I invite you to join our unique expedition on “Bark Europa” to Antarctica. The itinerary and timing will be planned the most suitable way for photographers. We will chase the best light, catch opportunities to observe wildlife and of course, use our beautiful Bark Europa as a perfect model among the beauty of Antarctica!
The number of people is limited – only around 40 photographers for this beautiful expedition, 2 professional photography guides involved. The schedule of the trip is the same as for photo tour. We work with our material at best light and make lectures on photography and wildlife. We also welcome couples and people who’d like to see the best light in Antarctica, but photographers of all levels are very welcome. It is not a classical workshop, that means we are unable to make very personal attention to everyone, but our goal is to make itinerary and timing best suitable for photographers, and help/assist you with your photography on board.
Antarctica photography expedition
Some people become interested in the North and South Pole after reading about the voyages of Willem Barentz and Shackleton. Others are more fascinated by the rich wildlife or the beauty of the unspoilt natural environment.Antarctica is one of the oldest continents on our planet, but man has always been unable to live here because of its extremely cold climate. It is the last great wilderness on Earth. A couple of thousand researchers spend the southern summer living in several research stations. During the southern winter, that number dwindles to less than 1,000. When winter grips this great, white desert, tourist activity is no longer possible.
Expeditions in Antarctic waters
The photography expedition start in Argentina in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South America, located alongside the Beagle Channel. From here, the ship must cross ‘the Drake Passage’, renowned by sailors the world over. Albatrosses and petrels will accompany the EUROPA on her way to the Antarctic paradise. After passing the Antarctic Convergence Zone, the ship sails between the icebergs to the South Shetland Islands. The wildlife is overwhelming: seals, sea-gulls, cormorants and petrels use the Antarctic summer to raise their young. In the Antarctic waters, the EUROPA will anchor in sheltered bays practically every day. The crew will take groups ashore in the dinghies to see glaciers, mosses and lichens, seals, birds and penguin rookeries. Ashore, visitors will often be welcomed by different kinds of penguins, such as the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins. Our experienced nature and photography guides will give you information about the flora and fauna and will also tell you where to find bird and sea elephant colonies. The ship will sail further south. We expect the most loyal visitors of the Southern Ocean: enormous Humpback whales; Minke whales and even Orcas or Killer whales may well come close to us, curious to see who ventures into their waters. Ice masses will get bigger closer to the mainland. Steep glaciers, walls of ice with magical shapes and surreal colours will surround the EUROPA.
Guides on board
During the Antarctica photography expedition there will be nature guide and photography on board the Bark EUROPA. He/she knows the area we will be visiting very well. The guide gives lectures on board the ship about the flora and fauna we will encounter, prepares you for the landings on shore and will guide you on the shore walks. Photography guides (Daniel and the second guide) will make lectures on photography, and adjust the itinerary the way we can catch the most amazing light. We will also make sessions with Bark Europa sails on – among icebergs and packed ice, surrounded by beautiful Antarctica landscapes. This is also a big difference between ordinary Bark Europa cruises because we adjusted it for photographers.
Antarctic adventure
These voyage details are based on experiences from previous expeditions of the EUROPA to Antarctica. In putting together this year’s itinerary we have included the most impressive places we have visited in the past. Plus this particular voyage for photographers has a different timing: we shoot sunsets/sunrises and Bark Europa with beautiful white sails.
However this description is an example of what the voyage may look like. It is important to realize that our day-to-day activities will depend on several circumstances. A change in the rules and regulations for visiting Antarctica might limit the visit to a specific site. Bark EUROPA is a member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctice Touroperators), which promotes and practices safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. Of course our route will depend on wind, weather and ice. This is the true Antarctic experience!
Detailed itinerary
For a more detailed itinerary of this trip, please download the brochure of this season’s voyage. Although the dates are different from your voyage this gives you a good idea on what to expect from an Antarctic expedition on board Europa. Please note that for this photography trip we will plan each day the way we will catch the best photography opportunities.
Embarkation:
7 Feb 2018, 5PM in Ushuaia
Disembarkation:
28 Feb 2018, 9AM in Ushuaia
Voyage fare
€ 8240,- p.p. in a 4/5 persons cabin
€ 9480,- p.p. in a 2 persons cabin (can be booked by a couple, if you are traveling alone we can consider your preference for a 2 persons cabin and possibly match you with someone else who is interested, subject to availability)
Included in the price:
– all meals on board
– all workshops on board by our professional guides regarding Antarctica, wildlife and photography
– several landings in zodiacs in Antarctica
Not included in the price:
– flight and travel to and from the ship
– drinks in the bar on board
– travel insurance
– all needed gear
– photo equipment
What is important for people who want to join:
– you need to be fit enough (your health statement will be checked by our captain and team of doctors before we can confirm the booking)
– you will be part of the voyage crew, meaning you will be assigned to our watch system and helping out with sailing the ship (during the drake passage the ship will be sailing 24/7). During the photography sessions in Antarctica we will construct the itinerary the way you will not miss the best light.
What to bring
Gear:
– DSLR camera with tripod and remote shutter release
– A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 17-40. Best lens for use in wide-angle scenes or architecture photography
– A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70 mm
– A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200 mm. 300 mm with 1.5 TC or 500 mm, 600 mm are recommended for wildlife and bird photography. Be sure to have additional tripod mount to this lens.
Wear:
– Waterproof and windproof jacket (consider the average temperature +5 – +10 C at nights and +8 – +15 C during the daytime)
– Waterproof pants
– Warm jacket and thermal pants
– Wellingtons or fishing boots
The full list will be sent by mail to participants.
Tour leaders
Daniel Kordan
Daniel was born in Moscow area. In his childhood he graduated the art school. After that, he is studied in Moscow institute of Physics and Technology and became an optics physicist. During the study he gain experience not only in physics, but also in mountain climbing and hiking, guiding tourist groups in winter and in summer in Russian mountains. Right after graduation he became a guide of photo-workshops and chief editor of “Continent expedition” magazine. This magazine is about travel and adventures all over the world. He has got 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 and others. He is spending most of his time in Norway, Lofoten islands and in Tuscany at villa Gaia, guiding groups of photographers.
