Antarctica Photography Expedition
Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
With Peter Eastway 1 - 18 Dec 2018
Antarctica • South Georgia • The Falklands
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
Antarctica Photography Program 4
Travelling to Antarctica is the trip of a lifetime.
friend or a partner, and whether your friend or
For photographers, it is even more special with
partner is a keen photographer or not, you will
the opportunity to capture some of the most
enjoy the assistance and tuition. All are welcome.
incredible and memorable locations and wildlife anywhere on Earth. Imagine coming home with
There are three ways Peter will assist voyagers
a camera full of amazing landscape and wildlife
who join his photography program.
photographs and videos! •
He will help you in the field with camera skills.
•
He will assist you on board with editing and
This is a trip like no other. And to help you get the most out of your voyage
post-production skills.
and your photography, Peter Eastway has been invited by Aurora Expeditions to lead a group of photographers on the In-Depth South Georgia &
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And he will give a series of more formal presentations on photography.
Antarctica expedition with the Polar Pioneer. More information is on the following pages, but The voyage visits many of the locations seen in
on a trip like this, we guarantee you will see some
the Tales By Light television episode currently
amazing sights and capture lots of incredible
showing on Netflix which featured Peter as the
images. It’s a voyage that will never be forgotten.
photographer. Berth prices from US$14,600; twin berths from Whether you’re travelling on your own or with a
US$17,900. All Photographs by Peter Eastway
Windy Afternoon, Antarctica Canon EOS 5DSR, 300mm lens
Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
Camera Skills Photographing in Antarctica can be challenging,
than 54 passengers on Polar Pioneer, but not all of
but you should immediately put your mind at rest
them will be photographers.
because all the challenges are handled for you. While there are a few sea days on an Antarctic On this voyage, Peter will assist you with
voyage, when you’re in Antarctica, South Georgia or
the camera skills needed to capture the
the Falklands, you usually get ashore twice a day.
many amazing moments and locations you’ll experience.
Everyone dons their splashproof clothes, life jackets and Wellington boots, and lines up
A ship is a perfect photography platform. You
to board the Zodiacs (stable and inflatible
go to sleep and wake up at a new destination.
watercraft), that are also perfect platforms for
You can shoot from the deck and there is always
photography.
something happening outside, especially in the polar regions: birds, waves, clouds, shorelines,
Sometimes when there is a bit too much swell,
icebergs and sometimes pack ice.
it’s not possible to land on the shore because the waves would swamp the Zodiac, in which case
If you’re going to journey to Antarctica, a small
we just cruise along the shoreline. This in itself is
expedition ship like Polar Pioneer is best (not a
a wonderful adventure. However, generally we
large cruise liner). If there are fewer than 100
land and spend from two to four hours ashore,
passengers, it means you’ll enjoy lots of landings
exploring some of the most amazing locations on
and Zodiac cruises, whereas ships with larger
Earth.
contingents tend to sail on by. We have no more
Adélie Penguin, Brown Bluff Canon EOS-1D X, 200-400mm lens @ 56 0mm
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
Editing And Post-Production Skills 8
One of the highlights for photographers on a
tuition will take place, because this depends on
voyage like this is the opportunity to edit and
what’s happening outside the ship. If we have an
improve their photography.
opportunity to land three times in a day, then we won’t stay on board in front of our computers!
While there always seems to be lots happening
Our main aim is to experience and photograph
when you’re on board a ship, there’s still time to
Antarctica and South Georgia.
sit in your cabin and work on your files in private, or to join the others in the lounge or dining room
However, on an average day, you can expect one
where Peter will provide one-on-one assistance.
and often two sessions in front of your computer with access to Peter.
Peter will look over your shoulder or sit next to you and help you work through the complexities
For example, after an early morning shoot, we
of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom or Capture One.
might have breakfast and then spend a couple of hours before lunch working on our files, while
Sea days - when we’re travelling to our next
the Polar Pioneer steams to our next destintation.
destination - are great times for editing your
And then following our afternoon expedition, we
photographs.
might spend an hour in the bar before the other guests arrive, downloading our files and talking
During the voyage, there will be many
photography. The ‘image lab’ sessions are where
opportunities to learn about post-production
you’ll learn lots about photography.
and to refine your editing skills. We don’t set definite times for when and where the editing
Grytviken Ruins, South Georgia Canon EOS-1D X, 17mm lens
Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
Formal Photography Presentations On the Polar Pioneer is a modest lecture room with
Importantly, the formal presentations are really
a digital projector and speakers.
just a small part of the experience. Watching Peter work, or having him help you set up a shot or
It is a very popular room on the sea days and is
make suggestions, will be far more valuable to
shared by all the ship for presentations on history,
your progress as a photographer.
wildlife, geology - and photography. And if you have a specific request, Peter will be Peter will give several formal presentations on
only too happy to sit down with you and talk you
photography.
through it. He might suggest you buy him a drink from the bar first, but he is there to assist you!
Peter has an extensive range of presentations for photographers, covering everything from basic camera skills up to advanced camera skills and indepth Photoshop post-production. Exactly which presentations are given will depend on the photographers travelling on the expedition. We’ll ask you what you need. This is why Peter brings a range of different programs, so he can match the needs of his ‘students’.
King Haakon Bay, South Georgia Canon EOS-1D X, 24mm
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
How Do You Like To Learn? 12
Everyone has different ways of learning. For some,
to do is ask. Importantly, you will never be made
it is sitting back and watching an expert at work,
to feel silly because you asked a basic question
noting how he or she positions and uses the
- chances are many in the group don’t know the
camera, reacts to the light and the weather, or
answer either!
interacts with people and wildlife to achieve the best posing and expression.
Peter will be shooting as well. He is just as passionate as you are about photography,
Others like to be given suggestions, to understand
so he will be capturing his own images and
what the experts are seeing and thinking, and
sharing them with the photo group. He feels it is
then left to experiment and discover on their own.
important to practice what he preaches and show
They are looking for guidance, but not too much.
participants what he has found.
And yet other photographers like to be shown
However, he is very aware that his primary role is
how to find the photograph, how to compose
to act as your instructor and guide. And he wants
the image and what camera settings are required.
you to return on other workshops and trips, which
They want help with their camera controls
you will only do if you are happy.
and detailed instructions on how to frame and compose.
So, please don’t be shy to ask for help at any time and it will be cheerfully provided with a smile!
Different photographers at different stages require different levels of assistance and that’s fine! Peter provides all three levels of interaction, all you have
Weddell Sea, Antarctica Canon EOS-1D X, 24mm lens
Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
What Level Of Photographer Do I Need To Be? You don’t need to be a serious photographer to
ideas and viewpoints participants bring. They
come on this voyage! There will be many other
see things I don’t, so I’m learning just as much as
guests on board whose primary goal is not
everyone else.
photography, so you can choose as much or as little photography education as you like.
“And importantly, it is all done in a positive and encouraging environment. I’ve been doing this
On voyages like this, we have had all levels
long enough that I don’t need my ego stroked.
of photographers attending, from seasoned professionals wanting to refine their skills, to
“I get a buzz out of helping other photographers
newcomers who need assistance with basic
capture great photos - my reward is seeing the
camera settings.
expression on your face when you nail a top shot or a great video clip.”
We actually like a range of photographers to attend. The more experienced participants
And Peter lied about not needing his ego stroked.
invariably help the newcomers, and the
Please pay him a compliment every now and then
newcomers give all of us new ideas we’ve never
- you’ll get a lot more from him if he’s happy!
thought about! “One of the things that constantly keeps me grounded”, said Peter Eastway, “is the range of
Cape Wild, Elephant Island Canon EOS-1D X, 35mm lens
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
Peter Eastway G.M. Photog., MNZIPP, Hon FAIPP, HFNZIPP, FAIPP
photography competitions, both as a judge and as an active participant. He judges and speaks
Sydney-based photographer Peter Eastway
internationally on a regular basis.
is a Grand Master of Photography and a two time winner of the AIPP Australian Professional
Peter’s work has been published internationally
Photographer of the Year. Known best for his
in photography and travel magazines, and he
landscape and travel photography, he has worked
was also the author of the Lonely Planet’s Guide
in most areas of the profession and also loves
to Landscape Photography. His photography has
sport, studio still life, portraiture and wildlife.
featured on the cover of the Lonely Planet’s guide to Australia, an Australian postage stamp, in
Peter is the editor and publisher of Better
articles in the Qantas inflight magazine, and in an
Photography magazine and website, a position
Apple television commercial. And he has worked
that has given him special access to many of
with Phase One researching and promoting its
the world’s leading photographers over the past
Capture One raw processing software, and with
30 years. His ability to communicate both the
Adobe on its Lightroom software.
technical and aesthetic sides of photography makes him a sought after speaker on the
He is familiar with Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and
international circuit.
Phase One camera systems.
Peter was the chairman of the Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards for many years and is still involved in all aspects of
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
Tales By Light Now On Netflix The Tales By Light television series first screened on
have been a dream job for them because they
the National Geographic cable channel in Australia
visited some of the most amazing and remote
and is now available worldwide on Netflix.
locations on the globe, including Africa, India, Bhutan, Alaska, Tonga, America and Antarctica.
Abraham Joffe approached a number of
And since then they have done Series 2 and are
photographers with his idea for the television
now onto Series 3!
series. Explained Peter Eastway, “Over the years, I had been approached by at least half a dozen
It was also a huge investment by Canon. Sure, all
producers with photography-based ideas, but
the photographers chose to use Canon cameras,
when Abraham said he had the support and
but the product placement was the only reference
partnership of Canon Australia, I realised it was
to Canon in the entire series. To Canon’s credit, the
really going to happen.
production is all about photography and it can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter what type of
“I’m still not quite sure why Abraham picked me
camera they use.
as a presenter out of all the photographers in the world, but I was mighty glad he did, especially
Following the television series, Aurora Expeditions
when he suggested we go to Antarctica to shoot
has invited Peter back on the Polar Pioneer to
the segment. Who would say no?”
revisit many of the locations filmed in Tales By Light.
This was a huge investment on many levels. Abraham and his wife Jen spent over a year travelling with the five photographers. It must
Gold Harbour, South Georgia Canon EOS-1D X, 24mm lens
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
In-Depth South Georgia/Antartica - Itinerary 20
Day 1 - 1 December 2018
and prepare for Antarctica, the next leg of our
Fly from Santiago or Punta Arenas, Chile, and
adventure.
explore the historic Falkland Islands’ capital,
Day 11
Stanley, before embarking in the late afternoon.
Conditions permitting, we approach Cape Wild, a
Days 2-3
bleak, rocky spit along Elephant Island’s dramatic
At sea, albatrosses, giant petrels and tiny Wilson’s
north coast. If conditions allow, we’ll Zodiac
storm petrels escort us, bound for South Georgia.
cruise, possibly even step ashore, to pay tribute to
We enliven the crossing with informative talks and
Shackleton’s 22 men who survived 4 months here.
keep an eye out for seabird-peppered Shag Rocks.
Days 12-15
Days 4-8
We hope to land in the South Shetland Islands
Spring brings an explosion of life to South
before sailing down Gerlache Strait and awaken
Georgia. We visit wildlife havens that include
to the drama of Antarctica. We’ll encounter pack
the world’s largest king penguin rookeries,
ice and penguin rookeries alive with courtship,
majestic albatross nests and beaches cluttered
mating and nest-building. We’ll visit historic sites
with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and
and land on the continent proper.
penguins. Inspired by Shackleton’s epic, we hope
Days 16-17
to retrace the expedition’s final steps from Fortuna
Returning to the realm of the albatross, we celebrate
Bay to Stromness.
and reflect as we head north across the Drake Passage.
Days 9-10
Day 18 - 18 December
We cross the Scotia Sea, watch seabirds, our first
Dawn greets us in the Beagle Channel. We dock in
iceberg and great whales including blues, fin and
Ushuaia, Argentina and our voyage ends.
sei. We have time to reflect on South Georgia
Icebergs, Antarctica Canon EOS 5DSR, 300mm lens
Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway & Abraham Joffe
Camera Equipment For The Voyage
Checklist Here’s an incomplete list of some of the things you may need.
Recommended Camera Stuff
Peter is not an equipment snob! Yes, he uses
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DSLR camera recommended
professional equipment, but that’s his full time
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Standard zoom - cover everything
job.
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Wide-angles - as wide as you have
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Telephoto - 300mm is not too long, a 100-400mm ideal
So, whether you turn up with the latest DSLR or an older camera you’ve loved for many years, it
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Macro lens - optional
really doesn’t matter. However, there are some
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Spare camera battery & battery charger
lenses and accessories that will certainly help you
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Backpack style camera bag
capture a wider range of photographs and videos.
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Tripod (with a quick release plate)
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Plenty of storage cards for your camera
We do recommend you bring everything you
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Polarising filter
think you might need, but not so much you
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Neutral density filters (0.9x, 4.0x optional)
can’t carry it with you. You will be able to leave
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Card reader and cable if necessary
equipment behind on the ship at any time.
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Laptop computer (Mac or PC)
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External back-up drives
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Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One
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Mouse or stylus/tablet
Optional Stuff •
Dry bag (large enough for camera bag with easy opening and closing).
Adélie Penguin, Paulet Is., Antarctica Canon EOS-1D X, 200-400mm lens @ 533mm
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Water bottle
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Hat, sunscreen
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
Dry Bags We don’t plan to get your camera gear wet!
down the gangway if you need two hands to hold
However, after we leave the ship to go ashore, the
on to the railing. However, this is Peter’s current
weather can change and so our return trip may be
preference.
a little more exciting! Specifically, wind chop and swell can have water splashing into the zodiac
The other option is the Sealline Boundary Portage
and the bottom of the zodiac can be awash with
Pack (check your camera bag will fit in - Peter uses
water. This is very rare, but it can happen.
the large 115 Litre size). It has shoulder straps which are not all that comfortable, but get you
This won’t worry us because we have Wellington
up and down the gangway more easily. However,
boots and spray-proof clothing, but our camera
once in the Zodiac, they aren’t as quick to access.
bags can soak up salt water, which may not be great for our cameras and lenses inside.
On shore, you leave the dry bag with your life jackets at the landing point, so they are only used
The solution is to use a dry bag into which you
for short trips.
put your camera bag. You can also use heavy duty plastic garbage bags, but many photographers
For travellers with smaller camera bags, smaller
opt for the Sealline range of dry bags. Peter has
dry bags will work just fine. The above bags are
used two Seallines.
fully waterproof, but they don’t need to be for use in the Zodiac. Their main purpose is to keep your
The Sealline Widemouth Duffle is great for
camera dry while it is sitting on the bottom of the
working in the Zodiac because it is easy to open
Zodiac, and from splashes coming over the side in
and access gear. However, it’s harder to carry
transit.
Albatross, South Georgia Canon EOS-1D X, 200-400mm lens @ 560mm
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Antarctica Photography Expedition with Peter Eastway
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Twin berth prices from $17,900. For more information on your voyage options, visit Aurora Expeditions’ website at www.auroraexpeditions.com.au For bookings with the photography group, please contact Peter Eastway or Kim Valenti eastway@betterphotography.com or kim@betterphotography.com If booking with Aurora, please mention Peter Eastway to join the photo group!