The photography of the Rev. Esau Tatatoapik

Esau Tatatoapik is a priest in the Diocese of the Arctic, serving at Church of the Redeemer in Clyde River, Nunavut. Esau is known for his beautiful photos of northern landscapes, skies, and wildlife. You can follow him on Facebook to view more of his photos. Recently Arctic News asked Esau some questions about his northern photography.

What kind of lenses and camera do you like to use?

ET -When the digital Nikon cameras became available in the North, I began to use Nikon D7100, then I had to look for compatible lens to make the camera work for the pictures I was taking. The camera came with Nikon 18-55 mm and 70300mm lens, and after trying out the camera with the provided lens, I was not quite satisfied with the 70-300mm. It is good lens for closer pictures, but not the best for the distance photos. When the opportunity came I began to shop around and found Sigma DG 150-500mm that was compatible with the camera, and I find it to be better than 70-300mm for my purposes. It has more features to it, such as optical stabilizer, auto and manual focus and since I have primarily used that lens for photographing polar bears and distance shots.

How close do you have to get to a polar bear to get a good photo?

ET – The best time for photographing the polar bears is usually early fall, early spring, and in the summer. I have to be cautious when getting close to a bear for a photo because you don’t know if it will be an aggressive bear or not. The closest I’ve come to a bear is about 50 yards away. Getting that close and using my Sigma 150-500mm lens, and with good lighting, I find provides there best detail and quality to the photo.

I do find female bears with a yearling cubs tends to be more aggressive as well as young bears, who are stalking for prey. Most of the female bears with cubs that I have approached will charge to protect their young. I have been charged a couple times while I am trying to get closer for a photo. When that happens your mind is telling your legs to get moving as fast as you can so you can hide behind something.

How much time do you spend on the land to get your pictures, and is light an issue in the north?

When ever time is available I get out. In the spring and summer I spend the most time on the land. This has to do with the daylight being longer during these seasons which is more conducive to getting good images with the camera I am using.

To a degree light is a challenge. Certain light is required to get good detail in the image. However, I am able to set my camera and lens up for night shots. In fact one of my favourite shoots is taking images of the Northern lights, and landscape surrounded with the moonlight. If you have a capable camera all that is required is to adjust your settings depending on the light or darkness during your shoot.

In what way is your experience of nature photography part of your spiritual life?

I find when I am alone in the middle of the land and the light is reflecting over everything and there is no sound anywhere, I pause and see the vastness; or when I am close to small arctic animals; arctic hare, ptarmigan, even the larger polar bear, they draw me near. When I accept that invitation it hits my soul. In that moment I realize that all of these are a part of God the Father’s creation and when I accept that invitation it gives me inner peace. I have experienced that so many times. To me this is a time when I am alone with God.

Interview by the Rev. Francis Delaplain