Greenland is huge, remote, and staggeringly beautiful. If you’re planning to visit, expect some of the best landscapes, glaciers, and rugged scenery you’ve ever seen. Whether you’re capturing photos for social media or just documenting your trip, I’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to help you take amazing photos and videos in Greenland.
Best Locations for Photography in Greenland
Ilulissat Icefjord
The Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous places in Greenland for photography. You’ll see massive icebergs floating around, especially if you go during the end of summer. The best way to capture the size and beauty of the icebergs is to photograph them from different angles. Don’t be afraid to climb a little higher or walk to a different part of the shore. Try to go at sunset for the best lighting.
Kangerlussuaq
Kangerlussuaq is home to Greenland’s largest airport, but that’s not why you’ll want to visit. It’s one of the best places to photograph the northern lights during the winter months. The lights are most visible from September to April. Get away from light pollution for the clearest shots. Bring a tripod so you can shoot long exposures.
Disko Island
Disko Island offers volcanic landscapes and unique black sand beaches. It’s less visited than other parts of Greenland, so you’ll have plenty of photography opportunities without the crowds. The geology of the region is different from other areas, which will give your photos a fresh look. The best time to visit is in the early morning before the light becomes too harsh.
Tasiilaq
Tasiilaq is a small town on the east coast, and it’s perfect for capturing fjords and mountains. There’s also a lot of colorful local architecture that contrasts nicely with the natural surroundings. Head down to the harbor for great shots of the boats and the fjord, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens.
Best Times of Day to Shoot
Golden Hour
The golden hour happens right after sunrise or just before sunset. The light is softer and more flattering during this time, making your photos look warmer and less harsh. In Greenland, with its extreme latitude, the golden hour can last longer than in places farther south, giving you plenty of time to find the perfect shot.
Blue Hour
Right after the sun goes down, or just before it rises, you’ll experience the blue hour. This is another excellent time for photography. The sky gets a soft, deep blue tint, and the landscape takes on a moody, almost magical feeling. This is especially beautiful in areas like the Ilulissat Icefjord or Tasiilaq, where snow and ice can reflect the blue tones.
Midday in Winter
If you’re visiting Greenland in the winter, the sun never rises high in the sky. This means that you can get beautiful, soft lighting even during the middle of the day. Don’t be afraid to take photos between 10 AM and 2 PM since the lighting will still be perfect in those short winter days.
Northern Lights at Night
If you want to capture the northern lights, you’ll need to shoot late at night in complete darkness. Set up your tripod, use a long exposure, and make sure your camera is stable. It’s also a good idea to play around with the ISO and aperture settings to balance the light. Be patient; the results are worth the effort.
Cultural Considerations When Taking Photos
Greenland has a unique culture with deep roots in its Inuit heritage. When taking portraits of locals or photographing traditional events, remember to always ask for permission first. Most Greenlanders are friendly and don’t mind having their photo taken, but it’s respectful to ask, especially in rural communities.
Avoid photographing any sensitive or sacred places without permission, especially if you visit sites important to Inuit culture. Respect the rules and traditions, and your experience—and photos—will be much better for it.
Recommended Equipment for Greenland
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
If you’re serious about photography, bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera. These give you more control over your settings and let you take higher-quality pictures. Greenland’s landscapes have a lot of detail, and you’ll want a camera that can capture all the small nuances of the glaciers, mountains, and icebergs.
Smartphone Photography
If you’re traveling light, or you’re not a pro photographer, your smartphone can still work great. Most modern smartphones have excellent cameras that perform well in low light, making them perfect for capturing the northern lights or landscapes at dusk or dawn. You can use apps to tweak settings like ISO and exposure, giving you a little more control.
Drone for Aerial Shots
Greenland’s terrain looks incredible from above, and a drone can give you a fresh perspective. Make sure to check local laws about drone usage before you fly. Some areas may be restricted, especially near wildlife or sacred sites. If you do use a drone, be considerate of the environment and the people around you.
Tripod
A tripod is a must if you plan on capturing steady photos in low light or shooting long exposures. The extreme weather (especially the wind) in Greenland can make handheld shots tricky. A lightweight but sturdy tripod will help you get the sharp, detailed shots you want, especially for northern lights or glacier photography.
Smartphone Tips for Capturing High-Quality Images
Use HDR Mode
When shooting landscapes in Greenland, use the built-in HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode on your phone’s camera. This mode helps balance bright skies and darker landscapes, giving you a more evenly lit image. It works well in areas where the sky is bright, and the ground is dark, which happens a lot when shooting snow and ice.
Clean Your Lens
Before you even start taking photos or videos, give your smartphone lens a quick wipe. It’s easy to forget how much oil and dirt can accumulate on the lens, making your photos blurry or smudged. Clean your lens regularly, especially if you’re shooting in a cold and snowy environment like Greenland.
Play with Exposure Settings
Most smartphones allow you to manually adjust the exposure, so your landscapes don’t end up too bright or too dark. Swipe up or down on the screen to adjust brightness. This helps a lot when taking photos of snowy landscapes, where the camera can sometimes overcompensate, making everything look washed out.
Use Panorama Mode
Greenland’s wide landscapes are perfect for panorama shots. Most smartphones have a panorama feature that lets you capture the entire scene by sweeping your phone across the horizon. This is great for ice fjords, mountain ranges, and open valleys. Just make sure to move your phone steadily to avoid distortion.
Staying Safe While You Shoot
Dress Warmly
The weather in Greenland can be brutally cold, even during the summer. Make sure to dress in layers, wear a windproof jacket, and keep your hands warm with gloves. Shooting in extreme cold can drain your batteries fast, so bring extras or keep them close to your body where they’ll stay warm longer.
Keep Your Gear Safe
Greenland’s environment can be rough on your equipment. Snow, ice, and condensation can damage your camera or phone. Use a weather-resistant bag to keep your equipment safe when not in use. If you’re shooting in the snow, make sure to dry off your gear after each use to avoid water damage.
Watch for Wildlife
Greenland is home to wildlife like musk oxen, arctic foxes, and even polar bears. Keep your distance when photographing animals to stay safe and avoid disturbing them. A telephoto lens will help you get close-up shots without putting yourself—or the animal—in danger.
Final Thoughts
Greenland is a dream destination for photographers. Its remote location and stunning scenery make it perfect for capturing unique images that will stand out. Whether you’re using a high-end camera, smartphone, or drone, there’s no shortage of opportunities to take incredible photos and videos in this breathtaking country. Just make sure you respect local customs, stay safe, and enjoy the beauty around you.
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