Earlier this month I was a guest on Graham Elliott‘s Wildlife and Adventure Photography podcast. His podcast is focused on wildlife photography which is what we spoke about at length. We talked about everything from the gear I use, tophotographing Arctic foxes in Iceland, to using drones to photograph whales in Greenland, as well as the lessons I’ve learned while leading photography workshops around the Arctic. I enjoyed my chat with Graham a lot as I don’t often get to speak about the wildlife side of my hybrid photography career.
Below are some of the highlights and key tips from the interview.
Listen To The Podcast Interview
You can listen to my episode of the Wildlife and Adventure Photography podcast in various ways:
From Concert Photography To Wildlife Photography
My journey into photography didn’t begin with wildlife or landscapes. I actually started in concert and event photography before gradually moving toward nature photography. Over time I felt a strong pull toward the outdoors. After moving to Iceland, I began exploring the country’s landscapes and eventually started focusing more on wildlife.
One of the animals that immediately fascinated me was the Arctic fox. Watching how these animals survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth, and learning how to photograph them, became a defining part of my work. Today my photography sits somewhere between wildlife and landscape photography, often combining both to show animals within their environment.
A white morph Arctic fox hiding in plain sight in a snowy environment in the Highlands of Iceland.
Photographing Arctic Foxes In Iceland
Arctic foxes are found across Iceland, but they behave very differently depending on where you photograph them. In most parts of the country they are extremely shy, largely because foxes have historically been hunted. But in protected nature reserves where hunting has not taken place for generations, foxes behave very differently. Instead of avoiding people, they are often curious. On several occasions I’ve had foxes walk so close that photographing them becomes difficult, especially when using long wildlife lenses.
One particularly memorable moment happened when I discovered a fox den that turned out to be far larger than I expected. Suddenly around fifteen fox cubs emerged from the ground, running around the area and interacting with each other. Encounters like that are impossible to plan and they are exactly why wildlife photography can be so addictive.
Some of the Arctic fox cubs are so curious when they first start emerging from their den.
Photographing Penguins In Antarctica
Antarctica offers a completely different wildlife photography experience. One of the things that surprised me the most during my first visit was how indifferent penguins are to human presence. Rather than being curious or frightened, they simply continue their daily routines while you move carefully through the environment. It creates a surreal experience. At times it genuinely feels like walking through a BBC nature documentary, with wildlife activity happening all around you.
Moments like these are reminders that wildlife photography is about far more than images, it’s about witnessing extraordinary places and behaviours.
Two Adélie penguins sitting on top of an iceberg during my 2026 visit to Antarctica.
Photographing Whales With Drones in Greenland
In recent years I’ve increasingly used drones for wildlife photography, particularly when photographing marine wildlife.
When photographing whales from a boat, most of the interesting behaviour happens beneath the surface. A drone allows you to see patterns and movements that simply aren’t visible from sea level. One of the most spectacular places for this is Ilulissat in western Greenland, where humpback whales feed among enormous icebergs that calved off the Greenland Ice Sheet.
At one point we spent hours following a pod of humpback whales that were feeding among the icebergs. When we finally reached an area where drone flights were allowed, I was able to capture images of several humpbacks swimming in formation between the ice. Seeing wildlife in such dramatic environments is what makes places like Greenland so special for photographers.
A drone photograph of a small pod of humpback whales in Greenland.
An Unforgettable Polar Bear Encounter
One of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters I’ve experienced happened during a sailboat expedition in East Greenland.
Less than 24 hours into the trip we spotted a polar bear resting on the rocks near the coastline. As we slowly drifted closer, the bear suddenly jumped into the water. At first we thought we had disturbed it but later, while reviewing the photos, we realised the bear had actually been hunting a seal we hadn’t even noticed.
The polar bear eventually climbed onto a bright blue iceberg, shook the water from its fur, and even stuck its head through a hole in the ice while we photographed it. It was one of those moments where everything aligns perfectly: the wildlife, the environment, and the light.
A polar bear on top of a crystal blue icebergs during one of my Greenland photo workshops.
Why I Love Teaching Wildlife Photography Workshops
Leading photography workshops has become one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Many of my workshops, whether focused on puffins or Arctic foxes, are designed around repetition and learning in the field.
For example, during my puffin photography workshops we spend several days photographing the birds repeatedly. Each morning we review participants’ images together, analysing what worked and what didn’t before heading out again. Seeing photographers improve dramatically in just a few days is incredibly satisfying.
An Atlantic puffin in flight, with sand eels in his bill, returning to his burrow. We see plenty of these during my puffin photo workshops.
The Most Common Wildlife Photography Mistake
One of the biggest mistakes I see photographers make is focusing too much on gear. While modern cameras and lenses are incredibly powerful, the biggest improvements usually come from composition, observation, and time spent in the field.
A simple setup can go a long way:
- Use custom camera modes so your camera is always ready for wildlife
- Prioritise fast shutter speeds and reliable autofocus
- Let the camera handle exposure while you focus on the moment
- And most importantly: spend time observing wildlife behaviour.
You Can Start Wildlife Photography Anywhere
While I’m fortunate to photograph wildlife in places like Iceland, Greenland, and Antarctica, you don’t need to travel to extreme locations to begin. You can start in your local park or even your backyard. Great wildlife photography isn’t just about rare animals, it’s about capturing unique moments, behaviour, and atmosphere. And when an extraordinary moment eventually happens, you’ll be ready to capture it.
Discover Jeroen’s Photo Workshops in Iceland, Greenland & Beyond
Ready to take your photography to the next level? Join me, Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, on unforgettable photo workshops in Iceland, Greenland, Antarctica and other exciting destinations. Whether your passion is wildlife photography, bird photography, landscape adventures, or mastering drone photography, each workshop is designed to give you hands-on guidance in some of the world’s most spectacular locations.
From puffins in the midnight sun to Arctic foxes in the wild, from glaciers and volcanoes to dramatic coastlines seen by drone – these journeys are more than workshops; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Group sizes are kept small, ensuring personal mentoring and plenty of shooting opportunities.
Looking for something specific? Check out Jeroen’s…
- Wildlife & Bird Photography Workshops (Puffins, Arctic Foxes)
- Drone Photography Workshops
- Photo Workshops in Iceland
- Photo Workshops in Greenland
- Photo Workshops in Antarctica
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Are You Looking For A Specific Photo Workshop?
Choosing the right photography workshop is about more than just visiting iconic locations. It’s about experience, safety, timing, and personal guidance. Below you’ll find honest reviews from photographers who have joined me on landscape, wildlife & drone photo workshops in Iceland, Greenland and other locations. These testimonials reflect real experiences in small groups, hands-on instruction in challenging conditions, and the level of care Jeroen aims to bring to every workshop.
These reviews are verifiable on Jeroen’s public Google Business profile.
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