Very pleased to receive news today that the two photographs I recently entered into the Australian Antarctic Photography Competition have been accepted as a finalist images and will be presented in the Bond Store at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery from Friday 2 September to Sunday 18 September, 2016. I can’t yet share the finalist images, but the two photographs from Antarctica are two of my personal favourites – both taken in the Gerlach Strait. The exhibition is free to the public and opening hours are from 10 am to 4 pm daily except Mondays. Unfortunately, I will be able unable to attend this year due to my workshop commitments in Iceland, but if you swing past for a look please let me know what you thought.
Month: August 2016
Canon Collective Joins Photographers First Light South Georgia Antarctica
I am excited to announce today that Canon Australia and the Canon Collective have joined my photographic expedition to South Georgia Island and Antarctica this November. Full details of this expedition are available on my website HERE. There are now only a few places remaining before the expedition will be sold out. Full Press Release Below.
Canon Collective joins Photographers First Light in Antarctica for Ultimate Photography Event
Antarctic cruise specialists Aurora Expeditions have unveiled their brand new partnership with the Canon Collective – the social community of leading photography and camera brand, Canon Australia. The partnership will see the two companies align to bring travellers an exclusive Antarctic photography experience on an expedition to Antarctica and South Georgia this November.
The collaboration between Aurora Expeditions and the Canon Collective will provide the ultimate Antarctic photography experience for photographers of all levels. An on-board photography program will be delivered by award-winning professional polar photographer Joshua Holko and inspiring environmental photographer, Martyn Lucas.
Travellers can expect to develop their photography through a series of lectures and workshops as they sail through the stunning landscapes of Antarctica and South Georgia. Guides will assist in the field with camera skills, one-on-one tuition as well as assistance with editing and post-production skills.
Travellers will also be treated to the opportunity to trial a range of Canon’s photography equipment with support from two Canon Collective ambassadors, who will be on hand to teach and assist passengers more about the products as well as support the photography guides with tips and tricks for capturing the best photographs.
What can travellers expect to photograph on this amazing expedition? They’ll capture the early-season light as the days grow longer and skies change from blue to all shades of pink. Soaring seabirds will be photographed as they follow in the ship’s wake along with at least three species of penguin as they come ashore in the thousands for the short, intense summer.
From small inflatable crafts ‘Zodiacs’, passengers will cruise past and snap intricately-shaped icebergs and giant glaciers, piecing out of the snowy backdrop into the clear, icy waters. Daily shore landings offer opportunities to explore and capture the wildlife and landscapes most only dream of.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just enjoy taking stunning holiday snapshots, this dedicated photography voyage will offer you the best experience to capture the unique beauty of Antarctica and South Georgia.
The 18-day Photographer’s First Light expedition featuring the Canon Collective departs Santiago, Chile with a flight to Stanley in the Falkland Islands on 19 November 2016, and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile on 6 December 2016. Prices start from US$14,300 per person and includes all on-board accommodation and meals, daily excursions, expert guides, photography workshops, and use of Canon’s latest equipment.
About Canon Collective
The Canon Collective is an inspired group whose mission is to help you do more with your photography than you ever thought possible. Our Canon photo ambassadors will share their knowledge and expertise to help you perfect your skills, no matter what your level. The Canon Collective attends a variety of major events from fashion to sports, all around Australia. The team also holds regular workshops and special events. Through the Canon Collective you’ll gain access to unique photographic experiences. Come along, meet new people, learn photography tips and tricks, improve your skills and take part in challenges. For more information visit www.canon.com.au/en-AU/Personal/imageSpectrum/Community/collective-home
Joshua Holko – 2015 Global Arctic Photographer of the Year.
Joshua Holko is a award-winning, full-time professional landscape, nature and wildlife photographer who specialises in photographing in extreme latitudes of the Polar Regions. A fully-accredited member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP), Josh is also an awarded Master Photographer. With many accolades to his name, Josh is Australia’s first and only Moab Master Photographer and Printer by Moab and Legion Paper in the USA, and has also sat on the Victorian Council of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers. More information www.jholko.com
Martyn Lucas
Martyn travels the world with his camera, with a particular interest in the Polar Regions. His recently published work and exhibitions highlight the Poles and focus on the environment and what is profoundly at stake in these regions. His aim is to make photographs that draw viewers into the now. Most people see the world in colour: lustrous, radiant, glossy and saturated… while the world of black and white offers the basics – light and shadow falling on various surfaces, beautiful, rich and inviting shadows, geometries, lines, shapes and bold designs. More information www.martynlucasphoto.com
Svalbard in Winter March 2017 Expedition Announcement
I am excited to officially announce today a brand new winter expedition to Svalbard in March next year, 2017. The result of several scouting and test trips this new and unique expedition offers a first time opportunity to photograph in Svalbard in winter from expedition ship. The Arctic in Winter is a place to inspire the imagination. It is a white landscape bathed in golden light. This brand new expedition is the first of its type to venture north of Longyearbyen by ship in winter. If you want to make unique and powerful Arctic photographs this is the expedition for you.
The main focus of this expedition will be Arctic winter light, landscape and wildlife. In March and April the light conditions in Svalbard are magical. Usually winter trips to Svalbard are limited to day trips on snow mobiles quite close to the town of Longyearbyen. With our expedition ship we will explore a much bigger area including the western and northern areas of Spitzbergen.
This expedition has been more than 18 months in the planning and has been designed to provide the very best possible opportunities to experience and photograph Svalbard in winter light. We expect to meet wildlife such as Polar Bears, Walruses, Seals, Arctic Foxes and Reindeer. At this time of year the sea birds will also be returning to their breeding grounds.
This exclusive expedition is for a strictly limited number of just 12 participants plus leader and is dedicated to winter photography in Svalbard.
We will be using the ice hardened expedition ship M.S Origo that will enable us to skirt the edge of the pack ice searching for and photographing landscapes and wildlife. M.S Origo is widely regarded as the best ship in the Arctic for Photography. Our expedition ship is also equipped with suf cient zodiacs (2 x Zodiac MKV models) and crew for all photographers to be shooting simultaneously with plenty of room to spare for camera equipment – So bring what you need!
If you are excited by the idea of traveling to Svalbard in winter with a small group of dedicated photographers now is the time to secure your place. You can download a detailed itinerary and PDF HERE. Places are extremely limited and once they are spoken for that’s it.
EXPEDITION AT A GLANCE
Dates: 26-03-2017 until the 03-04-2017
Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
Participants: Maximum 12 Photographers plus leader Investment: $9,950 USD
Start and Finish: Town of Longyearbyen in Svalbard Norway
Trip Highlights: Winter Landscapes, Polar Bears, Walrus and other Arctic Wildlife, Incredible Arctic Landscapes, Pack Ice and small group size
Why a Winter trip?
Winter in Svalbard provides an opportunity for a snow covered landscape and hours of golden light. In March and April the sun never gets high in the sky and we will have approximately 8-10 hours of daylight with which to photograph. If conditions are good we may get spectacular golden sunset and sunrises.
How cold will it be in Winter in Svalbard?
The average temperature in Svalbard in winter is -2oº Celsius. However, temperatures can plummet below -30º Celsius and with wind chill it can feel even colder, so it is important to be prepared with warm clothing. Survival suits are mandatory for all zodiac excursions in winter and will be provided for you.
Is the ship heated?
Yes. The ship is heated 24/7 and the temperature on board and in the cabins is warm and comfortable.
Due to initial expressions of interest and bookings there are only a few places remaining before this new and unique expedition will be sold out. If you would like to register your interest for one of the remaining places you can do so by sending me an email. Places are strictly filled on a first come, first served basis.
Photo of the Month August 2016 – Lofoten Green Fire
Following on from my Lofoten photograph of the month for July is another image from the Island archipelago. This time its a midnight photograph of the Aurora Borealis over the Lofoten mountains. Taken during my March winter workshop earlier this year (Read the Trip Report) we were fortunate to encounter some pretty good aurora on a clear evening. The landscapes of the northern islands of Lofoten are really quite something to behold. Precipitous and ominous peaks rise straight out of the ocean and make for the perfect back drop for the Aurora Borealis. With a dusting of fresh snow and arctic winter light the entire scene is akin to a fairy tail location and subsequently the photographic opportunities can be truly superb. I have found over the years that one of the keys to Aurora photography is to vary your shutter speed. The lights can come and go at varying speeds and its important to keep shape and definition in the patterns. In this instance, I settled on a shutter speed of 15 seconds after some experimentation as I felt this yielded the best balance of shape and color blur. I am looking forward to returning to Lofoten in March 2018 for a second winter workshop.
www.WILDNATUREPHOTOTRAVEL.com 