March 29, 2018

Photographing Antarctica! Is it really a place accessible for you, an adventurous wild life and landscape photographer?

We had never thought seriously about Antarctica as a destination that was accessible for a photography trip. We thought it was a place national geographic went to spend months filming the Emperor penguins or home to a small village for scientists to research the most remote place on earth. Beyond learning about english explorer Scott, and Nz expeditions from legends like sir Edmond Hillary, I thought it was an extreme and hostile part of the globe, however It’s becoming apparent that we were uninformed! Wildlife, remote and extreme landscapes, untouched scenery and a boat to accommodate and access it all. Antarctica has now made the bucket list!

Here are some things to know about Antarctica

Best Time of Year for a photography trip:

During the Southern Hemisphere winter, Antarctica is off limits, no boats or planes operate. The best time of year to go to Antarctica is around Dec, as spring turns to summer, wildlife is most active, fresh snow is possible but the weather is free from howling blizzards and temperatures that can turn an iceberg into dry ice. With prolonged day light during this period, opportunities to capture the ice and snow with the spectrum of hues and everlasting light for wildlife action sounds like a recipe for dream results.

Antarctica photography trips

From whales (orca, minke, and humpback), to crabeater, elephant, leopard and Weddell seals, countless numbers of penguins, and many, many albatrosses, petrels, and other sea birds I would imagine there is never a dull moment to capture unique images of some playful and curious creatures. Many of the wildlife use this ecosytem to breed, feed and fatten up. All that diversity attracts a unique feeding opportunity for predators. Whether or not it is possible to capture great white sharks feeding on seals, you’ll have to let us know once you capture the image.

From a photography point of view, we are always looking for new and unseen images, whilst there is still plenty of spectacular images to capture  in places like Norway and Iceland, Antarctica has not only an abundance of unique photo opportunities but with strict controls on activity it is truly untouched and unspoiled.

How do you access Antarctica for a photography trip?

There are a few operators that run cruises to antarctica or you could get yourself a gig as a volunteer at Scott base, however there is one option in particular that focuses on an expedition for photography. Equipped with their own boat, photography pros and nature experts, Muench workshops offer an outstanding Antarctica Expedition. Focused on photography, you will be free from rapidly capturing your photo whilst the rest of the cruise ship is trying to move to the next location. From reading Muench’s testimonials, it’s a life changing experience.

Did I mention the best photography locations, professional tutoring onsite with a range of photography classes whilst on the boat? An all inclusive photography workshop to a truly unique destination.

Find out more about Muench Workshops to Antarctic.

Don’t forget to get prepared for winter photography. Even though it’s classified as “Summer” when you visit the Antarctic, in reality it’s comparable to winter in most other parts of the globe just with longer daylight. Get geared up with gloves and knowledge on how to shoot in winter.

If you have experienced Antarctica through the lens already, we’d love to hear from you. Write a comment below or send us an email as we’d be pumped to hear your story.

– Carl

Photos Courtesy of Muench Workshops.

If you liked this post, you’ll love these too!

Winter is no joke! Keep warm and shop our range of Vallerret Photography Gloves.


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