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.
Nice shot Patrick, the 8blade diaphragm on the 24-105 handled the sun really well (surprised). Mark says you guys had a really good trip, wish I could have come along…
Nice Patrick. I remember on the trip a year ago, when we had a last-minute, unplanned itinerary deviation that took us to Booth Island, that we did a similar late landing or zodiac excursion and had some great light, just as in your photo (perhaps our only/best late light of the trip). I wonder if Booth Island was added as a planned destination in light of the success we had there last year (pun intended). We also had a great encounter with a pod of orcas on the way there. I look forward to your further posts from the trip, and repeat that I wish I could have been there. 🙂
Randy, Yes, surprised as well. That lens does not handle flare well. Overall the trip was great.
Mark, This was a different part of Booth Island, Hugh had visited there on previous trips. It is a great spot, I think perhaps my favorite due to the angle of the light that falls on the area.