Icebergs, Port Charcot, Antarctic Peninsula, 11:15pm. Canon 5D Mark III, 24-105mm f/4L IS (40mm), 1/800 @ f/10, ISO 200.
As a long time Alaska resident, I’ve spent a lot of time around glaciers and icebergs. Antarctica however, is Alaska on steroids plus a little more. The size and quantity of icebergs seem unending, and beautiful. I took this photo about two weeks ago, at 11:15 p.m., along the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula in a location know as Port Charcot, off Booth Island. That late evening, the passengers made both a shore landing and went exploring the ice choked waters in small inflatable boats. It was a magical night that began to glow with a warm color pallet as the sun neared the horizon. In spite of the late hour, many wanted to stay on shore and continue to enjoy this amazing evening, including myself But….sleep was elusive for most of that journey, and there comes a time when the mind must close down for the sake of the body. I spent most of the night driving inflatable boats, but hopped on shore for just ten minutes at the close of the night. When I ascended the first small hill, this is what I saw!
I used the 24-105mm often in Antarctica, for two reasons mainly. One, it is a very versatile range, and I tend to prefer the open contextual space of a wider angle, than zooming in tight all the time. And two, as staff I simply did not have the time to dedicate to more calculated work with other lenses. I would have enjoyed having the Nikkor 14-24mm, but left it at home due to weight and simplicity.
