It was tempting to just take photos constantly on our Antarctica trip. Especially during zodiac cruises, surrounded by ice. And while those who were around me certainly thought I was constantly taking photos, I wasn’t! To make images that are more than just snapshots, you have to think about composition, and the stories your photographs tell.

So I spent a lot of time watching as scenes unfolded around me, picking out when all the elements would come together to make the image sing. On a moving zodiac, it’s difficult as things quickly pass you by! You have to be very aware of your surroundings, and try not to miss that perfect moment.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t have your camera set on continuous high speed (mine lives on that setting), or that you should only fire off one frame when something interesting happens. Taking multiple photos will generally ensure that you don’t miss the one you were aiming for by a fraction of a second.  It’s more about anticipating the best possible image you can make, preparing for it, and then making it.

Zodiac cruising is also great for getting up close to whales, seals, and swimming penguins (but not too close). There are rules about how close you are allowed to approach, but the animals in question often don’t abide by these, and if they’re interested in you, they’ll come and have a look. But that’s a story for another post!