Not much has changed in Antarctica for tens of thousands of years. And yet, at the same time, everything is changing.
This may explain why Antarctica is suddenly so “hot” among passionate photographers.
There are few places on earth where the landscapes and wildlife are as unspoiled as in Antarctica. There’s no light pollution, no sprawling development, and no iconic viewpoints overrun by tour buses. In short, there’s a spectacular shot no matter which way you point your camera.
But, as we’ve all been reading in the news with alarming frequency—there’s also a ticking time bomb in the form of climate change, which has known, and unknown consequences for the Antarctic ecosystem. Will the icescapes and wildlife as we know it today still be there tomorrow for all to see? For sure, there’s still time to experience all its wonders—but for how long, nobody knows for sure.
For now, the opportunity to photograph seals and penguins up close and personal, to explore your creativity by capturing the towering ice sculptures that rise from the water, to experience the exhilaration of spotting any one of eight species of whales breach the surface of the sea, is just too tempting to pass by.
With today’s ice-strengthened ships, modern technology, and the sheer amount of experience sailing in Antarctica waters, the journey is safer, smoother, and easier to experience than ever.
So, maybe that explains why Antarctica is now one of the most coveted destinations for photographers. Or, perhaps the answer to the question is even more straightforward than that: when the mystique and majesty of a faraway place calls, you just go.
