Antarctica Photography Expedition 2021 with Daniel Kordan

• Available: January
• Duration: 11 days
• Activities: Whale Watching, Sight Seeing, Boat Trip, Bird watching, Photo Tours, Photo Workshop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Languages: English

• Arrival transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1 (preferred flights only)

• One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas on Day 1

• Transfer from hotel to airport in Punta Arenas on Day 2

• Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island on Day 2

• Transfer to downtown Ushuaia or airport on Day 11

• On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service

• All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage

• Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner

• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages

• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises

• Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team

• Access to our onboard doctor and basic medical services

• A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket

• Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage

• Comprehensive pre-departure information

• A printed photo book produced with photos from your voyage

• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees

• All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges.

• Optional activity surcharges

• Optional excursions not included in the itinerary

• Hotels and meals not included in itinerary

• Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges

• Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination charges

• Airport arrival or departure taxes

• Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary

• International or domestic flights to or within South America, unless specified

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.

CAMERA GEAR

Cameras: We suggest that you bring two camera bodies so that you'll have a spare in case of a mishap. This will also mean that you can attach two different lenses, which will minimise lens changes in difficult conditions, such as when you are shooting from Zodiacs.

Lenses: It's a good idea to be covered across a wide range of focal lengths. We suggest using zoom lenses so that you'll be well-equipped to photograph both landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle zoom (e.g. 16-35mm), mid-range zoom (e.g. 24-70mm), telephoto zoom (e.g. 70-200mm) and super-telephoto zoom lens (e.g. 200-500mm) will be useful. You will need a super-telephoto lens for photographing animals and birds, which may be difficult to approach at a close distance.

Batteries: It's a good idea to bring along 2-3 extra batteries as they will drain faster in cold environments, especially when you are taking long exposures.

Tripod: While most of our shooting will be done handheld from the vessel or our Zodiacs, there will be cases where a tripod will be required – for instance, when photographing on-shore for sunrises and sunsets, capturing birds at a long distance in-flight, freezing motion, as well as for creative pursuits such as long exposure photography.

Filters: We recommend that you bring along a set of filters for landscape photography. The most useful are 3, 6 and 10-stop neutral density filters; 3 and 4-stop graduated neutral density filters; as well as a polariser.

Camera Bag: The most versatile type of camera bag for a trip like this is a backpack. We recommend the Gitzo range of backpacks. You can use code "DanielKordan20" to receive a 20% discount on Gitzo or Manfrotto products online in selected stores (US, UK, FR, IT, DE, Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, Hong Kong).

Rain Protection: It's a good idea to bring along a rain sleeve for your backpack and camera in order to keep them dry in wet conditions. Optech-USA have some great rain covers for use with cameras in-field.

COMPOSITIONS

Expect to photograph a lot of wildlife, seeing as Antarctica is home to some of the most spectacular fauna on the planet. Some of the animals that you may observe on a regular basis include penguins, whales and sea birds. The greatest challenge is to demonstrate context with your wildlife photography. It's best to include part of the landscape within your frame so that it will be evident the images were taken in Antarctica and not some other place on Earth. For inspiration throughout the tour, our guides will provide tutorials and examples of images that they have taken during previous visits to Antarctica.

EXPERIENCE

While this photography workshop is aimed at people of all skill levels, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with your camera equipment prior to joining the tour. We suggest that you learn about the following settings so that you'll be able to return home from this trip with the best possible photos:

- How to use the Aperture Priority (Av) mode and to exposure compensate;
- The basics of using the Manual (M) mode;
- Bracketing with 3 images of different exposure values;
- Single and high speed continuous shooting modes;
- How to use the autofocus modes;
- How to select a single point of focus (for landscape) and multiple points (for wildlife);
- How to use the Live View function, including making the histogram visible on your LCD screen;
- Changing the white balance;
- Previewing images, including how to zoom in and out.

We have a number of articles on our website where you may review this knowledge: https://iceland-photo-tours.com/articles

PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE

According to IAATO guidelines, you should not approach birds and other wildlife closer than 5 metres. We also request that you never surround the animals or single them out, as they may feel threatened by your presence. Do not harass the wildlife and make sure to move away from them in a similar fashion to how you may have made your approach.

There will be quite a few of us in-field so to ensure that we'll all end up with usable images, it's only courtesy that we respect one another by taking note of our surroundings so that we won't be in other people's shots. Photographers can try standing in a semi-circle formation to facilitate a clear background. Allow others to take an image before you enter their frame and be mindful that there may be some people recording with audiovisual equipment.

PROTECTING YOUR CAMERA GEAR

You will inevitably get wet during this tour. To protect your camera equipment, bring along a waterproof float bag for your camera. These are available in some photography stores and can be inflated to ensure that your camera floats should it fall into the water during a Zodiac transfer. You can also use a waterproof case if you have one, which can provide extra protection. It's a good idea to have a supply of plastic zip-lock bags on-hand, which may be used to keep other camera gear and personal effects safe and dry.

To avoid condensation in your camera and lens, do not move your equipment rapidly between warm and cold environments, such as when you travel between an air-conditioned cabin on the ship to the humid and warm atmosphere outside. You can also place your camera and lens inside a plastic zip-lock bag, removing all of the air that is possible before sealing it. Keep the lens cap on to prevent condensation occurring in your lens. Using this method, it should take your gear approximately 10-15 minutes to acclimatise.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

During this workshop, you'll have one night in Ushuaia at Hotel Albatross before we embark the ship, as well as one night in Punta Arenas at Cabo de Hornos Hotel at the end of the trip when we disembark. If you wish to stay longer and add some side excursions to your trip, then please arrange the extra nights yourself.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

The following information is provided by our partner, Aurora Expeditions.

Arrivals: Airport transfers will be provided upon arrival to guests on the day of the package start date, for flights arriving after 12pm (noon).

Departures: Airport transfers will be provided upon departure to guests on the day of the package end date, for flights departing after 12pm (noon).

To facilitate airport transfers, we require that you provide your flight details in our Google table.

To facilitate airport transfers upon both arrival and departure, we require all guests to provide their flight details in our Google table.

UPON ARRIVAL AT THE HOTEL

16th January - Hotel Albatross (Ushuaia): Please ask the hotel staff at check-in to provide you with your Aurora Expeditions cabin tags. We ask that you label these tags clearly with your name and ship cabin number.

27th January - Cabo de Hornos Hotel (Punta Arenas): Breakfast is included on this day. After breakfast, we'll bid one another farewell and the workshop will conclude.

TIPS FOR SAFETY IN BUENOS AIRES

Petty theft, pickpocketing and scams are common in Buenos Aires. To avoid them, be alert regarding your equipment and money. Prepare ahead by staying at a well-rated hotel within the Recoleta district. Although staying in Santiago may be safer, keep in mind that crimes can occur in any major city.

When in Buenos Aires, it is best to keep your camera hidden and to hire a private guide if you would like to head out and explore. Private transfers and excursions are available here: https://www.bsas4u.com

WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON LOCAL FLIGHTS

The weight limit for carry-on luggage is 5kg with Aerolineas Economy and 10kg for an extra fee. The checked baggage limit is 15kg.

If you will be flying Aerolineas Club Economy, then you will have an allowance of 30kg checked baggage (total weight) with 10kg carry-on luggage.

If you are concerned about the weight of your carry-on luggage, it is possible to distribute some of your gear across your body, for example in jacket pockets.

There are two airports in Buenos Aires – EZE (International) and AEP (local). Please be mindful of which one you fly into, as there is approximately a 2 hour distance between them.

For private transfers between the airports: https://www.bsas4u.com
For bus transfers between the airports: http://www.tiendaleon.com/home (or purchase upon arrival)

CLOTHING

In terms of packing, dressing in layers is recommended. We recommend a packing list similar to what you would find here: https://iceland-photo-tours.com/articles/camera-and-gear-reviews/what-to-wear-for-winter-photo-tours-in-iceland

It is important that you bring a warm waterproof and windproof outer layer to wear as it can get particularly cold and windy in Antarctica.

Try to avoid wearing too many layers as doing so can lead to trapped body heat, resulting in perspiration. When shopping for base layers, choose garments made of breathable materials, such as wool or silk.

We recommend that you bring waterproof socks, gloves and a beanie to keep your extremities warm and dry.

While you are onboard the ship, the temperature will be regulated between 15°C to 25°C. In comparison, the weather outside may be much cooler, particularly when you venture ashore during Zodiac landings. Our suggestion is to wear a base layer, warm mid layer and a waterproof outer layer.

Here is a checklist of what you will need:

- Light and waterproof trousers (ski pants are suitable)
- Polar fleece Jacket or warm jumper
- Warm pants (tracksuit or fleece pants are suitable)
- Thermal underwear (long sleeve top and pants, medium to thick)
- Wool sweater to wear over your base layers
- Inner sole for Muck boots (keeps your feet warmer)
- Several pairs of thick wool socks (in case a pair gets wet)
- At least two pairs of warm, waterproof gloves with which you can still operate your camera
- Woollen or Polartec cap or beanie
- Woollen or synthetic scarf

Remember to bring along some informal, casual clothing for wearing onboard the ship. This includes jeans, casual trousers, shirts, jumpers and a parka. You can also bring along some light walking boots to wear onboard.

Other useful items include:

- Sunglasses (there can be a lot of glare from the snow and ice)
- Tinted ski goggles (for when conditions are windy)
- Binoculars
- Earplugs (if you happen to be bothered by noise when sleeping)
- Stretch clothesline (for drying wet clothing)
- Ski poles or hiking / walking sticks
- Standard European two round-pin socket (electricity onboard is 220 volts 50 Hertz so some people may require a converter)

POLAR EXPEDITION JACKET

You will receive a special 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket from Aurora Expeditions upon arrival onboard the cruise, which you will find located in your cabin. It is designed to be worn over your base layers and is suitable as an outer layer during this workshop.

The outer part of the jacket is blue with grey sleeves. The inner jacket is dark grey in colour.

We recommend that you order your usual size for a jacket. If you are unsure of your size, then it's a good idea to order one size up. Please make sure that you specify your size in the Google table, as we will only have a limited range of sizes onboard if you need to make an exchange.

MUCK BOOTS

You will have complimentary Muck boots to wear for the duration of the workshop. Please specify your size in the Google table. These are required to be worn during all shore-landings. If you are concerned about your size, then you are welcome to bring your own pair along.

TEMPERATURES IN ANTARCTICA

We will be visiting during summer. Temperatures at this time of year can fluctuate between -2°C (28°F) to 8°C (46°F). The temperature may drop to -8°C (17°F) if there is a storm.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY

This photography workshop is low difficulty, though you should be in good general health to participate. You will need to be able to walk reasonable distances and sometimes on uneven, rocky terrain. If you have any concerns regarding your ability to walk in these circumstances, then it is possible to stay closer to shore during our landings.

Please let us know if you have any physical limitations that may affect your ability to participate in this workshop. We will do our best to accommodate.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ONBOARD THE SHIP?

Our ship is able to carry 126 passengers. There will be 15-18 expedition specialists onboard, as well as 47-56 crew members.

WHERE DO MOST PASSENGERS COME FROM?

Our clients come from all over the world. The majority of people who participate in our cruises are from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe America.

IS THERE AIR CONDITIONING OR HEATING ONBOARD?

Yes, the ship is air-conditioned and the temperature may be regulated between 15°C to 25°C. In your cabin, you can control the temperature of the heater by turning it on or off. You can also adjust the flow of air through the roof vent.

HOW MUCH ROOM IS THERE FOR LUGGAGE?

In your cabin, you will have ample storage space for all of your luggage and belongings. There is also storage elsewhere onboard the ship if you find that there is not enough room to stow your empty luggage in your cabin.

IS THERE A WAY TO DRY WET CLOTHING?

You will have a locker in the mudroom of the ship, where you can store your wet weather gear and Muck boots. We also recommend bringing a stretch clothesline which you can hang in your cabin.

INTERNET WIFI AND PHONE ACCESS

There is no telephone access for personal use available onboard. However, yo can purchase a WiFi Internet package to use onboard, with which you may make calls using data.

In the case of an emergency, communication may be facilitated by our expedition team with your family.

ZODIAC SHORE LANDINGS

We will be making numerous shore landings by Zodiac during this workshop. We aim to get off the ship at least twice a day, though if the conditions and itinerary allow, then we may go ashore more often.

The duration of each landing will be according to times allocated by the authorities.

WALKING ON-SHORE

It's a good idea to bring some ski poles, walking or hiking sticks to assist you with walking on uneven terrain when we are on-shore. We suggest bringing telescopic poles with optional snow-basket tips, which are useful for slippery surfaces or when hiking in deep snow.

HOW CLOSE WILL WE BE TO THE ANIMALS?

There are strict guidelines set by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) as to how close we can get to the wildlife in Antarctica. All visitors must abide by these rules, which include keeping at least 5 metres distance from the animals at all times. You will receive information onboard from our expedition team in relation to more vulnerable species, which require a larger distance.

CAN I GO TO THE TOILET WHEN I'M ON-SHORE?

We kindly ask that you use the restrooms onboard prior to any shore-landings, to maximise your time spent on-shore. If you need to go to the toilet when we are on-shore, please notify an expedition team member so that you may be driven back to the ship.

CAN I DO MORE THAN ONE ACTIVITY?

Each activity is dedicated to passengers who have relevant and prior experience. To make the most of your time onboard, we suggest that you only select one activity to participate in.

MONEY

We recommend that you bring some US dollars in cash to use in Argentina, Chile and whilst you are onboard the ship. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can be difficult to change.

WHAT CURRENCY IS ACCEPTED ONBOARD?

All purchases made onboard are in US dollars. You can charge onboard purchases at the bar, laundry, ship shop, Internet and massages to your shipboard account, which you may settle at the end of the cruise using credit card or cash (US dollars only).

GRATUITIES

An automatic deduction of $15 USD will be made per person, per day as a gratuity for the crew. This will be added to your onboard account which may be settled at the end of the voyage. You can either increase or decrease this amount at your own discretion. You can also remove the tip when you settle your bill.

Tips for expedition team members are not required.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is mandatory for this workshop. Please check to see that your policy includes medical evacuation cover. It is also a good idea to have cancellation insurance in case you are forced to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Other important items for insurance coverage include sickness, accident, loss of baggage and personal belongings, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption.

We strongly recommend that you purchase your travel insurance when you book your trip. This will ensure that you will be covered in the event of any cancellations.

ELECTRICAL SUPPLY

Electricity is available on-board the ship at 220 volts, 50 hertz. You will need to bring a converter if your devices do not meet these requirements. There are international sockets available in your cabin and throughout the ship. It is a good idea to bring a powerboard with multiple sockets if you have many devices.

HAIRDRYERS

There is a hairdryer available within every cabin.

COMPUTERS

There is a dedicated media room and library onboard with computers that you may use to download your images.

SPECIAL MEAL REQUESTS

If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know when you fill out your personal details form. This will enable our chefs to prepare delicious meals that are suitable for your needs.

SMOKING

No smoking is allowed across all of the interior of the ship.

CAN I FLY A DRONE IN ANTARCTICA?

The short answer is no. All recreational drone or UAV use is not allowed under the Antarctic Treaty System and IAATO. This is to protect the unique and native wildlife that inhabits this fragile part of the world.

WHAT IF I GET SEASICK?

Whether or not you get seasick will depend a lot upon your own body. In our experience, although a small number of people may feel seasick at the beginning of the journey, they will feel a lot better after a few days out at sea.

It's a good idea to consult with your doctor prior to travel. They can provide you with relevant advice and medication such as motion sickness tablets if required. There will also be a doctor onboard our ship who can assist you in the event of seasickness.

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

To ensure a smooth journey, please ensure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport after the date of your return. You will also need to have at least two blank pages in your passport for exit and entry stamps. If your passport is damaged in any way, then it may be refused as a legal document.

CHILE VISA REQUIREMENTS

You will be required to show your passport upon entry to Chile. Some nationalities do not require a visa to enter Chile. There are also some nationalities which are required to pay a reciprocity tax in cash when clearing the Chilean customs point.

At the time of publication, travellers who DO NOT require a visa to enter Chile include: Citizens of South America, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

The travellers who ARE REQUIRED to pay a one-off reciprocity tax include: Australians (US$117), Canadians (US$132). *Prices are subject to change.

The reciprocity fee is paid upon arrival to Santiago airport at the dedicated Immigration Boxes. It is a multi-entry fee, meaning that you will be able to travel between Chile and other countries for the duration of its validity. The expiry date of the reciprocity fee is one year after purchase.

Please check with your local Chilean embassy for visa requirements before you travel.

ARGENTINA VISA REQUIREMENTS

You will be required to show your passport upon entry to Argentina.

Citizens of Australia, the United Kingdom, European Union, New Zealand, the United States and Canada are not required to pay the reciprocity tax prior to arrival into Argentina.

Please check with your local Argentinean embassy for visa requirements before you travel.

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, 2020.

Final balance will be due by August 16, 2020

We strongly recommend you to get Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance after booking your trip. If you cancel the trip 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 January 2021 – Guided by Daniel Kordan, Raymond Hoffman Siggi