Antarctica has always been my dream… it’s the one on the bucket list that you feel it may never happen and when it does you hope the reality it as good as the dream. It was!! I have been on photo workshops with Michael before (macro, bird, whale watching), and by chance saw the Antarctica January 2016 trip listed. I contacted Michael and the gods were on my side, I fluked a cancellation spot. During the planning both Michael and David Burren were very helpful. Prior to leaving Australia I was emailed information regarding clothes and useful camera equipment hints. This information was a great help given the zero summer temperatures in Antarctica and the unknown locations. Remember Penguins don’t go shopping, so no shops means you need to take all your equipment with you. The biggest hint is a wet weather camera bag for travelling off ship.
On board the ship Ocean Diamond, Michael and David conducted workshops and the group were encouraged and made to feel we could ask any question. The twice daily Zodiac trips off the ship were made easier when Michael and David organised with the ship staff to get the best for the group. When in Antarctica you are in awe of the pristine scenery, the peace, and each day is different because you are subject to the weather. The Captain and crew are wonderful at trying to give you the best locations to maximise the most of what Antarctica has to offer. Even with ice blocking the ships intended route an alternate route found us in amazing scenery. We were even lucky with falling snow, which added to the photographs even though you got wet, spectacular icebergs, ice capped mountains, amazing wildlife, birds, penguins and humpback whales. So go on… talk to Michael and plan your photographic trip.
Diane Cowley – Brisbane.Queensland
