The odyssey…
Antarctica 2010: A Photo Odyssey
November 8-26 2010
In November 2010 David Burren and Glenn Guy are conducting a joint photography workshop on an expedition to Antarctica and South Georgia. The trip will last for 19 days, beginning and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina.
We will spend the first half of the voyage exploring the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, before heading south to Antarctica itself. November in the sub-Antarctic islands is Spring, and the abundance of wildlife is legendary! Seals, albatrosses, and penguins for a start, as well as stunning landscapes of mountains and glaciers. We will be making multiple landings via Zodiac most days, and will be photographing from the land as well as from the ship.
The scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula is different again, with a lot more ice and different wildlife.
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Our voyage is operated by Aurora Expeditions, an Australian company recognised as a world leader in polar cruising. Our ship (Polar Pioneer) is a converted Russian ice-strengthened research vessel which carries up to 54 passengers: our photography group will make up a third of that. David and Glenn will be working with the ship’s expedition team to maximise your photographic opportunities.
Your instructors
David is a photographer and teacher based in Melbourne, Australia. His commercial work includes such diverse areas such as landscape, wildlife/botanical, travel, architectural, and food photography, along with color management and workflow consulting. David’s an accredited member of the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) and is an Associate of the APS (Australian Photographic Society) and an Adobe Certified Expert. His images have been published in books and exhibited around the world. He was also the Animal Portraits winner in the 2008 ANZANG Nature and Landscape Photographer of the Year awards. Some of his Antarctic photographs are featured in the 2009 ANZANG exhibition, currently on tour.
David conducts photography workshops in Australia and around the world and teaches at a tertiary photography college. David’s work has taken him to all seven continents: this will be his second photographic trip to Antarctica.
Glenn is a photographer with 30 years industry experience including newspaper, wedding/portrait, documentary, travel, landscape and film stills. Almost 20 years of teaching experience and time as a Technical Specialist and Product Manager at Kodak Australasia further underpin his wide-ranging career.
Over the years Glenn’s passion for photography and travel have resulted in photography adventures to China, Tibet, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, New Zealand and throughout Australia.
The tuition
David and Glenn will both present photography instruction throughout the voyage, starting with introductory sessions in Ushuaia before the ship sets off. The instruction will comprise a mixture of seminar presentations and interactive sessions, in group and one-on-one formats. Our group size has been set to ensure we can help you make the most of your trip (for example when we have to split up to cruise around icebergs in Zodiacs, we try to ensure each group will have an instructor with them).
David and Glenn have significant experience in landscape and wildlife photography both from ships and from land. Instruction will range from practical issues in the field through to digital workflow issues in processing and organising the thousands of images we expect each photographer will generate during the voyage, along with artistic considerations in creating your art. Attendees are also encouraged to bring small electronic portfolios for one-on-one reviews.
Who is it for?
This trip is for photographers of all capabilities, from beginners through to seasoned professionals seeking to work alongside like-minded colleagues. Non-photographer partners are of course also welcome in our group.
Participants need to be aware that like all travel to Antarctica this will be an “expedition” rather than a luxury cruise. Some physical activity is involved in landings, although extreme fitness is not required. If you have concerns about specific health issues feel free to discuss them with us or with Aurora Expeditions directly.
At sea
The trip will involve significant time crossing some of the roughest ocean areas in the world. But the conditions are unpredictable: some crossings are calm while some are not. There are various medications available, and many people manage to avoid seasickness. However if the ocean is rough it may be unavoidable for some people. This is part of the challenge that everyone faces to reach Antarctica.
Luckily the coastal waters are very calm, and any queasiness should pass once we leave the open sea!
Digital Photography
Participants are welcome to bring film equipment, but we expect that most photographers will be working with digital cameras and bring their laptops for processing and sorting their photos during the trip. The seminar program will include sessions on Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop techniques and workflows, and feedback on your images is available during the trip.
The ship provides 220V AC power in standard Euro sockets, so recharging laptops and batteries with modern multi-voltage chargers is no problem in your cabin and the public areas of the ship. A GPS log of the ship’s movements will be made available, which you can use in Google Earth or for “geocoding” your photos.
Itinerary
November 7, 2010: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina. Overnight at hotel.
November 8: Probable group outing to nearby National Park in the morning. Our ship sails in the afternoon.
November 9-25: Sailing and exploring the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula
November 26: Arrive in Ushuaia early morning. Flights depart in the afternoon.
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You must arrive in Ushuaia by the 7th of November: the ship’s departure time on the 8th is fixed and it can’t be held back for you if your flight or your luggage is delayed. The “extra” day is never a waste, and in fact some people arrive in Ushuaia even earlier to explore the region. On the 7th and/or 8th (prior to the voyage) David and Glenn will be conducting some photographic activities in the area. For those travellers going to Buenos Aires on the way home, there will also be opportunities there. Details of these activities will be available closer to departure.
Cost, Booking
Sold out, but we’re keeping a waiting list in case of any cancellations. Please contact us if you’re interested: there’s no cost involved in getting your name on the list!
The cost depends only on your choice of accommodation:
- Triple, shared facilities: US$ 9760
- Twin, shared facilities: US$11690
- Twin, private facilities: US$13790
- Mini suite, private facilities: US$14890
- Suite, private facilities: US$15890
Details on the ship’s facilities are available at Aurora’s website.
Aurora requires a US$1250 deposit to secure your place.
To book the workshop, download and complete the booking form and contact Aurora Expeditions directly (details are in the form).
Inclusions
Included in the price:
- Photography instruction by David and Glenn (as outlined above).
- Ship’s accommodation and use of all public areas (open to all passengers).
- All meals on board ship.
- All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs.
- Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services.
- Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board.
- Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities.
- Pre-departure information and briefing.
Not included:
- Air transport and airport transfers before and after the voyage. Aurora Expeditions can of course help organise your connecting travel. Many people fly in via Buenos Aires and spend a day or two here at either end of the trip.
- Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes.
- Hotels and meals not included in ship cruise itinerary.
- Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance, items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
- Emergency evacuation charges. All participants should take out appropriate insurance.
- Customary end of voyage tips for the ship’s crew.
Aurora’s standard Terms and Conditions are also worth a read.
Questions?
Please contact us via our Contact page with any remaining questions.