South Georgia Photosafari (I)

It’s been a week since we arrived in Port Stanley for our month long trip onboard Vinson of Antarctica to South Georgia. The boat was immaculately prepared and ready to leave the moment we arrived, but I know from experience that behind that there has been a lot of preparation time by the three crew, who make it look easy.

The first 24 hours was unusually calm and sunny with blue skies.  I made the most of the conditions photographing the Albatross’s soaring around the boat.  I really like the pictures when the wings are vertical but the head and eyes horizontal, I also tried using very long shutter speeds to show the speed and grace of Albatross flying, it takes time and patients but thats what photographers do.

Its around 800 miles from Port Stanley to SG and we got into the watch routine, the 3 permanent crew doing 4 on 8 off, and us “guests” doing 3 on 6 off and trying to be helpful and not get in the way!  The days pass quickly and the sighting of South Georgia with icebergs and a couple of whales spouting was a high point, the atmosphere onboard went up a notch.

Anchored in Right Whale Bay the snow covered mountains all around are dramatic and teaming with wildlife.  Ashore over a couple of days the hikers and photographers split up, both doing what they do.  I spent a lot of time watching the King Penguins coming ashore but you have to be careful as the beach is coved with Elephant and Fur Seals.  The Fur Seals are very protective of their spot and are quiet intimidating to start with, but you get used to their behaviour. Its good to have someone watching your back when absorbed in the moment taking pictures so we took turns photographing and keeping a Fur Seal watch all around.

The pictures are as I imagined, wide shots showing the enormity of the colony and long telephoto pictures of individuals or clusters coming ashore.  Its the detail in the water and the beautiful colours of the King Penguin that intrigued me.

We have another two weeks here before we have to start thinking of the upwind return journey so we will park those thoughts for now and enjoy the moment being in one of the best and remotest wildlife areas in the world. – Rick Tomlinson.

Rick Tomlinson

Yachting Photographer