Iceland Photo Tours is pleased to join forces with Aurora Expeditions and to invite you on board the Greg Mortimer, a stellar new polar class 6 vessel that is built to withstand the harsh climate of the Antarctic seas. Together with Aurora Expeditions, we are offering a joint fly/sail photography expedition that will excite anyone looking for a truly mesmerising voyage of a lifetime.
This photography workshop to Antarctica is guided by 4 professional award-winning photographers, who will offer a scope of instruction, classes, critique sessions, workshops and in-field guidance to enable you to expand upon your photography portfolio. Throughout this expedition to Antarctica, your dedicated photography guides will ensure that you are immersed in a wealth of knowledge that you'll always remember.
This photography workshop to Antarctica features a one of a kind FLY/SAIL experience, which is designed to maximise your time photographing the wonderful surrounds of your destination. To reach Antarctica, you will board an aircraft from Punta Arenas to King George Island. You will sail through the tumultuous waters of the Drake section just once, to make the crossing from Antarctica to Ushuaia over the course of two days.
The Greg Mortimer guarantees a comfortable journey as you sail across the Antarctic seas. Holding just 100 travelers, the atmosphere is sure to be friendly. Our tour will have 36 spots reserved aboard the Greg Mortimer, held out of the total 100.
For the duration of our tour, there will be a mindblowing 15 zodiacs onboard for making shore landings, whereby you may explore Antarctica intimately by foot. You will also find an art room on Deck 7, designed with photographers in mind. It features 3 terminals for post processing. In addition, you’ll be able to print out your photos if you wish. When we are not out shooting the surrounds, our group will be utilising this room as a workspace.
You will arrive in Chile’s southernmost city, Punta Arenas. For those who will be taking one of the flights on our preferred list, a representative of Aurora Expeditions will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of action. This fabulous city is the gateway to your exciting adventure ahead. You will have some leisure time to relax and explore the culture that it has to offer, before meeting with your fellow travellers for an evening brief from your photo guides about the next days ahead.
We’ll rise early in the morning on day two to embark upon our flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica. If the weather cooperates, then it is anticipated that this flight will take approximately 90 minutes.
Once we arrive at King George Island, we’ll be greeted by our Aurora Expeditions team, who will provide gumboots for you to wear in order to keep your feet dry as you make the transfer from a Zodiac to the Greg Mortimer. As we set sail, they’ll give you the low-down on what to expect onboard the Greg Mortimer as well as the necessary safety demonstrations and briefings for our trip.
Please note: The weather at King George Island may be unpredictable, due to its location at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. As such, there may be delays in taking off or landing. Iceland Photo Tours and Aurora Expeditions will work together to remain up-to-date on any satellite and weather information before our flight departure. In the case of any delays, you will be offered a number of programs to participate in until we are able to fly. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
Our next six days of sailing will involve a variety of destinations on the west of the Antarctic Peninsula, weather and conditions permitting. There will be no fixed itinerary; rather, your very experienced expedition team and photography guides will work together to plan the voyage as you go, making the most of the opportunities that will be available at the time. They will ensure that you will be at the best place at the right time to capture the wildlife, spectacular icebergs and astonishing scenery.
It will be the summer season in Antarctica, so be prepared to experience near 20 hours of daylight within a 24 hour period. We will maximise our opportunities for shooting within that time frame, making two to three Zodiac excursions a day. There will also be an incredible chance for our group to camp ashore, experiencing what it must have been like for the first Antarctic explorers back in the day, though this part of the workshop is optional.
Our shooting locations will be both spectacular and diverse. Some of the spots that we may make excursions to include:
Paradise Harbour
Paradise Harbour is a secluded bay famous for its frozen landscapes. Surrounded by glaciated mountains and awe-inspiring ice cliffs, this beautiful stretch of water is perfect for Zodiac cruising and spotting seals as well as penguins. Those with a truly keen eye and shutter finger may even capture a humpback or minke whales, frolicking amongst the ice floes!
Hydrurga Rocks
These rocks make up a small island, which is home to a waddle of Chinstrap penguins. Several rookeries of penguins colonise the rocky outreaches of the Hydrurga Rocks, making for stunning wildlife photography opportunities. This part of the Gerlache Strait is also known for being a bird haven, including Kelp gulls and Skuas.
Half Moon Island
This extraordinary island is one of the largest in Antarctica and one of the most beautiful sights in the South Shetlands. You will be met by thousands of penguins on the shore, as well as many Antarctic fur seals. Here, the rugged landscape is dominated by rocky outcrops, speckled with lichen. The opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography abound.
Lemaire Channel
This strait near Antarctica is often blocked by colossal jigsaw-like icebergs, making it one of the most photogenic sites in Antarctica. Bordering the strait are cliffs that seem to rise straight out of the ocean, towering up to 700 metres on either side. Depending upon the conditions of the ice, we may be able to sail slowly through the channel, making for a truly enchanting photography experience. You’ll be close enough to the icebergs to even touch them!
Port Lockroy
This natural harbour on the northwest side of Antarctica is an old British base from the 1960s which is quite scenic in nature. You will have the opportunity to tour the local museum, to purchase souvenirs at the gift shop, as well as to mail postcards home from the most southerly post office!
Neko Harbour
Bordered by the breathtaking jagged faces of glaciers on one side, jutting straight out of the sea, this small bay makes for a truly magical Zodiac landing. The panoramic views to be found in this harbour are spectacular, featuring rocky beaches juxtaposed with the frosty shapes of icebergs and snow. Be prepared to mingle with even more penguins, waddling about on the pack ice.
Robert Point
This small peninsula in the South Shetland Islands is home to a number of elephant seals and penguins, which dominate the steep and rocky beach along this magnificent shoreline. Meanwhile, sea birds including giant petrels, kelp gulls and skuas circle overhead, hunting for penguin eggs. There will be endless opportunities to capture the wildlife within their native habitat.
Other highlights that we may visit on this tour include:
Pleneau Island
Vernadsky; a Ukrainian scientific base
Petermann Island
Penola Strait
Antarctic Sound
Cuverville Island
Danco Island
Enterprise Island
Melchior Islands
On day nine, we will reach the much-anticipated part of our Antarctica photography tour, where we will cross the unforgettable waters of the Drake Passage on our return to Ushuaia. For the next couple of days, our photography guides will provide a number of post-processing masterclasses to further develop your portfolio, while the expedition crew will have you immersed in educational sessions to round out your Antarctic adventure. If the conditions are favourable as we near the waters of South America, the Captain of our ship may take us for a whirlwind journey up close and personal with the rocky headland of Cape Horn as a final hurrah to an extraordinary cruise.
In the morning on day eleven, our ship will sail through the waters of the Beagle Channel, before docking at Ushuaia. We will bid one another farewell, before disembarking from the ship at approximately 8am. You will then be transferred into the bustling centre of Ushuaia or to the airport, depending upon your preferences. The transfer is included in the price of this package.
Please note: In the case of any delays reaching the dock, we recommend that you book your departure flight from Ushuaia either after 12pm on the day of disembarkation or for the following day.
This expedition is designed to maximise your time in Antarctica and South Georgia, utilising a fly and sail experience between Punta Arenas and King George Island that results in less travel overall during the round-trip to and from our destination. During this expedition, the Greg Mortimer will be your home away from home. As such, it has been designed to meet your every need during your adventure to Antarctica! At Iceland Photo Tours, we have an open bridge policy, meaning that you can come up to the bridge at any time to see what the captain and officers of the ship are up to. You’ll be able to have a first-hand glimpse at the inner workings of the Greg Mortimer, from navigational practices to observing mapping techniques. The opportunities aboard this ship are endless! In the event of an incident or accident, a trained medical team will be on-hand throughout your journey aboard the Greg Mortimer, providing all necessary treatment from the ship’s fully-equipped medical centre, allowing you to concentrate on your adventure without worrying about your wellbeing. Every participant will receive an expedition jacket from our partners, Aurora Expeditions, upon boarding the ship. This custom-designed 2-in-1 jacket offers sophisticated styling with a warm interior and is perfect for wearing over base layers during your Zodiac excursions. As part of this workshop, you will receive a complimentary photo book from our partners, Aurora Expeditions. This very special keepsake will be a lasting reminder of your adventure, featuring your sailing coordinates, photographs during your voyage, as well as the daily programs that you participate in. On the last day aboard the Greg Mortimer, there will be a special farewell four-course dinner and cocktails – a delightful way for you to reflect upon your time exploring the Antarctic wilderness and to consolidate friendships with your fellow travellers and the rest of your expedition team. SHIP AND CABIN INFORMATION The Greg Mortimer is specially designed to offer you an incredibly relaxing experience after a long day of exploring the Antarctic. Each stateroom includes a private bathroom, personal storage, twin and double-bed configuration options, international power outlets, daily cabin service, as well as all of the basic amenities that you will expect to need onboard. If you’re part of a family or a group, then you’ll love the interconnecting staterooms aboard the Greg Mortimer, which offer more privacy for those who still want to be close.
This custom-designed ship is at the forefront of nautical technology. It features patented marine engineering X-BOW™ technology – an inverted bow concept – to make sailing on the open ocean just like a breeze.
Meanwhile, unique hydraulic viewing platforms will provide you with uninterrupted views of the spectacular landscape and passing wildlife without disturbing them in their natural habitat.
When you’re ready to get up close and personal with the penguins, specially designed platforms will launch you on your way aboard Zodiacs easily and quickly, allowing you more time to explore the landscape and to photograph the marine life and seabirds during each landing.
On the off-chance that you’ll find some spare time, a number of optional activities such as kayaking, diving, ski touring are also available, designed in consultation with the ship’s expert activity guides.
The Greg Mortimer has lower energy consumption, reduced emissions into the air and sea, high fuel efficiency, reduced light pollution which minimises disruption towards wildlife, as well as lower on-board plastic use. The ship is also able to float anchorless while launching Zodiacs, meaning less disturbance to the delicate sea floor.
Your safety is our priority. The Greg Mortimer features up-to-date and concise safety technology with return-to-port equipment that enables the ship to maintain its operating systems and comfort in the event of engine failure. The Greg Mortimer is also Polar Code 6 compliant, holds BV class and is fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements.
Four of the five stateroom categories offer views from spectacular floor to ceiling windows, allowing you prime position to observe marine wildlife with comfort and privacy. Most of the staterooms also feature a private balcony, for those wonderful moments spent taking in the fresh air of the salty ocean.
From the moment that you step aboard the Greg Mortimer, you’ll be treated to complimentary coffee, tea and snack facilities, in addition to the range of different menu options and courses that you’ll receive for each meal. All meals will be served in a large dining room, where you’ll be able to enjoy a large range of house wines, beers and soft drinks included with the dinner service.
There is plenty to do onboard the Greg Mortimer, which is perfect for when you have time to relax between excursions. During the day, presentations will be held in the spacious lecture room, including topics on the history and culture of Antarctica to biology and climate change. Meanwhile, a multimedia room will keep all photographers entertained.
For those keen to watch the surroundings, there are two bars and lounges featuring stunning floor to ceiling windows that will make wildlife spotting all the more enjoyable. A library with books and maps will keep you educated, while a Wellness Centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa promises to keep you healthy and fit. There’s no better place to treat yourself to a massage when you’re feeling a little sore at the end of the day!
There are several dedicated observation points aboard the Greg Mortimer, which are perfect for spotting birds, watching wildlife and taking in the scenery as it floats past. An indoor 180-degree lounge and outdoor 360-degree open deck, as well as two hydraulic viewing platforms and a 270-degree open sundeck offer plenty of space to mingle or to photograph the world as it passes by.
Depending on the weather conditions and itinerary, it will be possible to make two or three landings on a daily basis. During these landings, we will explore the landscape to our heart’s content, photographing rock formations, historic huts and colonies of penguins. Our adventures will be made possible by using some of the Greg Mortimer’s 15 Zodiacs, allowing you to maximise your time on shore. The launching platforms at sea level make each transfer easier, faster and safer, enabling you to make the most of your shooting time.
A deposit of $5000 USD is due upon registration and will secure your spot on this photography expedition. Second payment of $5000 USD is due by April 1, 2021. Final balance will be due by August 16, 2021.
We strongly recommend you to get Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance after booking your trip. If you cancel and your place is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $500 service charge. If you cancel and your place on the Workshop does not fill, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the Workshop: Greater than 180 days from the start date of the Expedition: Full refund minus $2500. 120 days or more: 50% refund Less than 120 days: no refund Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.
We highly recommend that you get a travel and medical insurance. Your own domestic medical insurance and private health scheme will not cover you whilst you are overseas. The tour will always dependent on weather, as the weather can be highly unpredictable. Likewise, sightings of wildlife will be dependent on the movements of the animals themselves and cannot be guaranteed.
13 - 23 Jan 2021: Guided by Daniel Kordan, Albert Dros, Raymond Hoffman and Siggi 16 - 26 Jan 2022: Guided by Daniel Kordan, Albert Dros, Raymond Hoffman and Siggi
Daniel was born in the Moscow area, Russia.
After graduating from art school he studied at Moscow’s institute of Physics and Technology, which pointed him toward a career as an optics physicist. During his studies he developed expertise not only in physics, but in mountain climbing and hiking.
He regularly led tourist groups during the holidays through the Russian mountains. Right after graduation he became a guide of photo workshops and chief editor of Continent Expedition magazine, a publication about travel and adventures all over the world.
Daniel has received several awards in photography: Golden Turtle’ 13 Nature nomination winner, National Geographic Russia contest 2013 and 2014 finalist, Best of Russia ’13 and ’14 winner, Best Photographer ’13 finalist, among others. He currently spends most of his time in Norway, scouring the Lofoten islands and in Tuscany, guiding groups of keen photographers.
Daniel was born in the Moscow area, Russia.
After graduating from art school he studied at Moscow’s institute of Physics and Technology, which pointed him toward a career as an optics physicist. During his studies he developed expertise not only in physics, but in mountain climbing and hiking.
He regularly led tourist groups during the holidays through the Russian mountains. Right after graduation he became a guide of photo workshops and chief editor of Continent Expedition magazine, a publication about travel and adventures all over the world.
Daniel has received several awards in photography: Golden Turtle’ 13 Nature nomination winner, National Geographic Russia contest 2013 and 2014 finalist, Best of Russia ’13 and ’14 winner, Best Photographer ’13 finalist, among others. He currently spends most of his time in Norway, scouring the Lofoten islands and in Tuscany, guiding groups of keen photographers.
Siggi was born in Iceland and has spent most of his photography career in this paradise.During his time as a photographer, he early on found that his passion lies with photographing the beautiful landscapes and nightscapes of Iceland. One of his favorite activities is being out, chasing the northern lights and thinking of new ways to top his shots.
He has won multiple awards for his work, both locally and internationally, especially for his photos of the Aurora Borealis. Sigurdur has also written a book on the subject to aid everyone in getting the perfect shots of Lady Aurora and held nightscape photography workshops in Iceland since the beginning of 2012 with great success.
When the days get longer and the northern lights fade into the daylight, he turns his eyes towards the sun and the amazing midnight sun that Iceland has to offer with the golden hours that seem to stretch on forever.
Siggi was born in Iceland and has spent most of his photography career in this paradise.During his time as a photographer, he early on found that his passion lies with photographing the beautiful landscapes and nightscapes of Iceland. One of his favorite activities is being out, chasing the northern lights and thinking of new ways to top his shots.
He has won multiple awards for his work, both locally and internationally, especially for his photos of the Aurora Borealis. Sigurdur has also written a book on the subject to aid everyone in getting the perfect shots of Lady Aurora and held nightscape photography workshops in Iceland since the beginning of 2012 with great success.
When the days get longer and the northern lights fade into the daylight, he turns his eyes towards the sun and the amazing midnight sun that Iceland has to offer with the golden hours that seem to stretch on forever.
Albert is a Dutch photographer with an extreme passion for landscape photography. He aims to capture places and certain moments in the best way possible by using his own vision and unique style. His style consists of strong vibrant, sometimes fairytale like images in which he expresses himself. Albert has a background in Design, Video and Animation. He has worked for himself his whole life and has as a Master Degree in Multimedia & Entertainment Technology.
Albert loves to travel. Next to photo tours and workshops he likes to explore the world on his own or with friends. He has a passion for visiting the most beautiful spots in the world, whether known or unknown. Challenging himself is what keeps him motivated. Albert loves planning his shots carefully.
He does this with great detail to make sure his efforts have the highest chances of success. He sometimes plans days, weeks, months or even years to get that particular shot he wants. Challenging himself combined with planning and writing a story of the whole process is Albert’s specialty. He is always looking for new challenges and adventures. He is able to find beauty anywhere in the world: from misty mornings in the forests minutes away from his home to rooftops of the highest buildings in Dubai to remote locations in Iceland or the US. Next to taking photos, Albert also likes to teach and write about photography.
He occasionally writes for the most well known Photography magazines both on - and offline. Along that he has worked with many brands in the photography industry and is an official Sony Ambassador of Imaging.
His work has been featured in some of the biggest news outlets & magazines worldwide, like TIME, National Geographic and Adobe.
Albert is a Dutch photographer with an extreme passion for landscape photography. He aims to capture places and certain moments in the best way possible by using his own vision and unique style. His style consists of strong vibrant, sometimes fairytale like images in which he expresses himself. Albert has a background in Design, Video and Animation. He has worked for himself his whole life and has as a Master Degree in Multimedia & Entertainment Technology.
Albert loves to travel. Next to photo tours and workshops he likes to explore the world on his own or with friends. He has a passion for visiting the most beautiful spots in the world, whether known or unknown. Challenging himself is what keeps him motivated. Albert loves planning his shots carefully.
He does this with great detail to make sure his efforts have the highest chances of success. He sometimes plans days, weeks, months or even years to get that particular shot he wants. Challenging himself combined with planning and writing a story of the whole process is Albert’s specialty. He is always looking for new challenges and adventures. He is able to find beauty anywhere in the world: from misty mornings in the forests minutes away from his home to rooftops of the highest buildings in Dubai to remote locations in Iceland or the US. Next to taking photos, Albert also likes to teach and write about photography.
He occasionally writes for the most well known Photography magazines both on - and offline. Along that he has worked with many brands in the photography industry and is an official Sony Ambassador of Imaging.
His work has been featured in some of the biggest news outlets & magazines worldwide, like TIME, National Geographic and Adobe.
Iurie Belegurschi is an award-winning fine art nature and landscape photographer, as well as the founder of Iceland Photo Tours.
Born in Moldova, Iurie developed an interest in photography from an early age after his uncle converted the family bathroom into a darkroom.
Iurie moved to Iceland in 2006. Drawn in by the incredible light and landscapes, he began traveling the country, with the camera in hand, in search of inspiration and honing his skills. Continually winning awards in international photography competitions, his images have been published and put on display in a number of leading publications and exhibitions.
In 2012 Iurie founded Iceland Photo Tours, with the ambition of sharing the many wonders Iceland has to offer with passionate photographers from around the world.
Iurie Belegurschi is an award-winning fine art nature and landscape photographer, as well as the founder of Iceland Photo Tours.
Born in Moldova, Iurie developed an interest in photography from an early age after his uncle converted the family bathroom into a darkroom.
Iurie moved to Iceland in 2006. Drawn in by the incredible light and landscapes, he began traveling the country, with the camera in hand, in search of inspiration and honing his skills. Continually winning awards in international photography competitions, his images have been published and put on display in a number of leading publications and exhibitions.
In 2012 Iurie founded Iceland Photo Tours, with the ambition of sharing the many wonders Iceland has to offer with passionate photographers from around the world.
Raymond is an award-winning photographer with a worldwide reputation. Known for his magnificent landscape photos, his career took off in 2011, when he was voted as ‘Best Nature Photographer’ by one of Europe’s largest online photo communities.
One of his photos was even elected as one of the best photos in the 10 years history of the organization. Raymond’s work has featured in various publications, from books to newspapers and magazines, and he actively takes on assignments for publishers and advertising agencies.
These days he works as a nature photographer, mostly leading expert tours across the stunning nordic nations. He is an ambassador for the Lucroit filter system, and has won awards in a range of international photography contests.
Raymond is an award-winning photographer with a worldwide reputation. Known for his magnificent landscape photos, his career took off in 2011, when he was voted as ‘Best Nature Photographer’ by one of Europe’s largest online photo communities.
One of his photos was even elected as one of the best photos in the 10 years history of the organization. Raymond’s work has featured in various publications, from books to newspapers and magazines, and he actively takes on assignments for publishers and advertising agencies.
These days he works as a nature photographer, mostly leading expert tours across the stunning nordic nations. He is an ambassador for the Lucroit filter system, and has won awards in a range of international photography contests.
Travel the world to capture the most incredible landscapes
