Tips for Taking the Best Polar Photography from Aurora Expeditions

Despite the incredible landscapes and abundance of spectacular wildlife, shooting in the Poles is indeed much more challenging than you might think; with photographers having to adapt constantly to changing weather, be prepared for unexpected wildlife behavior and battle with extreme temperatures and its hampering effect on photographic equipment.

Aurora's handy new guide covers everything from the very basics such as aperture, burst rate and DSLR and understanding how these facilities help achieve the perfect picture, to advice on composition and framing and generally how to capture that ‘once in a lifetime' perfect shot in such extreme conditions. All useful pre-departure reading for any enthusiast – from the smartphone snapper to the more knowledgeable and budding amateur photographer.

In 2017/18, Australian National Winner at the Sony World Photography Awards 2016 and Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 by Natural History Museum, Scott Portelli; Award-winning Australian Geographic photographer, Lowepro ambassador and Canon's Australian ambassador, Chris Bray; Internationally recognised landscape photographer, Martyn Lucas; and freelance photographic explorer who has travelled to over 50 countries, Michael Baynes will be leading dedicated Photographic Voyages with Aurora Expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. |Enthusiasts will have the chance to develop their photographic skills under the guidance of an expert through a tailored program of lectures and workshops on essential camera skills and photography in the Polar Regions, examples of top tips including…

Brighten for snowy, icy scenes: Dial up your camera's ‘Exposure Compensation' otherwise photos with a lot of white snow or ice end up dull and grey. Don't go too far though or you'll overexpose the shot - Chris Bray

Keep your hands warm: This might seem hard to avoid in Polar Regions, but wearing thin gloves under your wetsuit will help to prevent your hands from getting too stiff to work the camera settings - Scott Portelli on Underwater Photography

Photograph wildlife from a low vantage point: Images taken at the same eye height as your subject will create a more neutral looking image. Lowering your profile will also allow the wildlife to relax and carry on around you - Michael Baynes

Combat condensation when returning to the ship: Leave your camera in its bag to allow it to slowly warm up and use a damp cloth to wipe salt water from your equipment – Martyn Lucas

These dedicated photographic trips really are exceptional opportunities to enhance photography skills, here are just a couple of quotes from grateful guests who have travelled with Aurora Expeditions:

“We were blessed with superb weather and with expert guidance my pictures of Antarctica look as if they are out of a magazine” - South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey

"The photography was magical... the light, the wildlife, the landscapes… and with all the great top tips from the workshops I was able to really focus on improving my framing technique and style. If I do say so myself, my pictures are amazing!” - Antarctica

Aurora Expeditions 'Photographic Voyages 2017/18 include the following adventures in the Arctic and Antarctica:

Jewels of the Arctic
18 – 31 August 2017 - Led by Martyn Lucas

Discover the Arctic's breathtaking wilderness on this mesmerizing adventure. Photographers of all interests are catered for, with jaw-dropping landscapes, an array of Arctic wildlife and plenty of local history and culture.

• Cruise along spectacular icebergs in Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world
• Quietly observe polar bears and other Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat
• Capture exquisite pink sunsets as they linger thanks to the near midnight sun
• Visit the colourful village and people of the remote East Greenland village, Ittoqqortoormiit

In-depth South Georgia & Antarctica
27 – 16 December 2017 - Led by Chris Bray

This is the ultimate trip for photographers, giving you the opportunity to see spectacular iceberg formations, powerful landscapes and the wonderful wildlife oasis of South Georgia.

• Pristine landscapes with fresh snow offer classical Antarctic imagery
• Capture Antarctica's early season light rising over ice-clad mountains
• The world's largest king penguin colonies on South Georgia
• Active wildlife such as fur seals and elephant seals battle for mating rights
• Enjoy the Falkland Islands' astounding mix of birdlife

In Shackleton's Footsteps
7 – 24 March 2018 - Led by Scott Portelli

Named after the great explorer, this voyage delves into the history of Antarctic exploration. As well as the historical highlights, you'll also visit large wildlife colonies and witness vast tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea.

• Wander through some of the world's largest king penguin colonies, spotting macaroni, chinstrap and gentoo penguins
• Walk the last leg of Shackleton's South Georgia crossing before exploring Stromness' abandoned whaling station
• Push through pack ice in the Weddell Sea, resting place of Shackleton's Endurance
• Search the Antarctic Peninsula's coastline for leopard seals, whales and other wildlife

Sub-Antarctic Safari
24 March – 7 April 2018 – Led by Scott Portelli

This is a voyage for wildlife photography enthusiasts in particular. Specially designed to allow for more time to explore and photograph the rarely-visited Falkland Islands and wildlife-rich South Georgia.

• Visit the world's largest black-browed albatross colony in the Falkland Islands
• Snap giant king penguins, as well as magellanic, rockhopper and gentoos
• Spend extended time in the wildlife oasis of South Georgia
• Cross the Scotia Sea photographing seabirds and whales
For more information please contact Aurora Expeditions on +61 2 9252 1033
info@auroraexpeditions.com.au or visit www.auroraexpeditions.co.uk