All about Polar Bear World and Wayne R. Bilenduke.

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Polar Bear World Inc

P.O. Box 204, #2 Goose Creek Rd

Churchill, Manitoba

Canada

R0B 0E0

Toll Free Orders - 877-287-5333

Information - 204- 648-5333

Polar Bear World Inc

Polar Bear World Inc

Polar Bear World Inc was established in the year 2000 AD and was created to facilitate a better understanding of the Polar Bear and to provide a visual window on this marquee of the animal kingdom. In this new age the polar bear will undoubtedly face many new challenges associated with Global Climate Change and as such the polar bear has become an important indicator species which may very well gauge the plight of other vulnerable species within the polar realm.

Through the lens of Polar Bear World Inc Photographer, Wayne R. Bilenduke, take a glimpse into a unique visual realm seldom seen - "Polar Bear World"!

Polar Bear World Inc is also pleased to announce the sale of high quality archival Limited Edition Prints. These unique image's of nature are available for immediate delivery and available through our online shopping cart in the Sales section.

waynerbilenduke

The small northern outpost of Churchill, Canada was established in 1717 by the Hudson Bay Company and is a community with a legacy of almost 300 years of rich and diverse history.

Wayne was born in Churchill and was brought up spending his childhood days living in Jacque-ville, a small subdivision of Churchill, Manitoba which was situated just a 100 yards or so from the shore of Hudson Bay. There he lived in a small three room house with his parents and four sisters.

One of Wayne’s highlights while living in Churchill is exploring the vast open expanse and coastal plateau's of Hudson Bay. This unique coastal region and huge oceanic expanse can be a treasure trove of sorts where a world of adventure and discovery lie ahead for those willing to explore.

During the spring and summer months the shoreline and tidal waters of the Hudson Bay and Churchill river can become an interesting education in nature, whereby one can often site unique geological rock formations and an abundant variety of wildlife species such as, many different shore and migratory birds, one of the largest beluga whale estuaries in the world and many other small mammals such as, arctic fox, wolves and caribou. Fall time however can become extremely dangerous and equally fascinating as the west coast of Hudson Bay continues to host the largest annual congregation of polar bears in the world.

Today the polar bear continues to be one of Wayne's favorite subjects to photograph, hence the name "Polar Bear World Inc".

"Today I primarily traverse the northern regions of Canada and specialize in polar bear and arctic theme photography. The Canadian Arctic is my realm and I feel quite in my element as I explore the endless landscapes and fascinating natural history. I particularly enjoy exploring the Inuit culture which dates back some 6000 years in history. I am quite adept at traveling by snowmobile, motor boat and ATV, on land and sea to achieve my photographic objectives. The extreme Arctic conditions have proven to be very hard on my equipment and at times on my body. My experience traversing this harsh and unforgiving environment has taught me to hope for the best but to prepare for the worst. With the windchill factor, temperatures often plummet to minus 60 or 70 degrees celsius during the winter months and a small problem in the middle of nowhere could lead to a tragic disaster if I were unprepared.

Many of my summer childhood days were spent playing in amongst the Precambrian rocks which jot the Hudson Bay coast. My winters were filled with snowmobiling and exploring the vast coastal expanse which seems to span an endless arctic horizon. The Hudson Bay has often been my work domain and traversing this vast open expanse for thirty plus years via snowmobile and motor boat has resulted in a education in arctic survival experienced by few. Thus growing up in Churchill has provided me with the experience and the tools necessary to pursue my passion for photography in the Arctic realm and specifically for photography of polar bears.

Photography in this polar realm during the winter months can become quite difficult, particularly while operating a camera in temperatures of minus 30-40 degree celsius. Often the tips of my fingers and toes become so cold they turn numb to the touch and don’t begin to hurt until I warm them up, then the pain can become nearly unbearable. It seems living with some form of pain is a common trade off when it comes to arctic photography. Camping in a cramped igloo or tent or working in a mosquito infested environment can be common place.

During the winter months frigid arctic winds can blow so hard they literally howl and exposed human flesh will freeze within seconds, things can only become more difficult when your outhouse is a snowbank. All to often in the summer months the mosquitos and black flies can become so thick they literally create a black cloud in front of your lens making any attempt to photograph futile. These and many other obstacles are often what it takes to bring home the photographic gold in the polar realm.

Photography of the many interesting physical features and wildlife in the polar realm has presented many challenges over the years but has delivered with many rewards. Working and living in this sub-arctic region has been a privilege and a life of freedom I will not take for granted. What pain the cold and solitude has inflicted upon myself has been reimbursed by nature many times over with its perpetual adventures, intriguing mystic and unique photographic opportunities."

WRB

Today Wayne carries on his work primarily travelling to remote area's of the Canadian Arctic, capturing the essence of the North in his photographic works and providing to the world, a glimpse into what he has coined "Polar Bear World".

You may have seen Wayne's photographs appear in many locations, publications and advertisements throughout the world via Getty Images. With over 150 magazine and book covers to his credit Wayne strives to produce some of the best Polar Bear and arctic theme photography available today.

"Thank You for visiting my website and I hope you enjoy your stay.

Happy hunting to all those who are inspired by free men to venture forth on those high seas of adventure where ocean's of discovery lie ahead for those whom are willing to begin the journey".

John R. Bilenduke

February 13, 1940 - August 24, 2001

"This web site is devoted to my late Father who instilled in me values of life that I will remember forever. A man who dedicated his life to helping others and through his unselfish nature many in his community have benefited from his good works. John was a ardent outdoors' person and lived his life to the fullest. He knew each and every day outdoors was a special day because our life in the flesh was brief. His final days were spent close to his family and I know many in his community miss him greatly as do the rest of us". "love you dad!"

WRB