For many photographers, the ice-bound wonders of Antarctica are a dream destination, with opportunities for wildlife, landscape, documentary, and nature photography found nowhere else on Earth!
But each month of the Antarctica expedition cruise season offers different conditions and encounters, from the amount of light you can expect and weather stability to snow and ice cover and wildlife density. Seems complex, right? Well, with us, it isn't! We have broken down what you can expect from November to March, with some handy photography tips from Oceanwide expedition guide and photographer, Matt Cheok, thrown in for good measure.
Light: A Key Consideration for Antarctic Photography
As with any form of photography, light plays a key role in capturing the perfect shots in Antarctica. With bright reflections from snow and ice, you'll need to compensate for your exposure, and it can take some time to adjust to the challenges of shooting in such bright conditions.
Photo by Andrew Peacock
Throughout the Antarctic expedition cruise season, the number of daylight hours varies. In the early season, November and December, you can expect nearly 24 hours of daylight, while toward the tail end of the season, late February and March, you can expect between 12 and 20 hours of daylight.
The type of light you'll be shooting in also varies dramatically throughout the season, as Photography Guide Matt shares. "In January, the light feels endless, inviting you to stay on deck for longer, while in March, the lower sun and shorter days create drama and intimacy, encouraging you to slow down and drench your camera in all the beautiful colours. Both months are incredible, but inspire very different ways of seeing Antarctica."
Both early and late seasons offer golden hours, ideal conditions for capturing dramatic shots of icebergs and landscapes that stretch off into the horizon. At the peak of the season, late December and January, you can expect bright light, with strong contrasts and reflections. Fewer periods of darkness limit the color palette of Antarctica to that of rock, ice, snow, and water. For photographers seeking warm sunsets and deep color hues, late season, February and March are ideal.
The Best Months for Wildlife Photography in Antarctica
With light conditions in mind, the height of the season, January and February, offers bright, high-contrast light, ideal for wildlife photography. Encounters can also occur at any hour, with nearly 24-hour light extending the amount of time you can spend on deck, and the amount of coffee you'll consume!
The answer to this question also depends on what species you want to photograph. The emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island is most active with chicks in November and December, while the majority of seabird species can be found in Antarctica from December until February. Whales become more frequent in February and March, especially around the Antarctic Peninsula, while penguin chicks fledge and rookeries are most bustling in December and January.
Photo by Martin Anstee
In South Georgia, fur seal & elephant seal pups grow rapidly throughout November and December, and the famed king penguin colonies are most vibrant at the height of the season.
"February offers a balance between extended daylight and active wildlife, making it ideal for capturing both landscapes and animal behaviour," says Matt. "Whereas, November and December are excellent for capturing elephant seal pups and king penguin chicks. Late season, February and March, offer the prime opportunities for whale photography."
The Best Photography Experience in Antarctica
The key to any photography experience in Antarctica is access to subjects. Whether shooting landscapes, wildlife, or even fellow guests, the design of each of our vessels operating in Antarctica offers unbeatable viewpoints, with accessible deck space running the length of each ship and a 360-degree view of the polar world from upper viewing decks.
Semi-sheltered deck spaces, such as bridge wings and foredeck walkways, offer protection against the elements, while interior spaces are equally panoramic, with viewing windows in communal areas, such as the bar and lecture rooms, perfect for shot composition. We also operate an open bridge policy on our motor vessels, unlocking even more locations for capturing shots of seabirds soaring by, or the bow of the ship contrasted against towering bergs and expansive pack ice.
During shore landings, we offer a range of hiking and walking options, with groups designed to allow extra time for photographers to capture the details of the world around them. Many of our guides are also photographers, both professional and special interest, and all are happy to lend a helping hand with composition, shooting styles, and to share their top photography tips!
A Simplified Monthly Breakdown for Antarctic Photography
Matt's Top 5 Tips for Photography in Antarctica
- "You don't always need to shoot so tightly. Use a wide-angle lens to capture more context of the environment and the subjects in it."
- "Take your time on landing sites and let the scene play out."
- "Clean and wipe your camera lens regularly - no one wants to ruin that once-in-a-lifetime shot!"
- "Consider shooting video for wildlife, especially fleeting moments like whales or animals in the water."
- Shooting on a smartphone is totally fine, especially for video and close wildlife encounters!"
Photo: Matt Cheok, Expedition Guide
Want to get to know Matt a bit more? Check out his episode of Stories from On Board, and discover more top tips for photography in both the Arctic and Antarctica!
Join an Oceanwide Expeditions Photography Special Trip
During each Antarctic expedition cruise season, we run a photography special voyage, designed to offer guests the ultimate in wildlife encounters across the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic Peninsula. Across 20 nights, from the windswept shores of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia's magnificent mountains and wildlife-rich seas, to the mighty Antarctic Peninsula, and taking advantage of early-season breeding periods, long days of sunlight, and golden hues, this voyage is a must-do for budding Antarctic photographers.
Accompanying guests are dedicated photography guides, and photography tutorials and sessions will take place during the voyage, helping you hone your skills and make the most out of your time in the beautiful south. All expedition guides are selected for their abilities in Zodiac operations and field experience, ensuring that all excursions are designed around and focused on optimal conditions for photography, whether on shore, aboard our vessel, or in a Zodiac.
"We'll also benefit from extended time at landing sites, especially during golden hours", says Matt. "Plus, the onboard workshops we run really allow guests to focus on portfolio development, share their shots with fellow guests, learn, and just enjoy the company of like-minded photography enthusiasts in some of the most unique locations on Earth!"