Antarctic Peninsula

[trhull]

In January I will be taking a ten day trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, and wonder if any Apugers can help me prepare. My interest is more in B&W to date, but wonder if this isn't really more of a color trip. I understand the exposure problem on bright white subjects in B&W , but am more interested in color balance, types of film, and any other advice is welcome. Thank you.

 

[Gerald Koch]

I don't know just how cold it gets in Antartica during the "summer". However, there is mention of having cameras winterized for use under extremely cold conditions. This consists of having all lubrication removed from cameras and lenses since the lubricants will harden at low temperatures.

 

[BWGirl]

Well, I have absolutely no advice for you, but I have to tell you that I am totally envious!
That sounds like a wonderful trip! It is part of a dream trip of ours! I love shooting snow in b&w... I would take a couple cameras... one loaded with color & one with b&w... don't leave it home just cause it may be bright... and PLEASE post photos when you return!

 

[roteague]

I think you are right, it probably is more of a color trip. I would suggest Provia F100; it is more neutral in color balance then Velvia - I've never shot Velvia under snowy conditions, but suspect it might have a slightly off color balance to the whites, which you would avoid with Provia.

 

[David]

YOu might want to check out Frank Hurley's work from 1914. There are a number of references and books.

or this...http://www.kodak.com/US/en/corp/features/endurance/

 

[Richard Wasserman]

This should be a great trip, I'm envious! If I was going, I'd shoot black and white, but of course that is what I use everywhere. Have you seen Josef Hoflehner's book "Frozen History"? He and his wife photographed Scott and Shackelton's huts that are still standing along with their contents-very nice work. How much wind do you expect?

Richard

 

[David]

this too...http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica fact file/History/Ernest_Shackleton_pictures.htm

 

[colivet]

In January I will be taking a ten day trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, and wonder if any Apugers can help me prepare. My interest is more in B&W to date, but wonder if this isn't really more of a color trip. I understand the exposure problem on bright white subjects in B&W , but am more interested in color balance, types of film, and any other advice is welcome. Thank you.

Wow! Great for you! I am planing to make a trip to Antarctica myself, probably next summer. I can't think of a more beautiful place to visit. I hope you have already read the whole Lonely Planet guide. It is really packed with a lot of information and history and lots of anecdotes and side notes.
Take two cameras, one for black and white and another dedicated to color. Fort color film I would take a supersaturated Velvia for those incredibly overcast days with not a sinbgle shadow, and a soft film for the sunny days. Sunny in Antarctica must be exdtremely contrasty.

Please check this website it should be inspiring and informative. http://www.joanmyers.com/Ant.htm

Good luck and get back to us with fine photographs!


Christian

 

[roteague]

Wow! Great for you! I am planing to make a trip to Antarctica myself, probably next summer.

Christian,

Don't forget, summer here is winter there!! Can you even get there at that time of year?

 

[colivet]

Christian,

Don't forget, summer here is winter there!! Can you even get there at that time of year?

Yes, I know well because I grew up in Argentina where Christmas are snowless.
I don't think you can get there in winter because the Ice will block you and you will have to perform an Ernest Shackleton feat to get out of there alive.

It does get much colder there than it does here in Hawaii!

 

[roteague]

Yes, I know well because I grew up in Argentina where Christmas are snowless.

Really!! I've always wanted to visit that part of the world. I guess the next time I'm on Maui I will have to look you up.

BTW, it looks like we are in for a nasty storm this weekend. Hurricane Jova is supposed to get close to the Big Island by Friday. Button up over there!!

 

[trhull]

Color Film

Anyone shoot transparencies in overcast winter weather? If so what film do you use? Colivet-any photo suggestions in the immediate Ushuaia area?

Thanks to all who responded.

 

[colivet]

Anyone shoot transparencies in overcast winter weather? If so what film do you use? Colivet-any photo suggestions in the immediate Ushuaia area?

Thanks to all who responded.

Well, saturated films like Fuji Velvia 50 will bring more intense colors in overcast days. I don't shoot much color but my intuition tells me that is a good combo. The only problem is that low ASA on a very overcast day may require a tripod.
There is a national park at the bottom of the island of Tierra del Fuego, sorry can't remember the name but it is quite interesting. The city of Ushuaia is quite photogenic too. I have only been there for a day so I did not do a lot of shooting but I know you'll feel compelled to make photographs. The city which is very small has an end of the world feeling to it.

Have a great trip.

 

[colivet]

In January I will be taking a ten day trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, and wonder if any Apugers can help me prepare. My interest is more in B&W to date, but wonder if this isn't really more of a color trip. I understand the exposure problem on bright white subjects in B&W , but am more interested in color balance, types of film, and any other advice is welcome. Thank you.

Well, it's been a while and you should be back by now. I am interested in hearing your experience in Antarctica and how it went with your shooting.

Christian