Photographing Greenland: Tips and Tricks

Chasing Light, Ice, and Whales in Disko Bay

There are few places on Earth that feel as raw, wild, and otherworldly as Greenland. Towering icebergs drift like floating cathedrals, whales surface in glacial waters, and summer skies glow with endless light. For photographers, it’s a playground of drama and detail, where every turn of the head presents another scene worth capturing. 

We’re excited to offer regular photo tours in Greenland, based from Disko Bay, one of Greenland’s most photogenic regions, and guided by professional photographers. Here’s what you can expect from shooting in this unique location, what gear will come in handy, and how to get the most out of the experience. 

All images by Daniel Kordan

Who Should Join a Greenland Photo Tour?

The short answer? Anyone with a love of photography and nature.

“These trips are designed for photographers of all skill levels—from beginners learning to use their cameras to seasoned professionals seeking fresh inspiration,” says Daniel Kordan, one of the photographers who guide these trips. “They’re also perfect for people who simply love immersing themselves in breathtaking landscapes and the beauty of nature.”

So if you’ve ever dreamed of standing on the deck of a small boat, camera in hand, as a whale arcs through icy waters against a backdrop of glowing icebergs—this is the trip for you.

Shooting Under the Midnight Sun

One of Greenland’s most extraordinary gifts to photographers is the midnight sun. For several weeks each summer, the sun never dips below the horizon, casting warm, golden light across the landscape for hours on end.

“Photographing under the midnight sun is very similar to shooting during sunrise or sunset,” Daniel explains. “The difference is that instead of just a few fleeting minutes, you get this magical light for hours.”

That means no frantic rushing to capture the perfect shot before the light fades—you’ll have the time to experiment, adjust your settings, and try new compositions.

On this tour, much of your shooting will be done from boats, giving you dynamic perspectives of the ice and wildlife. But this also comes with technical considerations. “Because of the movement on the water, you’ll need faster shutter speeds to ensure sharp images,” Daniel advises. “Wider apertures—lenses with maximum openings like f/2.8—are especially helpful here. They let you capture crisp, well-exposed images even when the light is shifting.”

Tips for Photographing Icebergs, Glaciers, and Ice Caves

Disko Bay is dominated by ice—massive icebergs drifting from the Ilulissat Icefjord, glacial landscapes carved over millennia, and delicate formations that change shape daily.

Daniel shares a few key tips for capturing them:

• Play with scale. “Icebergs are vast, and the best way to show their immensity is to include something for comparison—a boat, a bird, or even a fellow traveler.”
• Seek reflections. On calm days, the mirror-like water doubles the scene. Try framing icebergs in symmetrical compositions that highlight this natural perfection.
• Focus on details. “Not every shot needs to be sweeping and grand. Zoom in on cracks, melting patterns, and textures for more intimate, abstract images.”
• Consider aerials. Bringing a drone can be transformative—“It allows you to capture the sheer scale and artistry of the ice from above.”

While ice caves aren’t part of this particular tour, Daniel notes their unique challenges for those who might photograph them elsewhere: bring a tripod, shoot with wide apertures, and use creative light sources to reveal the surreal blues within.

When to Visit Greenland for Photography

Timing is everything when it comes to Arctic light.

“Summer is one of the best times for photography in Greenland,” says Daniel. “The midnight sun bathes the landscapes in warm tones for hours, giving you the chance to explore multiple compositions without feeling rushed.”

But summer isn’t the only season with rewards. Early autumn offers something special: the overlap between glowing sunsets and the return of dark skies. “Temperatures are still relatively mild, but the nights are dark enough for the northern lights. That means you can photograph both Arctic sunsets and the aurora borealis during the same trip—a rare combination.”

Why Disko Bay Is So Special

The Greenland photo tour is centered in Disko Bay, a region that captures the essence of the Arctic. It’s a place where nature feels both monumental and intimate, where ice and wildlife share the stage with human stories.

Here’s what makes it unique:

• Icebergs: Disko Bay is fed by the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most active glaciers. The result? Constantly shifting icebergs, some the size of skyscrapers, glowing in shades of gold, pink, and deep blue under the Arctic light.
• Wildlife: It’s never guaranteed, but this is one of the best places in Greenland to see marine life. Humpback, fin, and minke whales are frequent visitors, along with seals and seabirds. For photographers, it means opportunities to frame wildlife against icy, otherworldly backdrops. 
• Landscapes and Villages: Beyond the ice, Greenland offers colorful villages like Ilulissat and Qeqertarsuaq, volcanic mountains on Disko Island, and rugged coastlines that create striking contrasts. Every day brings a balance of vast panoramas and human-scale stories.
• Cultural Experience: Disko Bay is home to some of Greenland’s most historic settlements. Inuit traditions and fishing culture remain strong here, making it not just a photographic journey, but a cultural one too.

What to Pack for a Greenland Photo Tour

To make the most of Greenland’s landscapes, the right gear is essential. Here’s a quick checklist of what Daniel and our team recommend bringing:

• Camera body (or two): Having a backup is wise in remote areas.
• Lenses: A wide-angle (for sweeping landscapes and icebergs), a telephoto (for wildlife and compressing distance), and a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) for shooting in shifting light.
• Tripod: Vital for low-light shooting and steady compositions, especially from land.
• Filters: A polarizer can reduce glare on water and ice; ND filters are useful for long exposures.
• Drone (optional): Fantastic for capturing aerial perspectives of the ice.
• Spare batteries & memory cards: Cold weather drains batteries quickly, so bring extras.
• Weather protection: Rain covers for your camera and waterproof bags for gear.
• Clothing: Layered, waterproof, and warm—think gloves you can operate a camera with, insulated jackets, and sturdy boots.

A Journey of Light and Ice

Greenland isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve put your camera down. Between the endless light of summer nights, the ever-changing icebergs, and the thrill of spotting whales in their natural habitat, this photography tour offers a chance to see and capture the Arctic at its most alive.

As Daniel Kordan sums it up: “The combination of human stories and raw Arctic nature makes Disko Bay a deeply immersive destination. It’s a place where photographers can truly connect—with the landscape, the wildlife, and themselves.”

Are you ready to chase the light across the ice? Join us in Greenland, and let your lens tell the story of one of the world’s last great wildernesses.