An expedition cruise to the world’s polar realms offers the chance to take photographs, the like of which you will have never thought possible. From blue-hued tabular icebergs to sunset-burnished mountain peaks, there will be riotous penguin colonies and large-eyed Weddell seals in the Antarctic and lumbering polar bears and belching walruses in the Arctic that will fill up your memory card before you can say trip-of-a-lifetime.;
What photography equipment should I bring on a polar expedition cruise?
Whether you shoot like a professional, and have the gear to match, or are travelling light with mobile phone or tablet, being prepared is everything, and there will be an on-board expert to help with understanding your camera and improving skills.
Having enough memory space is vital, so travel with a storage device or extra cards. Batteries wear down quickly in the cold - have backups or a waterproof pouch to pop your phone into a warm, inside pocket. Download your camera manual and try to understand its basic controls before you travel. It is also a good idea to have a telephoto zoom lens for wildlife', though many people taking their first big trip might want to consider renting (before you leave home) rather than investing in a high-quality DSLR lens, or simply adding a clip-on zoom to their mobile phone.
The beauty of a polar expedition is that some of the best images are taken by those who are in the right place at the right time, always observing and ready for the next pristine landscape to heave into view. You don’t have to wait for an excursion to begin photographing.
They say the best camera is the one you have with you, so even using a phone while standing alongside the ship’s photographer might capture that moment that will stay in your memory banks forever! Grab an early coffee and head out on deck for sunrise. Or watch as the icebergs appear, the colours and textures gently transforming as the ship slowly glides by. As humpback whales fluke next to the ship at dusk, breaking the silvery calm of the ocean surface, you’ll find you’ve almost forgotten there is an exceptional restaurant waiting to serve you dinner. Almost.