Wild Death Valley
March 13 – 18, 2026
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Polar Bears of Churchill
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At a Glance
Location
Canada
Tuition
$14,250
Dates
November 6 – 13, 2026
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 6 Guests
Collections
- Signature Collection
Polar Bears of Churchill Photography Workshop
Photograph polar bears up close and personal in a natural environment
November 6 – 13, 2026
- Photograph polar bear from ground level
- Small group experience with local guide and pro photographer
- Hundreds of bears sighted during this special time of the year
Each autumn in northern Manitoba, the shores of Hudson Bay become one of the world’s most compelling wildlife destinations as polar bears gather near Churchill, the famed “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” This narrow window before the sea ice forms offers rare opportunities for polar bear photography, set against snow-covered tundra, low Arctic sun, and the vast, windswept coastline of Hudson Bay. Working in and around Churchill, Manitoba, you’ll explore both intimate encounters and wider environmental scenes as bears roam the shoreline, rest on the tundra, or move toward the forming ice. Soft, angled light and fresh snow create ideal conditions for capturing detail, behavior, and the essence of this subarctic landscape, allowing you to build a strong wildlife portfolio while learning to work thoughtfully with cold-weather exposure, contrast, and composition.
This workshop is designed for photographers who want to experience Churchill in an intimate, immersive way. We travel much like on an African game drive, by vehicle across the tundra to locate bears and observe behavior, then, when conditions allow, we exit on foot under the guidance of our experienced local team. This ground-level approach creates opportunities for truly dynamic photography, where eye-level perspectives and careful positioning bring you closer to the bears’ world while maintaining a safe and respectful distance. Each outing is planned with safety first: the guide always exits the vehicle first to scan the area, ensuring all encounters are controlled and ethical.
Expect an immersive learning experience throughout, with targeted sessions on photographing snowy scenes, capturing movement and behavior, working with telephoto lenses, and more as appropriate. We guide you toward clearer intent and stronger execution, helping you on composition, camera settings, and post-processing so your photography keeps improving long after the workshop. There will be signature image reviews to assist in your post-processing, paying special attention to controlling tones, preserving detail in fur and snow, and creating natural, impactful color in your files.
After full days in the field, you will return to a comfortable lodge in Churchill, where warm hospitality and hearty northern meals provide a welcome contrast to the cold outside. There is time to back up images, recharge, and enjoy the small-town atmosphere before heading out again. By the end of the workshop, you will have a strong collection of polar bear images and a deeper understanding of the animals, the environment they depend on, and the people who call this remote corner of the Arctic home.
Your Pro
Itinerary
About the wildlife: This workshop offers significant opportunities for photographing wildlife, and while we do our best to maximize our wildlife encounters—based on past experiences, local knowledge, and the current conditions—we need to impress upon you that the wildlife really is wild and that we don’t control it.
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
November 6, 2026: Meet in Airport Hotel in Winnipeg
Arrive anytime before 5:00 PM and walk to our airport hotel. After checking in, you’ll meet everyone in our private meeting room to discuss the trip ahead and enjoy a warm dinner.
November 7, 2026: Flight to Churchill, check in to hotel and orientation
We’ll meet as a group this morning at the airport in Winnipeg to board a flight together up to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Once we land in Churchill, you’ll be transported to our hotel to check in. You’ll have your orientation meeting this evening as well as a great meal, before settling in to your room for a good sleep.
November 8–12, 2026: Daily Polar Bear Observations, Arctic Wildlife Encounters, Photographic Exploration
Each morning begins with a warm breakfast to prepare you for a full day of exploration. Afterward, you’ll pack your gear and load into the van, ready to head into the tundra. Guided by your expert leaders, you’ll travel across this Arctic landscape in search of polar bears in their most captivating settings.
These remote regions are home to an abundance of bears, and the true reward of each outing lies not only in the number of sightings but also in the quiet, patient moments spent immersed in their world. The region is home to an abundance of wildlife, and while polar bears are the main focus, the tundra often rewards the patient observer with unexpected encounters. Keep an eye out for the quick flash of an Arctic Fox darting across the snow, or perhaps the striking contrast of a red fox against the frozen landscape. If fortune smiles, you may spot a snowy owl perched silently on a ridge, its plumage blending in, or even glimpse the elusive gray wolf, moving ghostlike across the tundra.
Each day offers a unique rhythm of observation and anticipation, waiting quietly for the perfect moment when light, landscape, and animal behavior align. The goal is not just to photograph these remarkable creatures, but to connect deeply with the raw beauty of their world.
As the Arctic sun dips low and the day’s photography winds down, you’ll return to town for a hot, comforting meal and a chance to relax. We will hold our signature image reviews several times following our dinner and include informal discussions about your photography techniques and compositional skills.
November 13, 2026: Departure from Churchill, Reflect on Arctic Wonders
This is our last morning, so you’ll pack up and have a great breakfast before everyone gets on the plane back to Winnipeg.
Staying Warm in Freezing Conditions
We have been leading people into the cold for over 20 years, and we have some great experience to share that will make your photography far more enjoyable. When you know you'll be photographing in temperatures that drop below freezing and reach -40°F, we suggest the following:
Base Layers: Multiple sets of moisture-wicking, mid-weight, and heavy-weight wool or synthetic long underwear (tops and bottoms).
Mid-Layers: One or more fleece sweaters/pullovers or down/synthetic vests to provide insulation.
Outer Layers: A waterproof and windproof insulated winter coat or parka with a hood. Insulated, waterproof snow pants or ski pants.
Footwear: Insulated, waterproof winter boots that are large enough to fit heavy socks without restricting circulation. "Pac boots" like Sorels are highly recommended. Heavyweight wool or synthetic socks (several pairs), potentially with a thin liner sock. Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots, or ski/snow pants that provide boot cuffs that wrap over the tops of your boots. Comfortable shoes or slippers for indoor use in the evenings.
Accessories: A warm hat (fleece or wool beanie) that covers your ears; a balaclava or face mask is an option for very cold days. A neck gaiter or scarf. Heavy insulated mittens or ski gloves, with a liner glove underneath to allow for dexterity while handling your camera and tripod. USB-powered hand warmers that remain in your jacket pocket. Battery-powered heated vest, jacket, socks, or gloves.
Fitness
Easy: Short walks around the vehicle
Flights
Arrive at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG), Winnipeg, Manitoba before 5:00 PM on November 6, 2026. Flights out can be made after 5:00 PM on November 13, 2026. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $1,500 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- Internal flights during the workshop.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- English-speaking local guide throughout the workshop.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from Richard Bernabe.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Travel Medical (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $1,500 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your non-refundable deposit of $6,750 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further non-refundable payment of $4,500 is due by April 1, 2026.
- The non-refundable balance is due not later than August 1, 2026.
- In addition to our standard Terms and Conditions, for this workshop all payments are non-refundable, and this is why we recommend comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancelation.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, all payments for this workshop are non-refundable under any circumstances. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage.
You'll learn to photograph polar bears in snowy scenes, capturing their movement and behavior. The workshop covers working with telephoto lenses, managing cold-weather exposure, and improving composition and post-processing skills.
The workshop has a maximum capacity of 6 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience with plenty of one-on-one guidance from the instructor.
Pack multiple sets of moisture-wicking base layers, mid-layers like fleece sweaters, and a waterproof, insulated winter coat. Insulated, waterproof boots and heavyweight socks are essential, along with warm accessories like hats, mittens, and USB-powered hand warmers.
While polar bears are the main focus, you might also encounter Arctic foxes, red foxes, snowy owls, and possibly even gray wolves, offering diverse opportunities for wildlife photography.
Yes, you'll need to arrange your travel to and from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The workshop includes internal flights and transportation during the workshop, but travel to Winnipeg is not included.
Bring telephoto lenses for wildlife photography, such as a 100–400mm lens, and wide-angle lenses for landscapes, like a 14–35mm. A sturdy tripod and extra batteries are also recommended for the cold conditions.
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