Niklas Nilsson
Award-winning nature and underwater photographer with a particular passion for Nordic waters and expedition travel.
About Niklas
Niklas is a Swedish nature photographer, expedition specialist and underwater photographer with a lifelong passion for wild places. He first travelled with PolarQuest at the age of 20, visiting remote destinations such as Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, and has since built extensive experience in Svalbard and Northern Norway.
Today, Niklas is closely involved in planning and coordinating expedition cruises to Svalbard and also works as part of the guiding team. He has travelled aboard all three PolarQuest ships and experienced Svalbard across the seasons, from early spring to late autumn.
Photography is a natural extension of that work. On land, he is drawn to wildlife, landscapes and the kind of moments that only appear when you are willing to wait. Underwater, his photography has earned him a World Championship silver medal and two Swedish Championship gold medals.
“When it comes to nature photography, everything doesn’t come on a silver platter. The secret is not advanced equipment, but patience and knowledge. And that you can learn at home. You can find incredible wildlife in the bushes and trees just around the corner. You just need to keep your eyes open and have patience. To wake up at four in the morning to have a closer look. That’s what I do.”
— Niklas Nilsson
His photography ranges from Nordic underwater environments to expedition destinations such as Antarctica. He is constantly looking for new ways to photograph wildlife and create a stronger sense of place.
One of his memorable encounters was photographing a deep-water ghost shark in unusually shallow water during the cold season — exactly the kind of unexpected opportunity that rewards patience and experience.
In his free time, Niklas is most at home either in the forest or underwater with a camera in hand. That combination of field knowledge, patience and photographic curiosity is central to the way he works.
Niklas has worked extensively with Olympus and OM SYSTEM equipment for his underwater photography.
