Arctic fox tiptoes by napping polar bear at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ellen Zangla photo.
In the realm of wildlife photography, some of the most extraordinary moments arise when nature disrupts our carefully laid plans. For professional dog photographer Ellen Zangla, a two-day weather delay at Churchill Wild’s Seal River Heritage Lodge in November 2024 transformed into an unexpected gift—a prolonged intimacy with the Arctic’s most enigmatic residents.
“On the final night I was the last one up, just standing at the window in the lodge looking out, watching the Arctic foxes play,” said Zangla, her voice carrying the quiet reverence of someone who had witnessed something rare and precious. “You just have to take a deep breath and think about where you are in the world. The fact that I got to witness that was pretty astonishing.”
Arctic foxes on the run at Seal River. Ellen Zangla photo.
The Seal River trip wasn’t even in her original plans. It started over dinner at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge while on the Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast safari, when lodge manager Nicole Spinks pulled out the Churchill Wild Anniversary book. “She showed me the book cover that has the ice with the sunrise coming up behind it,” said Zangla, her voice lighting up at the memory. “It was just beautiful. I think I was on the phone the next day and I got the last spot on the final Polar Bear Photo Safari of the season.”
Sometimes the photography gods smile on you. A group that should have been 16 had shrunk to 12 due to cancellations. While some guests split their time between outdoor excursions and the lodge’s panoramic windows, Zangla lived by one rule: “Unless we had to be inside, I was always outside shooting. That’s my motto.”
Curious cub and watchful mom at Seal River. Ellen Zangla photo.
A four-time guest of Churchill Wild, Zangla has a knack for capturing emotion in her photos. She travels with serious camera gear, but favours versatility over pure reach. She mainly used her 100-500mm lens paired with a Canon R5 Mark II, explaining that while her 600mm lens offers more reach, it’s too cumbersome for extended shooting. “Part of the experience should be fun,” said Zangla. “It’s not just about getting the best photos.”
The wildlife, as if on cue, showed up in force. Wolf tracks teased daily — fresh ones too, though the wolves themselves stayed camera-shy. But the polar bears? They owned the stage. There were sparring matches, lazy tundra wanderings, naptime sessions. And a mother appeared with two cubs of the year.
Arctic hare kisses. Ellen Zangla photo.
One bear in particular—they started calling her “sweetheart”—hung around the deck at the lodge for a day and a half. “She just had a really, really sweet face,” said Zangla. During one close encounter on a hike, the guides calmly stepped the group back. “Keep going, sweetheart,” one called out. “That’s a good girl.”
The real drama unfolded about two kilometers from the lodge when three polar bears were discovered lounging near a seal kill, while seven or eight opportunistic Arctic foxes worked the scene. “The foxes were just in there eating, chasing one another, darting around,” said Zangla, who had “really, really, really, wanted to see Arctic foxes” on this safari. “We saw Arctic foxes every day,” said Zangla, but this scene was particularly memorable.
Arctic foxes feasting! Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ellen Zangla photo.
Though the trip had been relatively warm for this time of year, with temperatures hovering around freezing, this particular day brought challenging conditions. Wind-driven snow and freezing fog turned every blade of grass to crystal. “That’s why we weren’t able to fly out,” said Zangla. “There was just ice and fog everywhere.”
Polar bear in charge. And the Arctic foxes know it. Ellen Zangla photo.
For Zangla, who spends most of her time capturing dog portraits at Ellen Zangla Photography in Loudoun County, Virginia (her Christmas pet photo sessions for charity sold out 130 slots in 11 hours this year), these Arctic adventures with Churchill Wild offer something completely different. She’s no stranger to wildlife photography either.
Sweetheart. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ellen Zangla photo.
This year alone Zangla was at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge for the Nanuk Emergence Quest in February, she hit Minnesota twice for birds (sharp-tailed grouse and great horned owls on the first trip, great grays on the second), wandered Tuscany, and also worked on her second dog photography book. Last year Zangla travelled to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge for the Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast safari in March and the Polar Bear Photo Safari in October. She also roomed with 2021 Young Wilderness Photographer of the Year Meline Ellwanger on her first ever safari with Churchill Wild, and described it as her “Best. Trip. Ever.”
Zangla’s experience at Seal River Heritage Lodge exemplifies the kind of immersive wildlife encounter that serious photographers and adventurers seek. “It was amazing,” said Zangla. “We went out twice a day, and every morning and every afternoon there was some really good stuff happening. Sometimes it was at the lodge, like after lunch when there would be wildlife nearby. Sometimes we would see something, sometimes we wouldn’t, but pretty much every morning and afternoon brought another great photographic opportunity.”
Sparring in the willows. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ellen Zangla photo.
Even the journey’s end reflected this attention to detail, with guests transitioning to Churchill Wild’s new Blueberry Inn in Churchill, which Zangla describes as “beautifully done” with its exposed beams, ample natural light through huge windows, and thoughtfully designed spaces.
Nature offered one final gift during departure: hundreds of caribou visible from the plane, a sight the pilot noted occurs cyclically every seven years. “It was insane,” said Zangla. “Of course, part of me wishes we could have been on the ground photographing them.”
Stealthy approach. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ellen Zangla photo.
This blend of luxury accommodation and raw wilderness, of careful preparation and serendipitous opportunity, created what Zangla repeatedly described as an “epic” experience — from sparring polar bears to Arctic foxes playing in the dusk, from crystalline landscapes to surprise caribou herds.
“The whole trip was fantastic,” said Zangla. “And everybody at the lodge was great. The food was delicious. The guides were awesome. The one thing you can’t control is the wildlife, but we were really lucky to have had so many amazing opportunities. Sparring bears, mom and cubs, Arctic hare, Arctic foxes…”
Bear bum bite. Ellen Zangla photo.
For those seeking their own Arctic narrative, Zangla’s experience reveals the secret of true wildlife photography. It’s not just about being prepared for what you hope to see, but embracing what nature decides to show you. It might mean staying a little longer than planned, watching Arctic foxes play in the gathering darkness, and in Zangla’s own words, reminding yourself…
“Just how lucky you are.”
Polar bear in the frost. Seal River Heritage Lodge. Ellen Zangla photo.
About Ellen Zangla
Professional pet photographer Ellen Zangla with one of her favourites!
Ellen Zangla has been a professional pet photographer in Loudoun County, Virginia, since 2009. She specializes in dog photography, cat photography, and family photography that includes dogs, cats, or other pets.
Ellen has won numerous awards for her pet and wildlife photography. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, son, two dogs, and four cats.
Follow Ellen Zangla on Facebook here
Follow Ellen Zangla on Instagram here
Watch on YouTube: What it’s Like to Work with Pet Photographer Ellen Zangla
Read 5-Star Google Reviews for Ellen Zangla Photography
Website: Ellen Zangla Photography
Polar Bear Photo Safari
