In the vast, otherworldly expanse of the Arctic, surrounded by ice and  water, I found myself perched in a small zodiac raft as the waves swayed beneath me. The unpredictable weather mirrored the raw power of this pristine wilderness.

It was here that I caught sight of a polar bear and as I steadied myself, I understood the significance of this encounter. Their survival hangs in the balance, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life in such an extreme environment. 

Michael Haluwana is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning cinematographer, photographer, and videographer with over 17 years of industry experience. Michael's exceptional work has earned him numerous accolades from prestigious organisations such as the National Geographic, BBC, Virgin Galactic, Canon and Sony. 

Michael's career has been marked by collaboration with esteemed professionals on iconic projects both domestically and internationally. Notably, he has worked alongside Sir David Attenborough on BBC's Planet Earth Il and Planet Earth Ill, contributing to the stunning visuals that have captivated audiences worldwide.

Follow Michael on Instagram @aeroture_aus.