Antarctic 2016 FI #2

Antarctic Photography Workshop & Expedition – January 2016

Antarctic Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition Photography Workshop - January 2016

Antarctic Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition Photography Workshop - January 2016

UPDATE : ALL PLACES ON THIS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ARE SOLD OUT.

Photos From Participants in our 2014 Antarctica Expedition

To see a selection of photographs captured by participants in our 2014 expedition to the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic click: eBook from 2014 Expedition.

Alternatively click on the yellow DOWNLOAD EBOOK button in the sidebar. This is quite a large file so be a little patient when downloading; the short wait will be worthwhile.

Photographic Workshop on 2016 Antarctica Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

It is exhilarating – the first moment you step off the ship. Suddenly there is nothing between you and Antarctica. Hundreds of miles of land, snow and ice. You get a sense of how early explorers must have felt stepping off into this vast wilderness – the thrill of the unknown: the adrenaline rush of true exploration, adventure and awesome photography (for you).

It is one thing to visit a place but it is another to immerse yourself in it. To not just see the sights but to understand the history, get to know the wildlife and come home with many iconic photos and unforgettable memories.

This photographic workshop, led by the legendary Art Wolfe, offers you an in-depth exploration and photography of the Antarctic. Extended time in the region allows you to venture south of the Antarctic Circle, home to fantastic ice formations and wildlife including the Weddell seal.

  • Be one of the few to venture to 66 degrees 33.7 minutes South;
  • Visit historic research stations in Marguerite Bay;
  • Witness the abundant Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales and more;
  • Experience the Western Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites; and
  • Learn about Antarctica’s geology and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists.

In collaboration with Quark Expeditions, the photography workshop is organised by Iconic Images International, Australia, C4 Images & Safaris, South Africa and Art Wolfe USA. These values sit very comfortably with those of Art Wolfe Inc./Iconic Images/C4 Images & Safaris. We collaborated with Quark Expeditions because of their common sense approach to pricing, their commitment to ecological preservation and conservation and their expertise and experience in catering for special groups within expeditions. These values sit very comfortably with those of Art Wolfe Inc./Iconic Images/C4 Images & Safaris.

Together we have created a “top-drawer” photography workshop within a “first class” Antarctica expedition. You have full access to Quark Expedition specialist polar region expedition leaders and presenters – a unique combination in the one trip. The expedition is Quark’s most southern Antarctic expedition and offers you the very best opportunities to capture the iconic images of one of the remotest part of the planet – be prepared to be overwhelmed by one of the great wonders of the natural world – all within a few meters of your lens. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily environment.

Seasoned travellers to polar regions experience a deep sense of awe and respect on their first glimpse of the much-anticipated continent. Even those who have led more than a hundred Antarctica expeditions, are still overcome by its formidable beauty. You are greeted by thousands of icebergs that look like modern art sculptures lining the pristine bays. Meanwhile an overwhelming profusion of wildlife is on display from penguins torpedoing through the water to predatory seals staking their claim on ice floes.

We plan to land and photograph on the mainland of the White Continent itself. From this vantage point, it is easy to understand why legendary explorers such as Roald Amundsen and Sir Ernest Shackleton were so captivated by this haunting region. As with all voyages, passenger and vessel safety are Quark’s top priorities. Hence weather, ice or other conditions may require a change to the planned itinerary and shore excursions but that is half the fun of Polar Region exploring. Predictability is a term that has no relevance in this environment.

The Ship –  Ocean Endeavour

Quark Expeditions created a special booklet to assist you prepare for your Antarctic expedition aboard the Ocean Endeavour. To download a copy of the booklet click: Ocean Endeavour – Antarctica Ship Guide. The Ocean Endeavour will be your home during your expedition. A second booklet from Quark Expeditions will help you get acquainted with your new home. Enjoy reading it as it includes important information about the facilities available to you and the procedures everyone adheres to whilst at sea.  To download a copy, click: Ocean Endeavour – The Ship.

Photography Workshop Within The Expedition Led by Legendary Photographer Art Wolfe

The photographic workshop leaders/instructors are: Art Wolfe, Shem Compion and Denis Glennon AO.

Art Wolfe needs no introduction to photographers, worldwide.

All three are experienced, competent wildlife and nature photographers.

The number of participants in the photography workshop is confined to thirty.

Thirty (30) berths in three cabin categories have been reserved for these participants, on the Ocean Endeavour and registrations will be accepted in the order they are received.

Should you require a cabin outside those reserved by us, this is possible, subject to one being available. If this is your choice, please contact us as soon as possible.

This far-reaching expedition means your photography will increase exponentially and at the same time it allow you to revel in fourteen days of endless photographic opportunities as you are guided and assisted by Art, Shem & Denis.

With a little luck on our side, we hope to photograph thousands of penguins in rookeries, behemoth icebergs reflecting startling greens, cyans and blues, whales feeding on krill and of course the sweeping ice sheet continent of Antarctica.

Being part of a small group of like-minded photographers and continually assisted by Art, Shem & Denis to help you capture extraordinary images in the pristine wilderness of this vast polar region, is an experience of a lifetime.

It is a place to inspire the imagination and touch the very soul of your being.

Throughout the expedition our small group will have access to:

  • Exclusive on board tutoring, lectures, feedback sessions by Art Wolfe, Shem Compion and Denis Glennon. These sessions will be available only to our group and will be held independently of the other passengers on the vessel, in a separate location. These will be in addition to the normal on board lectures presented by the Quark Expeditions team, to which you will have full access.
  • Small group photography workshops and processing sessions.
  • Some one-on-one interaction with the three of us who will help you get the best results possible.
  • More than teaching you just ‘camera settings’, you will have three enthusiastic and committed photographers who will share their creative vision, experiences, insights and artistry to help you create more compelling and striking images.
  • Access to Zodiac cruises dedicated to our photographic group with Art, Shem and Denis as photography guides.
  • Access to information on optimal camera settings for each scenario while you are photographing.
  • Guidance on Lightroom and Photoshop post processing techniques.
  • We will work closely with the Quark Expedition Leader to ensure that we are at the best locations for the most time, and in the best light.
  • Subject to final decisions by the Captain/Expedition Leader the smaller number of passengers on-board and the availability of sufficient zodiacs means all passengers can be ashore or cruising in zodiacs at one time, should they wish to do so.
  • Photographing from zodiacs allows you to experience the Antarctic waters at a more intimate level. As there is likely to be great light, sufficient time will be dedicated to capture the stunning landscapes, as well as the wildlife.
  • Quark Expedition’s policy is to try and spend as much time as possible on land at wildlife sightings. Their and our focus will be to have you photographing on shore, amongst the wildlife, for as long as is safely possible.
  • All in all, the photography workshop and expedition are designed to have a small group of nature and wildlife photographers who will have twelve nights on board one of the best smaller ships in the Antarctic to give them the best access to some amazing photography.

Itinerary

For those taking the optional (additional cost of US$800.00) Quark return Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires charter flight, the expedition commences and finishes in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 31 December 2015 and 13 January 2016 respectively.

Please note the total maximum luggage weight on this charter flight is 20 Kgs. This includes your check-in luggage as well as your camera gear.

We emphasise this weight restriction is unlikely to suit the majority of Iconic Images International & C4 Images & Safari clients.

Hence, we recommend that those unable to comply with the very stringent weight restriction on the charter flight, commence/join the expedition in Ushuaia on 1 January 2016 and plan your international flights accordingly.

Because of the weight of the camera gear we always travel with, the charter flight is impracticable for Denis Glennon, Shem Compion & Art Wolfe. All three will commence and finish the expedition in Ushuaia.

Important Exclusion from Expedition Cost

The BUENOS AIRES FLIGHT AND TRANSFER PACKAGE which includes:

  • Pre expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires, with breakfast
  • Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires
  • Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (return)
  • Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship (return)

and costs US$800/person, is NOT included in the costs for the various cabin categories shown in the “COSTS” tab. Should you wish to book this Hotel, Flight & Transfer Package you should clearly indicate this on the Registration Form.

Day 1 – Buenos Aeries
You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary. Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, and if you have booked the optional Buenos Aeries Flight & Transfer Package, you will independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-night hotel included).

Day 2 – Charter Flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina and Embarkation

If you have booked the optional Hotel, Flight & Transfer Package, after breakfast at the hotel, as part of the group you will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, we’ll take a short city tour of this quaint port town before heading to the pier.
There are many photographic opportunities around the town of Ushuaia itself, the port area and as the vessel departs the harbour. As you board the vessel, Ocean Endeavour, in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city near the tip of Argentina, and start to become familiar with ‘your home’ for the next 14 days you cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey and photography ahead. Once on board, you will have the chance to check out your camera gear, spend informal time with the fellow photographers.  In the early evening, you set sail and begin your voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and sail through the picturesque Beagle Channel. Sailing southward, the ship will likely be joined by swooping seabirds including the mighty wandering albatross, which you will come to know well and see in your frame many times on this truly amazing photographic expedition.

Days 3 & 4 – Crossing the Drake Passage

The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the sea, get to know your fellow travellers and chat with your Art, Shem Denis and the Quark Expedition Team. Time over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous obligatory educational and informative lectures from the Quark Expedition Team. You’ll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.

Days 5, 6 & 7 – The Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

With the Drake Passage left in our wake, we make our approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready as the continent’s coastline will make its first appearance, signalling the start of your adventure in the realm of the Antarctic.You’ll see icebergs floating by and be fixated on the surface of the ocean as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes. As exciting as it can be from onboard the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the great continent. There are several potential landing sites we may visit, including Neko Harbour, Orne Harbour or Paradise Harbour.Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the beauty of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily environment.

If in-flight bird photography is your interest you will be in “bird heaven” and if you have never tried it, we will show you, using short lectures and practical sessions, how to master this challenging but extremely rewarding genre of photography. The friendly Quark Expedition polar specialists will continue to fascinate you with heroic stories of some of the earliest explorers of Antarctica. You will also learn about Polar conservation – a theme particularly close to the hearts of Quark expedition leaders and crew. The anticipation grows particularly as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature. Special attention will be given to ensure your camera gear continues to function properly in the increasingly harsher climate.

Days 8 & 9 – The Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially ‘charted’ at 66° 33’ S. We continue to photograph some of the most amazing subjects on the planet.

Days 10 & 11 – Northbound Along the Peninsula

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and black ice will seem normal too, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, zodiac excursions will continue to maximise photography opportunities, while the Quark Expedition team will continue with presentations, while giving you time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced. Art, Shem & Denis will continue to help you with your photography.

Days 12 & 13 – Drake Passage to Ushuaia

As you depart this magical place, unsurprisingly with a longing to stay, and make your way back, again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding the infamous for sailors, Cape Horn, much of your time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences, not to mention the captivating and compelling images you will treasure for ever.Re-crossing the Drake, Antarctica fades away and you’ll be left with a collection of unique images and memories to last a lifetime. Animated conversations with your newfound friends and photographers will make the time crossing the Drake Passage ‘fly by’, hopefully in kindly seas and fair winds. The Quark Expedition team will round up their series of lectures whilst Art, Shem & Denis will help you ‘polish off’ the best of the best of your photos.

Days 14 – Disembark in Ushuaia.

If you have booked the optional Hotel, Flight & Transfer Package you will be transported to the airport for the charter flight back to Buenos Aires

After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to Art, Shem & Denis and the Quark Expedition team.
After disembarkation, you may have a little time to explore Ushuaia, depending on your flight departure time .

Important Reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Cabin Categories & Locations Reserved for Participants Registered on the Photography Workshop

Iconic Images International/C4 Images/Art Wolfe Inc. have a “first option” on the following cabins:

CABIN TYPECOST/PERSON/SHARINGCOST/PERSON/UNSHAREDCABIN NUMBERS
STANDARD TWINUS$15,995US$30,390.50See Deck Plan
STANDARD PLUS TWINUS$16,995US$32,290.50See Deck Plan
PREMIUM TWIN US$17,995US$34,190.50See Deck Plan
SUPERIOR TWINUS$18,995US$36,090.50See Deck Plan

The location of all cabins is indicated on the Ocean Endeavour Deck Plan a copy of which may be viewed by clicking: Deck Plan

As the number of participants in the photography workshop is limited to thirty (30), these cabins are anticipated to be in high demand.

The cabins will be allocated to participants registering in the photography workshop in order of receipt of completed registration forms and payment of initial deposits.

As cabins in each of the categories in the above table are being continually reserved, please check with Nick or Janet Missikos at Our World Travel, regarding the availability of a particular cabin number, prior to submitting your registration form. They can be contacted at: Nick@owtravel.com.au or Janet@owtravel.com.au.

For more detailed information on each of the cabin categories on the Ocean Endeavour, as provided by Quark Expeditions, please click on: Cabin Categories. 

When you visit the Quark website please ensure the costs on the page that opens are shown in US dollars.

Should you desire a cabin other than those we have selected, it is possible to reserve one, subject to availability at the time of your registration.

We will liaise with Quark Expeditions to assist you obtain the cabin of your choice.

Please note that all cabin costs are shown in US dollars.

For information on the costs of the different categories of cabins, please see the information in the COSTS tab.

Costs, Terms of Payment & How to Register

Cost of Photography Workshop

The cost of the photographic workshop is US$1,120/person. Please note this cost is additional to the cost of the cabin you select.

Cost of Cabins

Depending on the cabin category you select the cost varies as shown in the table below.

Please note that all prices are in US dollars.

Should you decide to reserve an unshared cabin you will be required to pay a single supplement according to cabin category; see table below for details of the cost unshared cabins.

All requests for unshared cabins must be clearly indicated on the Registration Form.

CABIN TYPECOST/PERSON/SHARINGCOST/PERSON/UNSHAREDCABIN NUMBERS
STANDARD TWINUS$15,995US$30,390.50See Deck Plan
STANDARD PLUS TWINUS$16,995US$32,290.50See Deck Plan
PREMIUM TWIN US$17,995US$34,190.50See Deck Plan
SUPERIOR TWINUS$18,995US$36,090.50See Deck Plan

(1): The single supplement for unshared use is calculated as 1.3x the twin occupancy price.

(2): The single supplement for unshared use is calculated as 1.7x the twin occupancy price.

Important Exclusion: Buenos Aires Flight and Transfer Package (US$800 per person)

BUENOS AIRES FLIGHT AND TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: Pre expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires, with breakfast, Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires, Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (return), Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship (return).

TERMS OF PAYMENT

1. A non-refundable deposit equalling the cost of the photography workshop (US$1,120.00) plus 20% of the cost of the cabin category selected, when you submit the completed Registration Form.

2. The remaining 80% balance of the cost of the cabin category selected, on or before Friday 28 August 2105.

Should you register after 28 August 2015, the full cost of the cabin type selected, including the single supplement, if sought, must be paid at the time of registration.

As there are places for only THIRTY (30) participants in the photography workshop, registrations will be accepted strictly in the order they are received.

HOW TO REGISTER

To register please click the REGISTRATION FORM button in the right hand sidebar, download the PDF, complete all sections of the form and follow the instructions for return of the form and payment of the initial deposit.

Quark Expeditions Terms & Conditions Are Applicable To All Passengers

As the voyage is being run by Quark Expeditions, that company’s overarching Terms and Conditions are applicable to every passenger aboard the vessel Ocean Endeavour.

Passengers registering through Iconic Images International and C4 Images are obligated to abide by these Quark Expeditions’ Terms and Conditions. They outline our and your agreement with Quark Expeditions and contain important information.

The general Quark Expeditions Terms and Conditions can be downloaded by clicking: Quark Expeditions Terms & Conditions.

We ask that you read these Term & Conditions carefully.

If you have any queries regarding them or do not understand them, please let us know, as soon as possible, by email to: denis@denisglennon.com or to shem@c4images-safaris.co.za

To assist you prepare for this photo safari we have compiled a comprehensive, downloadable and printable PDF. It contains helpful information on:

  1. Travelling with and looking after photographic equipment in polar regions and conditions.
  2. Typical weather and climate in this polar region.
  3. The vessel Ocean Endeavour
  4. Procedures and strict requirements for zodiac usage and landings.
  5. Recommended/possible camera equipment choices for the expedition
  6. Camera Equipment Checklist – do not be overwhelmed; this is just my generic checklist
  7. Backing up your images every day – a MUST.
  8. Clothing and other gear for the Antarctic.
  9. Dealing with seasickness, if it visits, on the expedition.
  10. Personal medical items checklist.

The information in this PDF will help you on a number of aspects so that you return home with a great collection of iconic images, and many magnificent memories.

A copy of this PDF will be provided to all people upon receipt of final payment for both the photography workshop and expedition.

It will be distributed approximately 60 days before the commencement of the expedition.

In addition to the above PDF, you will be provided with specific documentation by Quark Expeditions following registration and payment of fees.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, Argentina

QUERIES & CONTACTS

If you would like to discuss any aspect of international flights for the expedition, please contact the booking agent, Our World Travel – East Perth, on +61 (0)8 9221 9977 and request to speak to Mr Nick Missikos.

Alternatively, you can email Nick at  Nick@owtravel.com.au or Janet at Janet@owtravel.com.au.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the expedition or the photographic workshop, please telephone Denis Glennon on +61 (0)418 923 103 or send an email to denis@denisglennon.com

If this photographic workshop is not for you, perhaps you might consider forwarding this link to a friend who may like to know about it. Thank you sincerely.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Download the PDF containing full details on payment terms and registration, the itinerary, what is/is not included, cancellation policy and fees, compulsory travel insurance, health considerations, responsibility, liability, and packing camera gear for travel.

Download: Additional Information on Tour (Printable PDF)

REGISTRATION FORM

To reserve a place, download, complete and return the form to Our World Travel.

Download: REGISTRATION FORM (PrintablePDF)

AFFILIATIONS

Iconic Images is the exclusive representative/agent for C4 Photo Safaris, South Africa, in Australia & New Zealand.

C4 Photo Safaris provides the on-ground logistics for Iconic Images' photo safaris/tours in Africa and is a SATSA member. The SATSA logo signifies that C4 Photo Safaris offers services that are of the highest quality and the company is deemed to be a credible and reliable provider of services to the tourism industry in South Africa. These services are independently audited on an annual basis. SATSA members are bonded, providing a financial guarantee of deposits held against the involuntary liquidation of a SATSA member.

AIPP Australian Institute of Professional Photographers SATSA Southern Africa Tourism Services Association C4 Images & Safaris
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