Join Aperture Academy on an incredibly unique and exclusive polar adventure as we travel north of the arctic circle in search of one of the planet's most mythic and revered predators--the Polar Bear.

Our destination is the famed Svalbard archipelago of northern Norway. Located between the North Pole and Norway, and with approximately 3000 polar bears, the Svalbard archipelago is home to one of the greatest concentrations of polar bear on the planet.

This area of the planet remains wild, pristine, and utterly unforgettable. With its vast, unspoiled mountainscapes, dramatic fjords, massive glaciers and picturesque icebergs, coupled with a myriad of unique arctic wildlife, including polar bear, walrus, reindeer, arctic fox, various whale species, seals, puffins, fulmars and a multitude of migratory bird species, Svalbard is a nature and landscape photographer's ultimate paradise.

Our primary mission is to provide you with everything you need to produce publication-quality images of this remote and beautiful land. Our emphasis will be seeking out polar bears and other arctic wildlife, along with unique and beautiful landscapes. With this as our ultimate goal, we have specifically designed this Sojourn down to the last detail...for photographers, from a photographer's point of view.

Expedition Highlights:

• Locate and photograph polar bear, walrus, various whale species (including blue, humpback, fin, sei, minke, beluga and orca), reindeer, Arctic fox, seals, numerous bird species (including puffins, fulmars, terns, auks and buntings).
• Cruise amidst, and photograph under, exquisite 24-hour arctic light illuminating the stunning, rugged mountain ranges, stark tundra landscapes, deep fjords, massive glaciers, and other-worldly ice formations.
• Wine and social gatherings under the arctic midnight sun.
• Photography hikes along the coast and tundra, explorations of abandoned historic whaling outposts and geothermal landscapes.
• Extended Zodiac cruises for up close and personal nature photography.

Day 1 is ship departure day from Longyearbyen, Norway. From there, we immediately head far north. For the following ten days, we will explore a wide variety of islands, inlets and deep fjords of the Svalbard archipelago. The flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions. We will search for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, our main objective, polar bear. Shore explorations and Zodiac landings will bring us up close to the mystical settings and passing icebergs.

In the true spirit of adventure expeditions, there is no set itinerary. We will navigate to historically rich polar bear (and other known wildlife) areas, but also have the freedom to take advantage of any other opportunistic subject matter we encounter along the way. Each day our expedition leader and Captain will determine our best course, depending on changing weather, ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter. For serious photography, there is no better way to travel.

Following our final expedition day, we head back to Longyearbyen with our hard drives full of new and spectacular images, and a final celebratory farewell dinner.

To cater to the special needs of photographers, and to give us ultimate flexibility and freedom to photograph whatever and whenever we want, we have chartered our own ship for our exclusive use. Yes, this does increase costs over traditional larger cruise ships with their hundreds of passengers, but we strongly feel having our own ship and small group size provides a tremendous advantage when it comes to capturing world-class images.

Quite simply, it means we are not dictated by a strictly scheduled itinerary that could potentially force us to leave a perfect photographic moment, now will we be frustrated by the large group tourist mentality of simply checking an animal off one's list with a few snap shots and then moving on the the next "pullover spot."

This way, if we discover an exceptionally rich photo subject or area, i.e., polar bear with cubs, polar bears hunting, a pod of orcas, and exquisitely lit landscape, or whatever interesting subject matter that intrigues us, we have the freedom to work that subject for two minutes, two hours or two days, however long we need. This trip is for photographers serious about getting serious images at a completely relaxed pace.

Additionally, we are limiting this expedition to only 12 guests, thus ensuring excellent comfort and optimum efficiency for photography, not to mention a level of personal service not seen on larger tour ships!

Don't worry, a smaller ship doesn't mean we will be roughing it by any means. We may be giving up onboard gym rooms, theatres and evening entertainment shows, we will make up for it with wonderful food, excellent camaraderie, and endless, amazing photo opportunities.

A fantastic French chef is onboard to ensure we are all wonderfully fed and in good spirits. Speaking of spirits, fine French wines and a wide selection of spirits are always available during social times or when convening for those five hour long sunsets.

Furthermore, each person has their own cabin if they choose (couples can share) and all cabins have private ensuite bathrooms.

A spacious and comfortable lounge area for social gatherings, photo editing and discussing Photoshop techniques (to make the most out of our images) is also available.

An open-air deck and open access command bridge policy make excellent wildlife viewing and spotting areas. We also have inflatable Zodiacs at our disposal for when we want to get up and personal with our potential subject matter, or for those numerous times we make land excursions.

→ Group Size

Having only 12 guests and working from a smaller ship, we can access areas that are typically inaccessible to the larger ships and their large groups. It won't be uncommon to have locations completely to ourselves, not another ship or human in sight.

→ Price Per Person (based on double occupancy)

Price: $9995

Price includes: Ten nights shipboard accommodation (each person has a private cabin if they choose); all gourmet shipboard meals; all shore landings and Zodiac excursions; group transfers from a pre-arranged location in Longyearbyen to the ship on embarkation day, and group transfer from ship to airport upon disembarkation; all professional guide and photography instruction.

Price does not include: Airfare to and from Longyearbyen, Norway (our ship's departure point); land-based hotel accommodations; passport and Visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore; ship crew gratuities.

→ Getting There

There are daily flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen, the main town on Svalbard, and our ship departure point. Flight time is about three hours from Oslo.

Meet our master instructor and learn what qualifies him to give you a great experience during your workshops! While you're joining us, you will receive comprehensive digital photography instruction and tutoring by our team of award-winning photographers.

Scott Davis is a wildlife researcher, eco-guide and successful professional photographer specializing in wildlife, lifestyle, and editorial imagery. Originally trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, Scott's research and photo assignments have taken him to the far corners of the globe.

He is a National Geographic Society Grant recipient and has co-authored and published several peer reviewed scientific articles investigating aspects of animal behavior. His photographic work has appeared in commercial websites, stock catalogues, national magazines and newspapers including the San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times, Sport Diver, Conde' Nast, and Men's Journal. He has also worked as a commercial photographer for several national and international ad campaigns including Barclays Global Investments, The Cayman Islands Bureau of Tourism, Atlantis Resorts, Syngenta USA, Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA Aid, and the World Wildlife Fund, to name a few.

Scott's easy going style, coupled with a passion for all things photography, is contagious. He finds great satisfaction sharing his unique insight and knowledge with others, be they aspiring or already established photographers. Often taking a different approach to image making, he seeks to unlock the creative potential in each of his students, to help them see beyond the obvious or traditional and craft a style that is both technically proficient yet unique.

When not hopping a plane, train or automobile in search of his next subject, Scott currently makes his residence in Monterey, California.

The workshop fee is $9995. A $2000 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space. On December 15th, 2013, 50% of the remaining balance will be due.

The remaining balance is due in full on or before April 1st, 2014. Due to the exclusivity of this trip, and the limited number of seats available, refunds are as follows:

• 100% refundable: 150 days (five months) or greater (not including deposit)
• 50% refundable: 149-121 days (not including deposit)
• No refund within 120 days or less of the start date
• Seats are transferrable

Please Note: Returning students discounts are not applicable to Sojourn Series workshops.

The workshop/tour price includes:

• Photography Instruction
• Meals
• Water on drives

The workshop/tour price DOES NOT include:

• Transportation to/from Norway
• Entrance Visa
• Soda (water with meals)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Driver/local staff gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Additional/optional excursions