[@frankdecock2735]

I stand in awe! Beautiful, and I can see why you are so enthousiastic about that place! Thanks for sharing this OIAL experience!

[@jensh.m.81]

Thank you so much for taking us with you to this great wildlife adventure ❤ wish u all the best ✌️😎 wildlife.jens

[@MarkRowsey]

That's amazing! So glad you got to shoot your lifetime dream. Amazing shots! Hopefully, we can get an "inside scoop" of your thoughts of framing up those polar bear shots.

[@foxconn042]

That's awesome Simon amazing pictures love your videos keep up the amazing work you do

[@noctwice]

Simon, what an amazing trip! Thank you for sharing with us the experience. Your abilities as a podcaster, photographer and educator just keep getting better. Really I want to let you know how much I appreciate all your work and it has greatly inspired me. I hope one day to take a class, workshop or spend a day or two learning from you in person at some point. Bravo sir

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I’m always fascinated by Svalbard and this was one of the most informative videos I’ve seen from there.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RG-rm9jt]

This looks amazing, thank you for sharing! I'm a bit disappointed you didn't change the lens wrap for the snow :-P

[@simon_dentremont]

it’s to protect the lens more than camo benefit.

[@RG-rm9jt]

@@simon_dentremont I know, I'm just kidding!

[@joejames4231]

Congrats Simon on finally getting to photograph the great white bears and what photographs you got. Wonderful video!

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@andrewreardon9400]

Hi thanks so much for showing your lifetime experience with me as it is something I would love to do but finances won't let me. The excitement on your face says it all. Wildlife is fantastic and very precious. So good for mental health to.

[@ldesilva]

Amazing footage! Boy was I cold just looking at that from sunny Bangalore, India!

[@rj66600]

Wow. I’m so glad you got to experience that!! Great job man. You are my inspiration to do more with my photography.

[@drdeankos2356]

A difficult place for blow out whites and grays but you have all mastered that art what a magical place indeed if you are looking for something warmer look me up if you ever come to Australia a next level place for photography wildlife thanks for sharing your dreams photography and love for wildlife

[@BayneWagner]

My wife and I are going to Svalbard in early July. I hope we’re a lucky with seeing wildlife as you!

[@alemattosbr]

What a great narrative and beautiful images. Enjoy your trip (If still going). Kind regards

[@MargeauxMutz]

This video brought tears to my eyes! Incredible! So much thanks!

[@frankoley6826]

Amazing experience and photos, I hope someday to get the opportunity! Thank you for sharing.

[@fossrus1983]

Bloody hell, Simon! Amazing, beautiful work! You are inspirational!

[@pjsoc]

Thank you Simon for sharing with us the views and feelings of this amazing trip ! Cheers from Lisbon .

[@ScrimshawPhotography]

Incredible! I feel like a trip to Svalbard is so risky because you may not even see the bears, or they can be too far off for photos. I think that's why so many people are going to Churchill now to see them instead. But seeing them on the ice like this is just so magical that I can see why some people take the risk and go to Svalbard

[@FBall-im8ui]

Bravo! Absolutely Amazing. God fr you, your smile says it all, Merci

[@TomReichner]

That Walrus encounter at 6:23 is spectacular! There is actually some nice soft direct light, and the Walrus is out on the ice by herself, so you can get clean still images without parts of other Walruses cluttering up the composition. What a great opportunity!

[@pbjvdbb]

Congrats on the epic trip and realizing your dream shot! Beautiful views 🎥

[@MurraydeLues]

Very very nice. One of the most powerful photos to me are the footprints on the ice. An experience to saviour.

[@jtap484]

Polar bears are definitely in my top 5 bucket lists shots! I’d love to go to Greenland and look for them one day! Great video!

[@RogerZoul]

Excellent! Happy for you. Those King Eider ducks are soooo beautiful ! Glad you got them too. A bird I very likely will never get in my lens or on my sensor. The polars bears too. 😢 9:51

[@RedmilesShark]

Not only the best place for its animals but also that you've been there. Great work sharing your journey. Been seeing the photos on social media also.

[@popolnisch]

Amazing! I am really happy for you 😊. Greetings from Oslo.

[@matthewjbauer1990]

Damn!!! I knew you were good, but the footage you shared is just on another level.

[@guitar-picker]

Thank you for letting all of us live vicariously live through you! This morning I found one of my first really good photographs. It got me excited again. Then I saw your video and your excitement! Keep 'em coming Simon!!!

[@simon_dentremont]

That is awesome!

[@Dragonnox]

Can you do a video about protecting your gear in extreme weather such as on your trip to Svalbard (or the opposite, in extreme heat)?

[@Mark-qn9xl]

Fantastic images and video Simon. I was waiting for this having seen Thomas' and Jonas' videos. Very pleased for you that you got to capture the bears. It was a lifelong desire of mine to visit Spitzbergen as I was extremely interested in polar exploration as a child. I finally made it there in 2005 and also got to visit the town of Ny-Ålesund. We also had our best polar bear experience with a mother and 2 cubs after midnight next to the ship. I also got to kayak at the face of glaciers through the brash ice. I'd like to go back now with better camera gear and technique. Again some fantastic shots and I am sure you have many more on that hard drive. Cheers

[@LadanLutfi]

Hello Simon: Thank you so much for sharing your memories and educating us about Svalbard and the life of arctic animals. You are the best!

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@jonathan6351]

Polar bears have always been my favorite animal for as long as I can remember, so I loved these pics! It's so good to see you so excited because everyone should be haha. I hope one day I can shoot some photos of them too.

[@banditalley9592]

I appear to be watching a video of higher quality than National Geographic. You are an incredibly talented photographer and videographer!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@Nonamebabe]

After watching this, you are not going to get away! You are going to have to put me in your duffel bag!

[@Bensphotography633]

Just found out about this guy and I'm loving the vids and the photography so fare 📷👍

[@trailwander7546]

That indeed looked like a trip of a lifetime. I would love to get to Tongat mountains national park in Labrador someday.

[@Kap26]

Great video, I have a trip to Svalbard planned for next month, super excited!

[@merlinmendoza5177]

Man, you and Thomas inspired me! Its not on the same scale but the wife and i are going on a whale watching charter!

[@joeg679]

Amazing video Simon, Thank you for sharing with us.

[@Leikjarinn]

this will be great video i live in Iceland

[@brianbota3265]

I'm Happy for you...and a lil bit jealous! LOL

[@KellyBaker-h9b]

Wow!!......... I've been following your channel for awhile, this is the absolute best!! Thank you Simon!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks!

[@SaraWC72]

Omg so amazing, I felt like I was right there with you 🙏❤️

[@davecook3767]

Outstanding video Simon! What an amazing experience!

[@lisaanderson8984]

Fabulous! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@chrisgaucho.10]

Happy for you simon!! Hope to see you on a trip one day you helped me a lot starting with photography 🙏 all the best man

[@ronanderson5736]

Wow! What a great time that must have been! Congratulations on your Polar Bear photos! Awesome video Simon!

[@spacefox4684]

Hello, Simon! I have a question for you. My grandmother recently gifted me her old Canon 1000D DSLR because she never used it anymore. I want to get into wildlife photography, but I've found that I don't quite have the necessary equipment. The camera has a 10.1MP crop sensor and the largest lens it came with was a canon 55-250mm. Though I will probably do plenty of practicing before purchasing any new items for this new hobby of mine, I need some advice on what would be best to get for wildlife photography in my situation: a new camera body that can take photos with more megapixels, or a lens that can zoom in farther (like a 400mm or 500mm one). Getting a better body would mean that all my photo's, including my non-wildlife ones, would profit, and I could afford more cropping for wildlife photography, but a telephoto lens would still make wildlife photography easier. I was hoping you might have some advice for me! Also, I want to thank you for all your great content! You've really inspired me to get into photography and helped me a lot in getting to know my camera and how to use it!

[@simon_dentremont]

That camera was in the very beginning if digital. buying a newer one, even a used one made in the last 5 years, would be a good upgrade.