Capturing the Magic: Dog Sledding Photography Tips
Whether you are using a top-of-the-line DSLR or the latest smartphone, photographing dog sledding in the Arctic presents unique challenges. From the blinding white of the snow to the battery-draining cold, here is our guide to coming home with world-class photos of your husky adventure.
The Biggest Challenge: Extreme Cold & Batteries
In the sub-zero temperatures typical of Tromsø in January and February, your electronic devices are your weakest link.
- The “Internal Pocket” Rule: Keep your phone and spare camera batteries in an internal pocket as close to your body heat as possible. Only take them out when you are ready to shoot.
- Sudden Shutdowns: Even a 100% charged battery can show “0%” and shut down when it gets too cold. If this happens, put the device back in your warm pocket for 15 minutes; it will often “recover.”
Best Gear for Mushing
- Action Cameras (GoPro): The best way to capture the POV (Point of View) from the sled. Use a chest mount rather than a helmet mount for more stable footage and a better view of the dogs.
- Smartphones: Use a phone leash or lanyard. It is incredibly easy to drop your phone into deep snow while the sled is moving—once it’s gone, you can’t stop the dogs to look for it!
- Photography Gloves: Invest in gloves with flip-back fingertips or conductive pads so you don’t have to expose your bare skin to the freezing air to press the shutter button.
Camera Settings for the Arctic
- Exposure Compensation (+1.0 to +2.0): Cameras are often “fooled” by the bright white snow and underexpose the image, making it look gray. Increase your exposure to keep the snow looking pristine white.
- High Shutter Speed: Huskies are fast! To freeze the action of their paws and flying snow, use a shutter speed of at least 1/1000s.
- Burst Mode: Always shoot in bursts. This increases your chances of getting one shot where all the dogs’ ears are up and none of them are blinking!
Composition Tips
- The Low Angle: Get down at the dogs’ eye level. This makes the huskies look powerful and majestic rather than small against the landscape.
- Include the Musher: Don’t just focus on the dogs. Capturing the person at the back of the sled provides a sense of scale and human connection.
- The “Blue Hour”: In November and December, the sky turns a deep indigo. Use a wider aperture (low f-number) to capture this ethereal light without needing a flash.
Respect the Trails
If you are the one driving the sled, your primary responsibility is the safety of the dogs and the sled. Never attempt to take photos while you are moving. Wait for the designated breaks to capture your shots.
Ready to Experience Dog Sledding in Tromsø?
Book your Husky adventure with experienced local guides. Drive your own sled or enjoy a passenger ride.