With Michael Snedic

27th January – 10th February 2019

map

On this 15-day photographic adventure we will explore the wildlife paradises of South Georgia before visiting the amazing Antarctic Peninsula.

We will have a maximum of 9 photographers on this expedition, being led by professional nature photographer and tutor, Michael Snedic. Photographers of all experience levels are welcome. Michael will be guiding you and supporting your photography during the expedition. Not just in taking photographs in the field, but also in reviewing and critiquing your photos along the way.

Michael in South Georgia with his photo expedition participants – December 2017

Contact Michael Snedic directly
on +61 408 941 965

Testimonial

“Mere words cannot express the grandeur, colour and spectacular scenery found in South Georgia . From the moment you set foot on Salisbury plain the wondrous sight of literally thousands of colourful, inquisitive, cute king penguins who actually greet you time stands still as your senses and you fall in love with these magnificent, playful creatures. Our trip to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands is a lifetime highlight. Quark a highly ethical and responsible tour operator arranged an outstanding trip to this untouched bottom of the globe! At all times passenger safety was a priority. Every opportunity was given for us to experience this pristine, wondrous environment…..whether it was from the ship, by zodiac or on land.

Our trip to this region was a Photographic Expedition led by Michael Snedic, owner of WildNature Photo Expeditions. Michael is an outstanding, enthusiastic tutor. We had regular meeting times to discuss techniques, composition and editing. I particularly enjoyed the group photographic critique sessions. As someone new to photography I felt Michael imparted his vast knowledge and patient teaching to me so as to ensure I could get the best shots possible.

Thanks Michael for a wonderful, wonderful holiday and for your excellent tuition!!”

Greg and Robyn Jacobs

Greg and Robyn Jacobs. Killarney Heights, Sydney, Australia

Adelie Penguin Antarctica

King Penguin pair South Georgia

From Peregrine Adventures:

‘Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the remote shores of the Antarctic. Begin in Ushuaia and travel by comfortable expedition ship. Experience this rugged location in comfort and style as you learn about the area's history and wildlife, keeping your camera ready for any number of incredible photo opportunities. Visit South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries, take shore landings in Antarctica and spot multiple species of seals and whales along the way’. 

Sunset in Antarctica © Michael Snedic

  • Stand upon beaches teeming with thousands of king penguins in some of the largest rookeries in the world
  • Visit abandoned whaling stations and the resting place of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton in the remote outpost of South Georgia
  • Take a refreshing 'polar plunge' in the icy sea and experience the ultimate in Antarctic weather
  • Optional activities such as sea kayaking among seals and icebergs can take your adventure to the next level. Book early, as these sell out fast
  • See abundant species of whales, seabirds, seals and penguins on regular Zodiac excursions along the plunging coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula

Peter photographing in South Georgia

Your 
Experienced Photography 
Leader – Michael Snedic

On this expedition you will have access every day to professional nature photographer and instructor, Michael Snedic. He will be there to help you photograph the stunning scenery and wildlife we will encounter. He will be conducting a series of classes throughout the voyage, as well as being on-hand throughout the outings. As a full-time professional, Michael is an accredited member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP). As well as being experienced an photographer, he is an experienced photographic tutor, with 15 years experience presenting photography expeditions and adventures across the globe.

He is also a widely-published photographer and writer. Michael’s photography articles and images have featured in numerous publications in Australia and across the world, and he has been a feature writer for Australia’s largest-selling photography magazine ‘Australian Photography’, since 2006.

Michael is also an Australian Ambassador for Lowepro, LensCoat and the Nature Conservancy Australia. Michael loves sharing his photographic knowledge and passion with workshop participants, helping them improve their photographic skills.

Nature Conservancy

Photo Competition Ambassador 2015, 2016 and 2017

LensCoat

Australian Ambassador

Itinerary:

Our itineraries are always subject to weather conditions, but the basic plan is as follows:

Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia

This morning, enjoy free time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier. Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon. The ship makes its way into the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. The channel takes its name from the HMS Beagle, which transported Charles Darwin through the region on his around-the-world voyage in 1833. Keep an eye out for various species of bird from the deck.

Days 2-4: At Sea

Your first days at sea will include plenty of time to relax, get to know your fellow shipmates and learn about the shore landings and Zodiac excursions that await you. Your expedition team will begin their educational lecture programme, teaching you about seabirds, penguins and the history of South Georgia. These few days also offer an opportunity to get comfortable with the motion of the sea.

Close Penguin Encounter - Antarctica © Michael Snedic

Days 5-7 – South Georgia

On approaching South Georgia, have your camera ready to capture shags, prions and albatross in the water around you. Make your first potential landing in a protected bay of the island, which is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife. The island’s king penguin rookeries are the world’s largest, with populations sometimes numbering into the hundreds of thousands. South Georgia is scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries past. Visit old whaling stations, including the settlement of Grytviken, which is home to the remains of the famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Please note that each landing is determined by weather conditions.

Icebergs - Antarctica © Michael Snedic

Days 8 – 9: At Sea

Antarctica awaits. While at sea, enjoy free time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Attend presentations by experts on the history and geology of the continent, and learn tips on how to identify different species of wildlife.

Close seal experience in Antarctica

Days 8-11 – South Georgia

South Georgia is a wildlife haven, as the breeding site for animals from all over the Southern Ocean. King and Gentoo Penguins, nesting albatrosses, as well as fur seals and the huge Southern Elephant Seals are all examples which we will be meeting on land, with multiple landings per day. More than half of the world’s Elephant Seals breed here, along with more than 100,000 King Penguins.

As well as its amazing wildlife, there’s a lot of human history on the island, including the remnants of sealing and whaling industries. Visiting the grave of the explorer Sir Ernest Shackelton at Grytviken is a highlight for many people.

Gentoo Penguins © Michael Snedic

Days 10-14: Antarctic Peninsula

Enter another world as your ship approaches the mainland of the white continent. Weather permitting, make several excursions and Zodiak landings over the next few days. These could include glacier hikes, visits to research bases or opportunities to encounter seals and penguins. You may be lucky enough to catch sight of a leopard seal during its hunt for food, or meet a curious minke whale while out on a Zodiac cruise. You may also like to take part in the sea kayaking adventure option (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or awaken your senses with a polar plunge into the sea.

South Georgia

Day 15 – Disembark in Ushuaia

Health and Fitness

Anyone in normal good health can join us on this adventure. There are no special tness requirements, although we will be often climbing into and out of the in atable Zodiac boats, and walking on shore.

The ship has a doctor and basic medical facilities on board. If you have specific health concerns or dietary requirements these should be discussed with our booking sta .

Greg and Hazel South Georgia_2017

Our Ship

The Ocean Endeavour is a great expedition ship, with plenty of vantage points for scenic and wildlife photography from all around the ship. Along with our group the voyage will also have non-photographer passengers and while we will be mingling with them and sharing the ship and the general Antarctic experience, the photographic advice/instruction will be for our group.

On Zodiac outings we usually operate as a group with our own boat, where Michael will always be with you to provide photographic guidance. We work closely with the Quark expedition team throughout (and before) the voyage to optimise operations on both sides to help everyone.

The ship is quite spacious, and is very well appointed. You won’t be roughing it!

Deck plan

Regular Price:

Cabin Cost
Triple: $14,100
Inside Single: $24,100
Twin Porthole: $20,300
Twin Window: $21,100
Upper Decks: $21,900
Twin Porthole Suites: $22,700
Superiors: $23,500
Top Deck Double: $24,400
Twin Window Suites: $25,300
Junior Suite: $26,200
Owner’s Suite: $27,200

These prices are in AU dollars per person. A 20% deposit is required to secure your place.

Prices

The trip is being put together with our partners at Peregrine Expeditions, and they take care of the bookings and travel arrangements for us, while we run the photography program. The ship has a wide variety of cabin classes, and your choice of berth type directly impacts the price of your ticket.

A $500 discount is available for non-photographer partners.

When you book a single berth in a twin cabin, we do try to allocate cabins so you share with another member of our photography group.

Peregrine

Inclusions

  • Photography tuition throughout the expedition.
  • Hotel accommodation in Ushuaia on day 1.
  • Shipboard accommodation.
  • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners onboard.
    Coffee, tea, cocoa available around the clock.
  • All ship-based excursions.
  • Pre- and post-departure materials.

Exclusions

  • Airfares and other travel expenses to/from Ushuaia.
  • Passport/visa expenses.
  • Personal/travel insurance coverage.
    Peregrine will discuss with you the required insurance coverage (due to the remoteness of our destination).
  • Onboard bar, laundry, and telecommunications charges. Limited internet access is usually available onboard.

Gentoo Pengion with chick - Antarctica © Michael Snedic

How to book

To reserve your place, or just to ask more questions about the workshop, please contact Michael Snedic either via his Contact Form or by calling +61 408 941 965.

Antarctica Photo Expedition 2017

Would you like a FREE copy of my new Ebook?

Download Button

ebook_The Art of Wildlife Photography by Michael Snedic

You have Successfully Subscribed!