The Arctic isn't just a place I shoot; it’s where I live. From my home in Iqaluit, I document the intersection of rugged landscapes and the people who call them home. Whether it’s the quiet drama of an Arctic sunset or the roar of a plane landing on a frozen strip, I strive to tell the authentic stories of the North.

Documenting this remote frontier is a passion that requires grit and the right gear. If you enjoy the frozen moments I share, consider buying me a coffee. Your contribution helps me go further into the wild and stay out longer in the elements to bring the Arctic's hidden beauty to your screen.

Iqaluit, Nunavut
freardon at hotmail dot com

Biography

Frank Reardon is a prominent photographer and IT professional based in Iqaluit, Nunavut, widely recognized for his evocative documentation of life in the Canadian Arctic. Originally from the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland (specifically the Corner Brook area), Reardon’s path to the North was a winding one that included a five-year stint in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he first developed a passion for photography.

Life in the North

Reardon moved to Nunavut in Febuary of 2007, initially living in Arviat before settling in Iqaluit. Professionally, he serves as an information technology specialist for the Nunavut Court of Justice, a role that has allowed him to travel extensively across the territory with the circuit court. This unique access to remote communities and the vast Arctic landscape has deeply influenced his artistic work.

Artistic Contribution

Reardon is best known for his ability to capture the "story of Iqaluit" through his lens. His work often focuses on:

  • Daily Life: Capturing the "gritty" and beautiful details of the capital, from graffiti-covered matchbox houses to children playing in playgrounds.

  • Aviation: Documenting the planes that serve as a lifeline for Northern communities. #YFBSpotters

  • The Environment: Braving extreme conditions, sometimes in wind chills as low as -60°C, to photograph the Aurora Borealis and unique Arctic phenomena.

Major Projects and Achievements

  • Canada Post Stamp: In 2015, one of Reardon’s photographs—a perfect "sun dog" captured over Iqaluit—was featured on a national Canadian postage stamp as part of the "Weather Wonders" series.

  • The Black-and-White Project: During the 2020 pandemic, Reardon challenged himself to take and post a black-and-white photo of Iqaluit every single day, creating a historical archive of the city during a time of global isolation.

  • Contributing Work: His photography is frequently featured in major publications like Nunatsiaq News, CBC, CTV, UpHere Magazine, Skies Magazine: and The Weather Network. Also Internationaly for Aviation.

Personal Drive and Resilience

Reardon’s dedication to his craft is deeply personal. Born with congenital cataracts, he lost his left eye in 2014 and has faced the ongoing risk of losing sight in his remaining eye. This "ticking clock" has fueled his prolific output, as he seeks to document as much of the world as possible while he can.

Now a permanent resident of the North, Reardon considers Iqaluit his true home, often stating that the addictive beauty of the land and the tight-knit nature of the community are what keep him there.