![\"Travellers](\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_893,h_600\/https:\/\/blog.swoop-adventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/49203118847_6943c65019_k-893x600.jpg\")
So, to help you plan your adventure, I\u2019ll discuss the best time to visit Antarctica from a photographer\u2019s perspective and a few of my top tips for when you\u2019re there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When is the best time for a photographer to visit Antarctica?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs a photographer, deciding when to travel to Antarctica<\/a> is the most important question. The Antarctic tourist season runs from November through to March and choosing which month you travel will have a big impact on your shots. Do you travel in high summer when the weather is warmest? Or, do you travel in the shoulder months when sunsets and sunrises last hours?<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs almost all photographers will tell you, the golden hour is the ultimate time to shoot landscapes and wildlife. November<\/a> and March<\/a> offer the best sunsets because the sun still sinks well below the horizon for a number of hours each day, creating some mesmerizing colours in the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_800,h_600\/https:\/\/blog.swoop-adventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ant-sunset-800x600.jpg\")
A glorious orange sunset over the Antarctic Peninsula casts reflections onto the water<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMarch is also the best time for whale watching. By this time of the season, the whales have gorged themselves on krill and are much more curious towards zodiacs and kayakers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo, surely the shoulder months are the best time for a photographer to visit Antarctica? Well, not necessarily. The shoulder months are also the most erratic when it comes to weather. My last trip to Antarctica was in November and we experienced pure sun for seven days straight. However, a colleague of mine sailed to Antarctica the November before me and didn\u2019t see the sun once. The shoulder months are very hit and miss which is definitely something to consider prior to booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also worth noting that daily shore landings are generally not operated during golden hour. When the sun is setting you\u2019ll be on board your ship which will limit your photography<\/a> choices, especially wildlife photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_800,h_600\/https:\/\/blog.swoop-adventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ANT-sun-800x600.jpg\")
The golden hour in Antarctica, a photographer\u2019s dream, taken from on board the ship<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe high summer period from December to mid-February provides warmer and more stable weather<\/a>. Although the weather is never guaranteed in Antarctica, you would be very unlucky not to get some nice days during your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBetter weather means more photography opportunities throughout the day. For wildlife lovers, in particular, the high summer period is when penguin rookeries are at their maximum capacity and seal sightings are common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Female](\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_900,h_600\/https:\/\/blog.swoop-adventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/49202914396_06ef033b5d_k-900x600.jpg\")
Female elephant seals lazing on an Antarctic Peninsula beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMore extensive itineraries such as crossing the Antarctic Circle<\/a> open up during this period, giving photographers the option of taking longer cruises and visiting more remote regions such as the Weddell Sea where you may spot emperor penguins.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn general, I would advise that landscape photographers travel towards the start of the season when sunsets can be incredible and the icebergs haven\u2019t yet melted. However, for wildlife photographers, the high summer period sees more action and warmer weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best itinerary for photography<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe best Antarctic itinerary for photography is simply the voyage that gives you the longest time on the continent. This generally means itineraries that include South Georgia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSouth Georgia is a wildlife haven and should not be missed if you\u2019re a wildlife photographer. Hundreds of thousands of king penguins and elephant seals line the beaches of this remote island and provide endless photographic opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_800,h_600\/https:\/\/blog.swoop-adventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1201-800x600.jpeg\")
Being spoiled for choice for penguin shots on South Georgia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe island itself is also incredibly dramatic looking and landscape photographers will love the towering cliffs and long white beaches. Yes, it does mean a few more days at sea and a more expensive ticket price, but it is most definitely worth it if you\u2019re serious about photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As mentioned above, there is also the option to take a Weddell Sea cruise<\/a> to try your luck at spotting emperor penguins. It is not always guaranteed, but the remote region is worth the effort anyway. For travellers who like to photograph historic sites then a voyage down the east side of Antarctica is another great option.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChoosing the right lens<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Photographing](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/54163153621_04ae25589a_k-855x418.jpg\")
Photographing a fur seal on an ice floe in Antarctica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe wildlife is neither shy nor scared of humans in Antarctica, and in many cases are actively curious. This behaviour makes Antarctica ideal for wide-angle photography. Wide-angle lenses incorporate both the wildlife and amazing landscape in a single frame, which makes for some cracking photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want those close up portrait shots of penguins then you should definitely bring a telephoto lens, but you still won\u2019t require anything over 200mm. The only time long telephoto lenses are useful is when you spot whales<\/a> swimming in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCoping with cold weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt goes without saying that Antarctica is a cold environment. I noticed very soon after arriving how quickly my batteries died and I regretted not bringing more. I also kept the charged batteries close to my skin during the day to stop them from leaking power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would also suggest bringing air-tight bags or dry bags for the zodiac trips<\/a>. The sea was often choppy when we were in the zodiacs and we would frequently get a douse of seaspray over us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sp-ao.shortpixel.ai\/client\/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_800,h_600\/https:\/\/blog.swoop-adventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/JN_3_JN_ALL_photograph_ice_antarctica-800x600.jpeg\")
Getting the best angle on an iceberg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDo I need to bring a tripod?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As almost all photographers will tell you, the golden hour is the ultimate time to shoot landscapes and wildlife. November<\/a> and March<\/a> offer the best sunsets because the sun still sinks well below the horizon for a number of hours each day, creating some mesmerizing colours in the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n March is also the best time for whale watching. By this time of the season, the whales have gorged themselves on krill and are much more curious towards zodiacs and kayakers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, surely the shoulder months are the best time for a photographer to visit Antarctica? Well, not necessarily. The shoulder months are also the most erratic when it comes to weather. My last trip to Antarctica was in November and we experienced pure sun for seven days straight. However, a colleague of mine sailed to Antarctica the November before me and didn\u2019t see the sun once. The shoulder months are very hit and miss which is definitely something to consider prior to booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also worth noting that daily shore landings are generally not operated during golden hour. When the sun is setting you\u2019ll be on board your ship which will limit your photography<\/a> choices, especially wildlife photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The high summer period from December to mid-February provides warmer and more stable weather<\/a>. Although the weather is never guaranteed in Antarctica, you would be very unlucky not to get some nice days during your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Better weather means more photography opportunities throughout the day. For wildlife lovers, in particular, the high summer period is when penguin rookeries are at their maximum capacity and seal sightings are common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More extensive itineraries such as crossing the Antarctic Circle<\/a> open up during this period, giving photographers the option of taking longer cruises and visiting more remote regions such as the Weddell Sea where you may spot emperor penguins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, I would advise that landscape photographers travel towards the start of the season when sunsets can be incredible and the icebergs haven\u2019t yet melted. However, for wildlife photographers, the high summer period sees more action and warmer weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best Antarctic itinerary for photography is simply the voyage that gives you the longest time on the continent. This generally means itineraries that include South Georgia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South Georgia is a wildlife haven and should not be missed if you\u2019re a wildlife photographer. Hundreds of thousands of king penguins and elephant seals line the beaches of this remote island and provide endless photographic opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The island itself is also incredibly dramatic looking and landscape photographers will love the towering cliffs and long white beaches. Yes, it does mean a few more days at sea and a more expensive ticket price, but it is most definitely worth it if you\u2019re serious about photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned above, there is also the option to take a Weddell Sea cruise<\/a> to try your luck at spotting emperor penguins. It is not always guaranteed, but the remote region is worth the effort anyway. For travellers who like to photograph historic sites then a voyage down the east side of Antarctica is another great option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wildlife is neither shy nor scared of humans in Antarctica, and in many cases are actively curious. This behaviour makes Antarctica ideal for wide-angle photography. Wide-angle lenses incorporate both the wildlife and amazing landscape in a single frame, which makes for some cracking photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want those close up portrait shots of penguins then you should definitely bring a telephoto lens, but you still won\u2019t require anything over 200mm. The only time long telephoto lenses are useful is when you spot whales<\/a> swimming in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It goes without saying that Antarctica is a cold environment. I noticed very soon after arriving how quickly my batteries died and I regretted not bringing more. I also kept the charged batteries close to my skin during the day to stop them from leaking power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I would also suggest bringing air-tight bags or dry bags for the zodiac trips<\/a>. The sea was often choppy when we were in the zodiacs and we would frequently get a douse of seaspray over us.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest itinerary for photography<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choosing the right lens<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Coping with cold weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do I need to bring a tripod?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/54209951846_6b9415920d_c.jpg\")