untitled-46734673
Mar, 2018Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Winter Wildlife Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
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Top 30 rank week 1Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
My first trip to Antarctica was a fantastical experience!Time
This was taken during a late afternoon Zodiac ride before the weather camce in to the area.Lighting
Lighting in this part of the world changes rapidly, so you have to adjust accordingly to the shifting light situations.Equipment
Nikon D810 with 24-70mm lensInspiration
Antarctica is like no other place on earth. It is sculptural and other-worldly and beautiful and still. The experience of floating amoung the massive blue icebergs is peaceful and awe inspiring. The chance to share this magical place with the female leopard seal enjoying her own respite was the inspiration behind this shot. The enormity of the iceberg contrasted to the other wild life form of the seal just crested a natural composition so typical of the surroundings. The ice may seem cold and blue, but all things take on a surreal form in such an unusual setting, and all forms become alive and in harmony.Editing
I push the highlights and clarity, then adjust contrast and shadows, depending on the feeling I'm trying to portray in the photo. In this case I tried to keep the mood as it was, with some lightening on the seal.In my camera bag
I travel with two camera bodies,a Nikon D810 and D850. My current lenses are the 24-70mm, 70-200mm and 14mm wide angle, with 2x extender. I have several extra batteries and chargers, battery packs for each camera body, and many lens cleaning tools. Remote shutter connections are helpful to have, as well as a dry bag and many wiping clothes. Of course the are many extra SD and XQD cards and card readers, as well as a multi country outlet adapter.Feedback
Antarctica is a place a photographer must plan ahead for any conditions, as they can change rapidly. We experienced sun, snow, rain and sleet-all in the same day, so you must be prepared for changing conditions in a situation where you are limited by the amount of equipment you can carry. Having two camera bodies strapped across your body, one with a wide angle lens and one with a telephoto lens, helps you to be prepared for many photo opps. And dont forget the dry bag!
