Ben Wayman was the 2015 winner of Outdoor Photographer of the Year and he won a place on the Fjällräven Polar – a 300km dog sled trek across the Arctic tundra. Back from the expedition for just over a week now, we catch up with to him to see how he found his trip-of-a-lifetime…
OP: How was the Fjällräven Polar? Has it sunken in yet?
BW: The trip was absolutely amazing. It was all so well organised, we were well looked after and Fjällräven ran the expedition like clockwork. Before I went I kept mentioning to people that I was going to the Arctic – it sounded weird even for me to say that! Now I’m back it still sounds strange to refer to the time that ‘I was in the Arctic’.
OP: What did you enjoy most about the trip? Was it the landscape, the people, the challenge?
BW: The landscape was truly stunning, but the people I met were pretty special to be honest. Everyone was super friendly and very supportive the entire time. None of the participants had done anything like the Fjällräven Polar before so we all needed to help each other out at one point or another – we made a great team.
OP: Can you tell us about one unique experience you had during the Fjällräven Polar?
BW: Since I’ve been back one of the things I’ve thought about a lot is a brief moment on day three. It was early in the morning and we had been travelling for about two hours in a whiteout. I was at the rear of my team, behind me and to either side was just white: no horizon or feature, nothing. I could faintly see a team mate ahead. One of the snow mobiles carrying photographers zoomed ahead and momentarily confused my lead dogs and they started following the snow mobile tracks (instead of my team’s). This concerned me. But as I watched I saw one of the lead dogs realise it was wrong and she nudged her partner to the right and back onto the correct trail. I was impressed – and relieved.
OP: How did you cope with the cold weather conditions and camping out in the snow?
BW: The camping part didn’t bother me too much as I often camp out at home in Northumberland. I’ve only camped in snow once though and it wasn’t as deep as it was on the Polar. We learned how to set up our tents specifically for these conditions. The weather wasn’t too cold at first but as we climbed higher it got pretty chilly, that’s when the massive Polar Parka came out and did the job. I have to say how impressed I was with all the Fjällräven gear we were given.
OP: How did your perception of the landscape change during the 300km journey?
BW: We became less intimidated by our surroundings as we learned more about them and how best to use them to our advantage. The landscape was quite varied. We began sledding narrow trails through pine woodland, then as we climbed higher the trails began to open up: we crossed frozen lakes, passed remote hunting lodges and travelled through forests of pine and birch. The different types of snow brought new challenges each day.
OP: What were the main things you learned during the Polar?
BW: That I’m not as fit as I thought I was! It was hard work, every day, from 6am until bedtime. It makes me think how easy we have it: something as simple as getting water was an effort in three feet of snow, where every step you take you sink to the bottom – at home I just turn the tap on. I also learned that when those dogs want to run there’s pretty much nothing you can do to stop them!
OP: The images you took during the trip evoke a strong sense of the place, how do you think the experience will benefit your photography?
BW: The trip has made me realise the benefits of being in a place for a period of time, seeing it in different lights at different times of the day. This gives you a stronger idea of the area rather than a quick snapshot as you’re passing through. Getting to know a location can help the image, just as knowing a person enhances a portrait of them.
OP: How did you find the experience from a photographer’s point of view? Did you have any kit problems with your camera having to perform in such harsh conditions?
BW: It was amazing. Everywhere looked like a painting. Surprisingly I had no problems with my camera at all. I think the coldest was around -20°C but because of this there was some condensation in our tents – it wasn’t cold enough they said (they’re used to -50°C!). The camera had some condensation on the outside but it performed fine – I didn’t even need all the extra batteries I’d taken. The trickiest thing was finding the time to take pictures, there was a lot to do and I couldn’t just stand around taking photos while my teammates did all the jobs!
OP: How do you see being the winner of Outdoor Photographer Of The Year 2015 will impact your life as a photographer?
BW: Being named Outdoor Photographer of the Year has made realise that despite no photographic training I do have something to say and if you have an artistic eye that counts for a lot. Winning OPOTY has given me the confidence to believe in my abilities and to push myself forward toward better things.
OP: How has the Fjällräven Polar inspired you? Would you take other long-distance expeditions in remote regions?
BW: I would absolutely love to do something like this again. The Polar has given me the travelling bug! I’m off to Iceland in May – camping and photographing. It probably won’t be as cold but if it is I now have all the right clothing and experience to get me through!
See more of Ben’s work here and read about the Fjällräven Polar expedition here
To see Fjällräven’s full collection of outdoor gear click here
The competition is now closed