Greenland PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
August 6th – 12th 2025
Embark on a photographic journey through Greenland's untouched wilderness. This remote trek traverses the dramatic arctic tundra, offering endless opportunities to experience and document your adventure in a truly breathtaking landscape—from the mighty ice caps and moraines to the vast glacial-carved lakes. With Ned as your expedition photography tutor, you will unlock the full potential of your camera and learn the art of photography in the wilderness.
Our days will be filled with light, from the soft glow of the midday sun to the vibrant hues of the long-lasting midnight sunsets. We will hone your skills by photographing our time on the edge of the ice cap and train your lens on the unique flora and fauna of the tundra, including majestic wildlife like Musk Ox, Caribou, Ptarmigan and the elusive but curious Arctic Fox. Even at dusk, the adventure continues with light painting workshops, where we will transform our arctic surroundings into your canvas.
This Greenland adventure is a photographer's dream, where every turn unveils a new scene to be captured. It’s not just a trek; it’s a chance to get creative and fully immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness—something very few people get to experience.
“My Greenland experience with Turn Wild went well beyond expectations. I wasn’t prepared for the wonderful sensation of true remoteness. It was a great physical and mental challenge and I am left obsessing with what comes next. Ian did a great job of making sure we were ready for everything. I can’t recommend highly enough.”
Meet The PHOTOGRAPHER
NED HEYLAR
Ned is a qualified Mountain Leader and professional photographer who specialises in capturing moments of adventure in the natural world. His background is in creative storytelling, expedition leadership and audio visual production. He’s passionate about helping people of all abilities experience the joy of being outdoors and exploring the wilderness.
Ned works with different expedition and conservation organisations to create stunning visuals that tell the stories of people and places. He has led and photographed multiple expeditions and treks in places as diverse and far afield as the Yukon, British Columbia, Iceland, Scotland, Bulgaria and Switzerland, often spending several weeks in the wild at a time. As the primary expedition photographer and in-house creative at the British Exploring Society, Ned also oversees all media based projects across their multi-week expedition programmes around the world.
He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience on how to successfully operate as a photographer in challenging and remote environments.
As your photography tutor and guide, Ned will lead you on an exciting programme of activities to help you make the most of your time in the wilderness - so you can experience your adventure, and come back with incredible photos to prove it.
Itinerary
DAY ONE: HIKE FROM KANGERLUSSUAQ AIRPORT
After a quick final equipment check, we leave civilisation behind us and begin the expedition heading towards our first wild campsite (the infamous T-33 plane crash site)
DISTANCE: 8KM | HEIGHT GAIN: 600M | TOTAL HIKING TIME: 5 HOURS (NOT INCLUDING STOPS)
DAY TWO: TOWARDS THE ICE CAP
Trek to Wild Camp 2. The site looks down on the huge tundra expanse with the ice cap winking at us from behind
DISTANCE: 13KM | TOTAL HEIGHT GAIN: 300M | TOTAL HIKING TIME: 6 HOURS
DAY THREE: ICE CAP APPROACH
A shorter day which will end with a very remote wilderness stretch class (weather permitting)
DISTANCE: 10KM | HEIGHT GAIN: 250M | TOTAL HIKING TIME: 5 HOURS
DAY FOUR: HIKE TO POINT 660
Arrive at the Ice Cap- the incredible wonder of the arctic world. This day is spectacular, with many stops for photo opportunities and some life memories.
DISTANCE: 6KM | HEIGHT GAIN: 150M | TOTAL HIKING TIME: 4 HOURS (NOT INCLUDING STOPS)
DAY FIVE: HIKE TO POINT 660
Leaving our tents at our camp, we will hike to various stunning points overlooking the Greenland Ice Cap. We will hike right up to the ice cap, and you can step onto it if you wish.
DISTANCE: Easier recovery day- depending on weather and team.
DAY SIX: CAMP BY THE GLACIER
A short day to a stunning camp site allowing us to spend time on Photography lessons
DISTANCE 5KM | HEIGHT GAIN: 200m – A shorter hike
DAY SEVEN: EXTRACTION
Hike to our extraction point. A vehicle will pick us up and take us to the Russell Glacier where we will finish with one last stunning photography sessions. We will then return to Kangerlussuaq for well-earned hot showers and accommodation.
DISTANCE: 2KM WITH BAGS | HEIGHT GAIN: 0m
THE PHotography Modules
During our expedition in Greenland, we will cover a range of photographic styles and techniques, demonstrating how each can be achieved in the wilderness using only the equipment we carry with us. In no particular order, the modules below give an overview of the different topics we will cover:
MODULE ONE: UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAMERA (COVERED DURING DARTMOOR TRAINING)
In this module, we will start by understanding the settings on your camera. As we proceed through the other modules, we will see how these settings can be adjusted to achieve different types of photography.
MODULE TWO: CONNECTING EXPEDITION SKILLS WITH PHOTOGRAPHY (COVERED DURING DARTMOOR TRAINING)
As part of this session, we will learn how to maintain and care for our camera equipment in remote environments and use skills like navigation and route-finding to read the landscape and find the best locations for different shots.
MODULE THREE: DYNAMIC TREK PHOTOGRAPHY
In the early stages of our expedition, we will focus on capturing the experience of trekking against the backdrop of the Arctic tundra and learning how to build in moments for photography while ensuring you and your team can keep moving and maintain your expeditionary goal.
MODULE FOUR: WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
As we quietly move through the ancient hunting grounds of the Inuit people, we will continue to practise the dynamic photography techniques we’ve already learnt while getting to grips with wildlife photography. Musk Oxen, Arctic Foxes, Arctic Hares and Caribou are all possible sightings as we quietly move through the area.
MODULE FIVE: LANDSCAPE AND OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY
While out in the remote wilderness, we will use the midnight sun for sessions on landscape and outdoor portrait photography with a sunset backdrop of mountains, ice and the arctic tundra extending for miles all around us.
MODULE SIX: LIGHT PAINTING
At a couple of points during the expedition, in the early twilight hours and with the ice sheet behind us, we’ll use our position at camp to practise the delicate art of painting with light - creating surreal and intriguing works of art using only our cameras and torches.
MODULE SEVEN: CAMPCRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY
Last but not least, throughout the expedition we’ll use our time at camp to document the experience of living in the wilderness, and all the skills associated with doing so
What Is included
The guiding services of professional guides in a ratio of no more than 1:7
Extensive guide-led pre-expedition Zoom training - over 6 hours
Guide-led group expedition shopping experience in London (1-2-1 Zoom if outside of London)
Group equipment, including stoves, cooking fuel, tents, water purification equipment and a medical kit
Emergency communication - a satellite phone and GPS locator beacon
A night in a hostel (double room shared) after the trek has finished
Wilderness gourmet food provider Firepot supplies all your major expedition meals
Access to Turn Wild Strava, a training group
Professional photography tuition is provided by an expedition photographer.
A 1:1 pre-expedition check-in on Zoom with Ned to understand each person’s personal photography ambitions so he can tailor his tuition to suit your needs. This will include expert guidance on the kit required to achieve your goals.
Over 2 hours of online post-expedition photo editing tuition with Ned to help you unlock the full potential of your photos once you return home.
Seven Photography Teaching modules
What Is not included
All snacks on the trek (we will teach you how to make an expedition food planner on Zoom pre-expedition training sessions)
All personal equipment, including sleeping bags, rucksacks, boots, eating utensils and clothing (you can hire some at extra cost)
Expenses incurred in the unlikely event of an evacuation
Expenses incurred after the expedition has finished in Kangerlussuaq
Expenses incurred in getting to and from Kangerlussuaq airport at the start and finish
Comprehensive travel insurance covering remote evacuation and repatriation to the UK, trip cancellation and medical insurance
Personal use of satellite communication equipment
Greenland training weekend - compulsory if you have not attended a wild camping event with Turn Wild
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PHOTOGRAPHY PACK LIST:
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT:
Camera- Essential x1
To get the most out of the experience, we strongly recommend bringing a digital camera with manual settings. A good-quality smartphone could be used instead of a camera, but without manual settings, it will limit what you can do. If you don’t already have a camera, Ned can advise on different options to suit a variety of budgets during your 1:1 pre-expedition call.
Memory Cards- Essential x2 minimum
The number of memory cards will depend on your camera (and the type of card it requires) and the amount of memory storage available per card. During your 1:1 cal (included) l, Ned will advise you on how many to bring.
Camera Batteries- Essential x3
Each camera requires different batteries, so double-check your model and make before buying more.
Waterproof camera bag - Essential (small) x1
To access your camera easily while on the move, it’s best to have it in its own bag, which is ideally waterproof. Ned can advise on options as part of your 1:1 call.
Dry Bags- Essential (small - 2-3 litres) x3
To protect your electronics (like the power bank), it’s good practice to keep them in dry bags.
Power bank and camera battery charger x1
To ensure you can recharge your camera batteries as needed, a fully charged power bank and battery charger are required. Ned can advise on options as part of your 1:1 call, but as a starting point, he uses the Anker PowerCore 26800mAh, which gives him at least eight additional charges.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:Camera harness/sling x1 Recommended
A camera harness or sling can be a more comfortable and accessible way to carry a camera while trekking. Ned can advise on options as part of your 1:1 call.
Camera Lens x1 Recommended*
If you use a DSLR or mirrorless camera without a permanent lens, you must bring one. Ned will advise as part of your 1:1 call on what kind of lens to consider, depending on the type of photography you are most interested in. (*A lens is essential if your camera body is detachable)
Neutral Density Lens Filte x1 per lens
Because of the strong daylight in the Arctic during summer, we strongly recommend bringing a neutral-density filter for your camera lens. If you plan to bring more than one lens, it’s wise to have an ND filter attached to each lens.
Lens blower and brush x1
A tool for removing dust and dirt from your camera lens.
Microfibre cloths x2
A tool for removing smudges and dirt from your camera lens.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Mini tripod/monopod x1
A tripod or monopod won’t be necessary for the most part, as we can rest our cameras on boulders or the ground when needed. However, having a small one can be beneficial - just remember you will have to carry it alongside everything else you bring. If you want to bring one, raise it with Ned during your 1:1, and he will discuss options with you.
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EXPEDITION PACK LIST:
Feet:
Boots (not hiking shoes)
Socks x 2 plus pairs (thick)
Socks 1 pair for sleeping (optional)
Camp shoes
Legs
Hiking trousers
Gore-tex waterproof trousers
Torso
2 x base layers short or long sleeve weather dependent
1 x mid layer
Warm layer
Gore-tex outer shell
Head
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Midge net
Warm hat
Sleeping
Sleeping bag (rate minus 5)
Liner/ thermals
Ear plugs
Roll mat
Inflatable mat
Equipment (per person)
Rucksack minimum 75 litres
Waterproof bags
Personal first aid kit, including medications
Walking poles
Phone and phone charger/ cable
Hiking kettle (this looks like a big mug and is also your cup)
Spoon - preferably long-handled
Snacks/ soups/ tea/ coffee
Water bottle/ water bladder/ empty Evian-type bottles
Hand sanitiser
2-3 Lighters
Small tin of Vaseline
Toothbrush and toothpaste
A small packet of wet wipes
Foot towel
Bag for rubbish
Insect repellant
Sunblock
Rehydration sachets (Dioralyte)
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Do I need to be experienced in wild camping?
You will need to gain wild camping experience before you go on this expedition. You can get this at our Greenland expedition training event in Dartmoor. The better prepared you are the more you will enjoy it rather than endure it.
How fit do I need to be?
The fitter you are, the more enjoyable and safer your trek. Please remember the Turn Wild mantra over the next few months, “train hard, trek easy!”. Greenland 2024 is an Amber rated expedition which means “challenging” on the expedition traffic light system. Suitable for novices as long as they have done the correct training and preparation.
A training goal you should aim for is being able to do one or many of the following:
Hike for 6 hours, regularly carrying a minimum of 15kg with an ascent of over 500m
Cycle 60 km regularly
Run 10km regularly
We reserve the right to remove any team member at their expense who is at an unsafe fitness level. We have a Turn Wild Strava group to aid your training. We teach you all about what training to do in an expedition training Zoom seminar.
What is the polar bear risk?
There are now sightings in the area in May No polar bears have been spotted in the area in July/ August. The government deems it safe and states no firearms or bear deterrents are needed.
Will we be able to go on the ice cap?
Yes, you will. We will walk up to the ice cap where tours frequently stop to go on to it. You will then be able to step on at your own risk.
What if I get COVID before the trip?
We strongly suggest that you insure yourself against cancellation. Sadly, we cannot refund or move your place.
What is the weather like?
Average temperatures are 14C during the day and 4C at night during July. Think early spring in the UK. Overnight temperatures can drop below 0C, particularly by the ice cap, so a sleeping bag should be rated to at least -5 to ensure comfort.
How do I reserve a place on the expedition?
After an initial phone consultation to check if it is the right trek for you, A 30% deposit of £705 will secure your place. The final payment is due 50 days before the start of the event. We advise taking insurance out against illness. Injury or anything else as Turn Wild cannot refund or transfer and payments. Plesae note Expedition training is not included and is £299
How long will it take to get there from the UK?
3 days- with opportunities to visiut Copenhagen and go on self organised tours in Nuuk, Sisimiut or even fly onto the spectacular Ilulissat Iceford - a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see calving icebergs or go whale watching. We will be happy to discuss your options with you.
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The total cost is £2350 per person. All bookings start with a one on one call with one of our qualified guides. This call is to make sure all your questions are answered so that all team members know about the expedition challenges and the commitment that must be made in preparation. You may also ask any further questions you may have around the expedition. After this call, a deposit of 30% will be sent to you to secure your place. The balance is due 50 days before the start of the expedition. For cancellations made within 30-40 days of the trip commencement date, Turn Wild reserves the right to retain 50% of the balance payment. For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, Turn Wild will retain 100% of the total fee. For any further questions or to secure a place, please contact us via the details below. Thank you, and let your adventure begin!