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Embark on a voyage to Antarctica and have the trip of a lifetime! Immerse yourself in photography and get up close and personal with Antarctica's stunning landscape and wildlife. Capture amazing images you will cherish forever. And tick that 7th continent off your travel list.
The Adventure In Antarctica is a 12-day immersive expedition to explore and photograph Antarctica. You will see penguins, you will set foot on the Antarctic peninsula, and you make memories for life.
I am partnering with Polar Latitudes, a passionate group of polar expedition specialists, to bring you this epic adventure. Space is very limited on this expedition. Our ship, the MS Seaventure, has capacity for just 140 passengers total, which is perfect for Antarctica. Small groups allow for more off-ship excursions.
The departure to choose is “Nov 29, 2024 - Adventures in Antarctica (12 Days)”
Use the code SDP2024 when you sign up!
This code lets Polar Latitudes know you are part of this workshop! Our workshop group is limited to 10 photographers.
Pricing for this adventure starts at US $8445.
Refer to the Polar Latitudes website for pricing details.
Questions?
Got more questions? You can ask me or Conny Bartl, our liaison and coordinator with Polar Latitudes.
Conny can also assist you with your booking. Email her directly at conny (at) polar-latitudes (dot) com or use the button below.
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What You'll Learn
These are just a few of the things you can look forward to on this workshop:
Reading a scene to create dynamic, compelling landscape compositions
Finding both wide, sweeping landscapes and tighter, more intimate compositions
An understanding and appreciation for light and how to take advantage of it in varying conditions
How to best focus your camera for landscape photography
Workflow and post processing techniques to emphasize the story of your photo and realize your creative vision
This history of Antarctica, the wildlife that call it home, and the amazing expeditions and research that have taken place at the bottom of the world
What To Bring
Participants receive a complete pre-depature packet with details on what gear and clothing to pack. Here's a summary:
A valid passport and visa for traveling to Argentina and Antarctica
A camera that is capable of manual mode
A variety of lenses. If you can pack only one, pack your telephoto lens.
A laptop with photo editing software
A polarizing filter
Layers of clothing, a hat & gloves, and sturdy hiking boots
An open mind and a can-do attitude!
Note: Personal drones are not permitted in Antarctica per the the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).
Physical Ability
Physical activity for this workshop is light. There is minimal hiking involved in this workshop. There are options to hike further if you’d like, though it is not required. Zodiac excursions can be bumpy at times with larger swells, which may agitate major back or neck problems. Please consult your physician if you may question your physical condition.
Photographic Ability
All skill levels are welcome. You do not need to be an advanced photographer to join. This workshop is for photographers that want to experience an incredibly special and unique place. If you can work comfortably in aperture priority mode and know when it's time to switch to manual/bulb, you are plenty prepared.
Use The code SDP2024 when booking
“It was exceptional was how engaged Scott was in my learning and growth”
“Scott is without question the best instructor I have ever had!”
“Scott has met and exceeded (by far!) all expectations”
Itinerary - Adventure In Antarctica
November 29th - Day 1, Arrival
No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays as you arrive with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy all that the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa has to offer, or head out and discover the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. The photography in the city is fantastic.
November 30th - Day 2, Ushuaia
Choose to explore the sights of Ushuaia such as the museums and Argentinean leather markets, get into nature with several nearby hikes, or relax in style and comfort at the hotel. I’ll lead at least one excursion in Ushuaia that day. Wrap up the day by attending the optional evening briefing with me and Polar Latitudes to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
December 1st - Day 3, Embarkation
After a final morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort, our mid-afternoon transfer will take you to the beautiful MS Seaventure. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner. As we cruise the Beagle Channel, you’re on your way to Antarctica!
December 2nd & 3rd - Day 4-5, Drake Passage
As we cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, we will work on images captured in Ushuaia, do review and critique sessions, and share post-processing tips. We’ll also discuss different compositional approaches to photographing Antarctica, how we’ll work as a team when we’re photographing in a Zodiac, and capturing plenty of amazing birds and ocean scenes from the deck.
There is also the opportunity to join our experts from Polar Latitudes in the lounge and immerse yourself in all things Antarctic. Learn about its fascinating wildlife and its adventurous history. You can choose to participate in the renowned Citizen Science program, or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching your first glimpses of wildlife. Grab your zoom lens to identify the many seabirds that follow the ship. As we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters, you’ll start to notice the cooler temperatures, your cue to get ready for that first iceberg sighting, an unforgettable moment on every journey.
December 4th - Day 6, South Shetland Islands
LAND HO!! The volcanic South Shetland Islands offer amazing abundance and beauty, so we’ll hop into our inflatable Zodiac boats and spend as much time as possible exploring the landscape. Be prepared to marvel up close at nature’s glory!
December 5th, 6th & 7th - Day 7-9, Antarctica
Here we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as we travel the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. Our goal is to get off the ship and make excursions twice a day.
December 8th & 9th - Day 10-11, Drake Passage
Time to leave this magical place inspired, maybe exhausted, and most likely changed forever. We make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. On our return sail, we have more opportunities to work on our photos and post-processing techniques. We’ll have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and photography awards ceremony, then a final meal together.
December 10th - Day 12, Ushuaia Disembarkation
You’ll have a huge smile, a pocket of full memory cards, and the urge to head south again, we disembark in the morning. You can you catch a flight to Buenos Aires, or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Itinerary subject to change depending on weather. There will also be several image review and edit sessions throughout the days.
Pricing & Availability
Workshop cost depends on your cabin selection aboard the MS Seaventure. Pricing for this adventure starts at US $8445. Refer to the Polar Latitudes website for pricing details.
The MS Seaventure has capacity for just 140 passengers total, which is perfect for Antarctica. Small groups allow for more off-ship excursions.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
Adventures In Antarctica
November 29th - December 10th, 2024
Use The code SDP2024 when you sign up
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Included
Two nights accommodations prior to departure at the 5-star Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Cabin onboard the MS Seaventure (Note: double occupancy)
Transportation from the airport to the Arakur Resort (if arriving on Day 1)
Transportation to/from the Arakur Resort to/from the MS Seaventure
All meals, beverages and snacks onboard the MS Seaventure
Breakfast at the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Hands-on post-production and critique sessions
A high quality, Antarctica expedition jacket (yours to keep)
Unfettered access to Scott for all your photography questions
What Is Not Included
Airfare to & from Ushuaia, Argentina
Visas and required vaccinations if applicable
Crew tips
Alcoholic beverages excluding lunch & dinner
Travel insurance (required by Polar Latitudes)
Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board the MS Seaventure
See the Polar Latitudes inclusions information for additional details.
How do I get to Ushuaia, Argentina?
You will need to book your flights directly to your final destination airport of Ushuaia (USH). Most flights will connect via Buenos Aires, Argentina, or via Santiago, Chile.
Please note that Buenos Aires has two airports – Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), also known as Ezeiza, is mainly used for international flights. Jorge Newberry (AEP) is mainly used for domestic flights. Depending on your flight arrangements, it may be necessary for you to change airports. Be aware that travel between the two airports can take 1-2 hours depending on traffic, and you will need to claim your luggage and clear customs before hopping in a cab, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time!
What locations will we visit?
The itinerary above shows the basic route and you’ll see amazing, unbelievable places every day, though none will look exactly like other photos you’ve seen. Why? Antarctica is one of the most unpredictable places in the world, which is also what makes it so special. Glaciers calve, penguins move, ice melts, snow falls, wind blows, and all these factors change the landscape making every trip a once in a lifetime experience.
What wildlife will we see?
The wildlife in Antarctica is incredible, so come prepared with plenty empty memory cards! You’ll have the opportunity to photograph various penguins (Gentoo and Chinstrap), seals (Weddell, Crabeater, Leopard, Fur), whales (Humpback, Orca, Minke, Fin), and birds (Wandering Albatross, Giant Petrel, Snow Petrel). And I’m sure I’m missing a few!
What is the weather like?
Average temperatures in Antarctica during the sailing season is between -5 C (23 F) and 5 C (41 F). The wind may make it feel colder. Weather in Antarctica can be very unpredictable. The Polar Latitudes captain and crew get information about general conditions and trends in the areas we visit, and make their own forecasts in real time based on the data they have at the moment.
The best defense against bad weather is quality gear. Polar Latitudes has a recommended clothing list to help you prepare.
What level of fitness do I need?
Physical activity for this workshop is light. There is minimal hiking involved in this workshop. There are options to hike further if you’d like, though it is not required. Zodiac excursions can be bumpy at times with larger swells, which may agitate major back or neck problems. Please consult your physician if you may question your physical condition.
What is the ship like?
The MS Seaventure is awesome. It features a 1-A Super ice class rating — the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. This means that we will be able to explore coves, bays, and channels that would previously have been forbidden to us.
The ship also offers a host of activities. There’s a sauna, a fitness center, and a custom-built citizen science lab. There is more storage space, which is important because it means we can carry more equipment, so that more people can participate in activities like kayaking and camping.
The common areas are larger and beautifully appointed, and the ship has two kitchens, one on the Lido deck for al fresco dining when weather permits.
What are the cabin options?
There are a variety of cabin types and your preference and selection will affect the final pricing of the workshop. See the Seaventure deck plan at Polar Latitudes for full details.
What post-processing software do I need?
Anything you are comfortable with using. I am well-versed with Lightroom, ON1 Photo RAW, and Luminar and fluent with Apple Photos and Photoshop. If you don't have any post-processing tools, read this blog post and download a free trial.
The post-processing focus in the workshop is to teach you why a photo needs adjusting and what should be adjusted to make your photo stronger. The mechanics of how to do that will vary from tool to tool... and it's usually straightforward to figure out once we know why we want to change something in a photo.
What time do we return and disembark in Ushuaia?
Disembarkation is usually at 8am on the final day of the itinerary. I do not recommend booking flights before 12pm to account for possible delays getting back to Port.
See the Frequently Asked Questions at Polar Latitudes for additional information.
Adventures In Antarctica
November 29th - December 10th, 2024
Use The code SDP2024 when you sign up
