Photographing polar bears in Norway

Hello

I am keen to travel to Svalbard in Norway to photograph the polar bears and other Arctic wildlife next spring. I would like to know if any photographers have done this already and how they arranged their trip? I could sign up with someone like Andy Rousse but it's outside my budget.

If I make my own way to Svalbard, is it possible to find someone there who organises trips to watch wildlife? Any advice you can provide would be most welcome (best time of year to visit, how to get there etc). Thank you.
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Farrukh