Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/ # Our Arctic Wildlife & Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger Photography Holiday Published on July 1, 2025 [![An Atlantic Puffin On A Snowy Background Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-atlantic-puffin-on-a-snowy-background-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-atlantic-puffin-on-a-snowy-background-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) Written by [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) with images contributed by [Alison & Simon Jenkins](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/alison/). ## **[![A Stellers Eider Taking Off Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Stellers-Eider-taking-off-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Stellers-Eider-taking-off-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) A Journey Through Norway’s Varanger Peninsula & Finnish Taiga** A group of passionate photographers, including [Alison](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/alison/), who will be leading our 2026 version of the Arctic Wildlife & Winter Wildlife of Arctic [Varanger](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/varanger/) wildlife photography tour, recently completed this route, covering [Norway](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/norway/)’s Varanger Peninsula & the Finnish taiga over seven days. They photographed rare birds, large mammals, & coastal seabird colonies across the full itinerary. This report covers what they found, the species photographed, & the conditions they worked in. [![A White Hare Sitting On A Snowy Field Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-white-hare-sitting-on-a-snowy-field-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-white-hare-sitting-on-a-snowy-field-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) ## **Day 1 – Arrival in Ivalo & Finnish Taiga Birding** The trip started in **Ivalo, Finland**, with a drive to **Kaamanen** for the first session. The snowy taiga forests & streams here hold a concentration of Arctic specialists that are otherwise hard to pin down: - **White-throated Dippers** – Working the edges of icy streams, diving repeatedly. A 500mm lens & fast shutter speed (1/2000s or above) were needed to freeze their movements. - **Siberian Jays** – Confiding birds that perched within a few metres, their fluffed plumage ideal for tight portraits even with shorter lenses. - **Pine Grosbeaks & Arctic Redpolls** – Feeding on buds & berries. The red & pink plumage against clean white snow made for strong, simple compositions. [![A Sitting White Hare On A Snowy Field Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-sitting-white-hare-on-a-snowy-field-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-sitting-white-hare-on-a-snowy-field-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) After a productive first session, the group transferred to **Kongsfjord, Norway**, on the Barents Sea coast. **Day 2 – Berlevåg – Eagles, Falcons & Sea Ducks** [![A Spectacled Eider Swimming On The Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-spectacled-eider-swimming-on-the-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-spectacled-eider-swimming-on-the-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Stellers Eider Swimming On Deep Blue Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Stellers-eider-swimming-on-deep-blue-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Stellers-eider-swimming-on-deep-blue-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Long Tailed Duck Swimming On The Ocean Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-long-tailed-duck-swimming-on-the-ocean-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-long-tailed-duck-swimming-on-the-ocean-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Male King Eider Swimming On Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-male-King-Eider-swimming-on-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-male-King-Eider-swimming-on-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Common Eider Swimming On The Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Common-Eider-swimming-on-the-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Common-Eider-swimming-on-the-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Common Eider Holding A Crab Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Common-Eider-holding-a-crab-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Common-Eider-holding-a-crab-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Long Tailed Duck Flapping On Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Long-tailed-duck-flapping-on-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Long-tailed-duck-flapping-on-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) The coastal village of **Berlevåg** produced strong raptor & sea duck opportunities: - **White-tailed Eagles** – Perched on coastal rocks & making repeated fishing runs, giving good chances for flight-to-catch sequences. - **Gyrfalcons** – The world’s largest falcon, hunting low across the tundra. Tracking them at speed takes practice, but the open terrain helps. - **Steller’s, King & Common Eiders** – Flocks diving in sheltered bays. The males are some of the most photogenic sea ducks you will find anywhere. - **Long-tailed Ducks** – Swimming in small groups close to shore, their long tail streamers & pied plumage making them a favourite subject. The day finished with a herd of **Reindeer** crossing snow-covered plains – good for environmental shots with a 70-200mm. ## **Day 3 – Båtsfjord – Ptarmigans, Moose & More Sea Ducks** [![A Common Eider Swimming On The Ocean Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Common-Eider-swimming-on-the-ocean-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Common-Eider-swimming-on-the-ocean-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) At **Båtsfjord**, the focus shifted to Arctic grouse & larger mammals: - **Rock Ptarmigans** – Almost invisible against the snow in their winter plumage. Patience & careful scanning were needed to spot them foraging on lichens. - **Moose** – A solitary bull browsing at the taiga’s edge. Its sheer size filled the frame even at moderate focal lengths. - **King & Steller’s Eiders** – Further sessions with these sea ducks in icy waters, building on the previous day’s work. [![An Eider Duck Swimming On Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-eider-duck-swimming-on-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-eider-duck-swimming-on-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![An Eider Duck Stretching Its Wings Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-eider-duck-stretching-its-wings-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-eider-duck-stretching-its-wings-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Stellers Eider Taking Off Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Stellers-Eider-taking-off-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Stellers-Eider-taking-off-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Male King Eider Swimming On The Water Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-male-King-Eider-swimming-on-the-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-male-King-Eider-swimming-on-the-water-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Gull Returning To The Nest Carrying Nesting Material Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-gull-returning-to-the-nest-carrying-nesting-material-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-gull-returning-to-the-nest-carrying-nesting-material-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Gull Standing On Snow Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-gull-standing-on-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-gull-standing-on-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) ## **Day 4 – Vardø & Hornøya Island Seabird Colony** [![A Pair Of Puffins On A Snowy Landscape Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-pair-of-puffins-on-a-snowy-landscape-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-pair-of-puffins-on-a-snowy-landscape-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) The move to **Vardø** & the nearby **Hornøya Island** opened up one of [Europe](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/)’s most accessible seabird colonies: - **Northern Hawk Owls** – Perched on prominent lookout posts, scanning for voles. They tend to stay put, so there is time to set up carefully. - **Bohemian Waxwings** – Flocks dropping into berry-laden trees, often close enough for frame-filling shots at 400mm. - **Puffins, Common & Thick-billed Murres, Razorbills, Black-legged Kittiwakes & European Shags**– The cliffs were busy with constant activity – puffins returning with fish, murres jostling for ledge space. Plenty of behavioural opportunities. [![A European Shag Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-European-Shag-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-European-Shag-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Close Up Of A Sleeping Puffin Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-close-up-of-a-sleeping-puffin-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-close-up-of-a-sleeping-puffin-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Closeup Of A Puffin Showing Off The Detail Of The Feathers Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-closeup-of-a-puffin-showing-off-the-detail-of-the-feathers-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-closeup-of-a-puffin-showing-off-the-detail-of-the-feathers-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Flying Puffin On A Snowy Landscape Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-flying-puffin-on-a-snowy-landscape-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-flying-puffin-on-a-snowy-landscape-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Flying Puffin On A Snowy Cliff Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-flying-puffin-on-a-snowy-cliff-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-flying-puffin-on-a-snowy-cliff-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Lonely Puffin Walking Across The Snow Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-lonely-puffin-walking-across-the-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-lonely-puffin-walking-across-the-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Pair Of A European Shag On A Snowy Background Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-pair-of-A-European-Shag-on-a-snowy-background-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-pair-of-A-European-Shag-on-a-snowy-background-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) A **boat trip & landing on Hornøya** put the group within close range of nesting seabirds – ideal for tight portraits & behavioural work. [![A Resting Puffin On The Snow Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-resting-puffin-on-the-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-resting-puffin-on-the-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Trio Of Puffins On The Snow Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-trio-of-puffins-on-the-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-trio-of-puffins-on-the-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) ## **Day 5 – Return to Hornøya & Journey Back to Kaamanen** A return visit to **Hornøya** gave the group a second morning on the colony, this time concentrating on: - **Common & Brünnich’s Guillemots** – Rafting offshore before flying back to the cliffs, giving flight & landing opportunities. - **Puffins & Shags** – More behavioural work: preening, bill-fencing, & territorial displays. [![Two Puffins Stood On A Snowy Landscape Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Two-puffins-stood-on-a-snowy-landscape-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Two-puffins-stood-on-a-snowy-landscape-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![The Green Eye Of A European Shag Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-green-eye-of-a-European-Shag-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-green-eye-of-a-European-Shag-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![An Flying Atlantic Puffin Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-flying-Atlantic-puffin-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-flying-Atlantic-puffin-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![An Atlantic Puffin Standing On A Rock Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-puffin-standing-on-a-rock-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-puffin-standing-on-a-rock-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![An Atlantic Puffin On A Wintery Perch Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-atlantic-puffin-on-a-wintery-perch-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-atlantic-puffin-on-a-wintery-perch-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) The afternoon was a long transfer back to **Kaamanen**, with stops along the way for wide-angle Arctic landscape work. ## **Day 6 – Ekkerøy Cliffs, Vadsø Harbour & Mountain Hare** A pre-dawn start put the group in position at **Ekkerøy Cliffs**for: - **Black-legged Kittiwakes** – Wheeling against low-angle golden light, ideal for rim-lit flight images. Later, at **Vadsø Harbour**, they photographed: - **Steller’s & Common Eiders** – Calm, sheltered water here meant clean reflections beneath the birds. [![Many Birds Taking Flight From A Rocky Cliff Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Many-birds-taking-flight-from-a-rocky-cliff-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Many-birds-taking-flight-from-a-rocky-cliff-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Purple Sandpiper Standing On A Coastal Rock Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-purple-sandpiper-standing-on-a-coastal-rock-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-purple-sandpiper-standing-on-a-coastal-rock-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Gull Standing On Snow Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-gull-standing-on-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-gull-standing-on-snow-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Gull Returning To The Nest Carrying Nesting Material Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-gull-returning-to-the-nest-carrying-nesting-material-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-gull-returning-to-the-nest-carrying-nesting-material-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A Gull On A Snowy Background Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-gull-on-a-snowy-background-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-gull-on-a-snowy-background-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A European Shag In Snowfall Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-European-Shag-in-snowfall-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-European-Shag-in-snowfall-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) [![A European Shag Silhouetted Against The Sunset Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-European-Shag-silhouetted-against-the-sunset-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-European-Shag-silhouetted-against-the-sunset-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) The day finished with a close encounter with a **Mountain Hare** – white coat against white tundra, a real test of exposure compensation to hold detail in the fur. [![A White Hare Running Across A Snowy Landscape Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-white-hare-running-across-a-snowy-landscape-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-white-hare-running-across-a-snowy-landscape-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A White Hare Runs Across A Snowy Field Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-white-hare-runs-across-a-snowy-field-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-white-hare-runs-across-a-snowy-field-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday.jpg) ## **Day 7 – Reindeer in the Taiga & Departure** The final morning was spent back in the **Finnish taiga**, where a herd of **Reindeer** grazing on lichens gave the group one last subject in soft, flat light. Cards full, they returned to **Ivalo Airport** to wrap up a productive seven days. ## **Species Photographed During The Arctic Wildlife & Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger Photography Holiday** ### **Birds** - White-throated Dipper – Active along icy streams. Their constant diving demands shutter speeds of 1/2000s or faster. - [Siberian Jay](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/siberian-jay/) – Confiding & approachable, often perching within a few metres. - [Gyrfalcon](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/gyrfalcon/) – Fast-moving hunter; the open tundra terrain helps with tracking in flight. - Steller’s Eider – Tight flocks diving synchronously for molluscs. Good for action sequences. - [Rock Ptarmigan](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/rock-ptarmigan/) – Near-invisible against snow; careful scanning needed to locate them. - Northern Hawk Owl – Diurnal hunter that holds position on prominent perches, allowing time to compose. - Puffins – Confiding on Hornøya; ideal for portraits & behavioural work. - [Bohemian Waxwing](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/bohemian-waxwing/) – Flocks feeding on berries, often in soft overcast light that suits their subtle plumage tones. ### **Mammals** - [Reindeer](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/reindeer/) – Best photographed in soft morning light with a 70-200mm for environmental portraits. - [Arctic Hare](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/arctic-hare/) – White on white; requires careful exposure work. Their slow movement allows time for considered framing. ## **Photography Tips & Challenges** - **Equipment** – A **500mm+ telephoto** was essential for the birds, while a **70-200mm** covered mammals & landscape work well. - **Lighting** – The low Arctic sun barely clears the horizon, creating extended golden-hour conditions that last for hours rather than minutes. - **Patience** – Waiting for raptors like the **Gyrfalcon**or **White-tailed Eagle** to hunt demands persistence, but the payoff is worth it. - **Weather Resilience** – Sub-zero temperatures are a given. **Weather-sealed bodies, chemical hand warmers, & proper layering** are non-negotiable. ## **Final Thoughts** The Arctic Wildlife & [Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/norway/arctic-varanger/) photography holiday for [2026](https://natureslens.co.uk/during/2026/) follows this same itinerary. You get close access to rare species in strong photographic settings — from the seabird cliffs of **Hornøya** to the taiga forests inland. The combination of Arctic sea ducks, seabird colonies, raptors, & taiga passerines makes this one of the most varied winter trips we run. [![A Puffin Silhouetted Against A Dark Background Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Arctic Wildlife Of Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-puffin-silhouetted-against-a-dark-background-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-puffin-silhouetted-against-a-dark-background-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-of-Varanger-photography-tour.jpg) See also: [Hotspots for Photographing Puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/25/hotspots-for-photographing-puffins/) **Related Trips:** [Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/norway/arctic-varanger/) **Explore by Country:** [Norway](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/norway/) **Related Species:** [Arctic Fox](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/arctic-fox/), [Arctic Hare](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/arctic-hare/), [Atlantic Puffin](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/atlantic-puffin/), [Black Guillemot](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/black-guillemot/), [Black-legged Kittiwake](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/black-legged-kittiwake/), [Common Eider](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-eider/), [Common Murre](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-murre/), [Glaucous Gull](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/glaucous-gull/), [Great Black-backed Gull](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/great-black-backed-gull/), [Gyrfalcon](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/gyrfalcon/), [King Eider](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/king-eider/) & [Long-tailed Duck](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/long-tailed-duck/) ## Share this post - - - - [![One Of The Bonellis Eagles Found On The Estate Photographed On The Estate Used For The Natureslens Birds Of Extremadura Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/One-of-the-Bonellis-Eagles-found-on-the-estate-photographed-on-the-estate-used-for-the-NaturesLens-Birds-of-Extremadura-photography-holiday-300x225.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/06/10/wildlife-photography-holiday-in-extremadura/) ### [Wildlife Photography Holiday in Extremadura](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/06/10/wildlife-photography-holiday-in-extremadura/) June 10, 2025 See what awaits you during our wildlife photography holiday in Extremadura ... imagine mornings with griffon vultures circling crimson skies,… - [![A Lesser Kestrel Rests On The Tiles Of A Derelict Barn Photographed During One Of The Natureslens Photography Holidays To Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-lesser-kestrel-rests-on-the-tiles-of-a-derelict-barn-photographed-during-one-of-the-natureslens-photography-holidays-to-spain.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/07/18/birdlife-of-spains-plains-of-calera/) ### [15 images of the diverse birdlife of Spain’s plains of Calera](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/07/18/birdlife-of-spains-plains-of-calera/) July 18, 2019 In this second trip report on the birdlife of Spain, I look back at our week in Calera. We arrived… - [![One Of Skomers Atlantic Puffins Atop A Rocky Outcrop](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/One-of-Skomers-Atlantic-Puffins-atop-a-rocky-outcrop-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/06/05/atlantic-puffins-may-2025/) ### [Atlantic Puffins, Seabirds & Golden Hour Magic in May 2025](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/06/05/atlantic-puffins-may-2025/) June 5, 2025 A report on a recent 4-day wildlife photography trip to Skomer Island, Wales - home to Atlantic Puffins, Short-eared Owls,… In this articleJump to section 1. [A Journey Through Norway's Varanger Peninsula & Finnish Taiga](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#a-journey-through-norways-varanger-peninsula-finnish-taiga) 1. [Day 1 - Arrival in Ivalo & Finnish Taiga Birding](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#day-1-arrival-in-ivalo-finnish-taiga-birding) 1. [Day 3 - Båtsfjord - Ptarmigans, Moose & More Sea Ducks](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#day-3-btsfjord-ptarmigans-moose-more-sea-ducks) 1. [Day 4 - Vardø & Hornøya Island Seabird Colony](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#day-4-vard-hornya-island-seabird-colony) 1. [Day 5 - Return to Hornøya & Journey Back to Kaamanen](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#day-5-return-to-hornya-journey-back-to-kaamanen) 1. [Day 6 - Ekkerøy Cliffs, Vadsø Harbour & Mountain Hare](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#day-6-ekkery-cliffs-vads-harbour-mountain-hare) 1. [Day 7 - Reindeer in the Taiga & Departure](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#day-7-reindeer-in-the-taiga-departure) 1. [Species Photographed During The Arctic Wildlife & Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#species-photographed-during-the-arctic-wildlife-winter-wildlife-of-arctic-varanger-photography-holiday) 1. [Birds](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#birds) 1. [Mammals](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#mammals) 1. [Photography Tips & Challenges](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#photography-tips-challenges) 1. [Final Thoughts](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/#final-thoughts) ### Author DM [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) shares practical field notes, trip updates and wildlife photography advice from the NaturesLens programme. Next step ### Find your next wildlife photography holiday Browse small-group trips by destination, subject, season and photographic goal. [Browse Holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/) ### Related articles [![What Can You Hope To Photograph In One Week At Shompole Wilderness?](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/One-of-the-Resident-Lions-Sitting-Near-the-Waterhole-at-Night-photographed-in-one-week-at-Shompole-Wilderness-150x150.jpg) **What Can You Hope to Photograph in One Week at Shompole Wilderness?**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/10/31/one-week-at-shompole-wilderness/) [![Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-silhouetted-by-the-sunset-photographed-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-150x150.jpg) **Four Days with the Puffins of Skomer Island**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. 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