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WIL D ANTARC TIC A THE FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA WITH DAVID YARROW, OCTOBER 2020

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Cover image: 58 Degrees by David Yarrow David’s limited-edition photographic prints are available to buy. Prices range depending on size and edition sales and start at £10,000. Visit davidyarrow.photography for details.

WITH NATURAL WORLD SAFARIS & DAVID YARROW

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WILD ANTARCTICA Right place, right time

COVER STORY: 58 DEGREES BY DAVID YARROW

Introducing our exciting Wild Antarctica expedition with David Yarrow, departing October 2020.

South Georgia is raw and exposed. The mountains rise like Jurassic Park from the most intimidating of seas. There is a palpable feeling of life on the edge.

Antarctica is incomparable; a remote wilderness shaped by the elements. This vast frozen continent is still largely untouched by humans and remains the domain of wildlife; no other place on the planet contains the sheer density of species found here.

Meanwhile the wind on the island is often its most defining characteristic. Wind is not easy to convey in a photograph but it’s a challenge that needs to be taken on if a true sense of place is going to be portrayed in a single still image.

It’s tough to do a good job in capturing the enormity of it all, the wind, the sense of a final frontier. This was my best chance as these magnificent king penguins offered scale and perspective and they were in a perfect spot. But shooting in high and violent seas from a zodiac in limited light is as tough as it gets. Forget autofocus and really forget almost everything else.

You just hope that one shot comes out. I don’t think there was much skill involved, just an appetite to get soaking wet and very cold.

Image taken November 2018 on expedition with Natural World Safaris

We put a lot of thought into crafting our own trip here; we plan to visit the best and wildest locations in the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean. We’ve secured what we believe to be the best ship for the journey (and trust us, we’ve travelled on many) as well as a handpicked team of naturalists and expedition guides. We’ve chosen the best time of year for our adventure: early in the season, when the continent is still covered in snow and ice (penguin colonies later on in the season are all rock and guano). We also want to be the first visitors of the season, so landing sites are hopefully pristine and not covered in footprints.

Finally, we’ll be joined by an incredible specialist leader for this trip, world-renowned photographer David Yarrow. Selling at up to £81,000 per print, David’s work is in high demand. We are delighted he will be on hand to mentor our guests in wild Antarctica along with the rest of the expedition team.

On the following pages you can discover more about the locations we will visit, inspect the itinerary we have planned for this exciting expedition to the wild south, and find out more information about our expedition team. We will also delve into some of the stories behind images they have captured in previous visits to the Antarctic and Subantarctic, including some of the remarkable destinations we hope to visit during this expedition.

Safe travels.

Will Bolsover Founder and CEO Natural World Safaris www.naturalworldsafaris.com/yarrow

© Sophy Roberts.

DAV I D YA R R OW YOUR SPECIALIST LEADER David Yarrow’s evocative photography of life on earth has established him as one of the world’s bestselling fine-art photographers. He has travelled with NWS to both the Arctic and Antarctic in recent years and we are delighted he is joining us as the specialist leader for this 2020 expedition.

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nternationally acclaimed fine-art photographer David Yarrow has an innate ability to capture the supreme beauty of the planet, from its unique cultures and people to remote landscapes and, of course, its wildlife.

David was born in Scotland and went on to a successful career in the financial sector while building his impressive photography portfolio on the side; this led to a double life of hedge fund manager and artist. Starting with images in the sports industry (his photo of Maradona holding up the World Cup trophy in Mexico remains iconic of the tournament – he was 20 at the time), his interest moved towards the natural world and he has since travelled the globe in search of some of the planet’s most endangered and often ferocious wildlife, from Siberian tigers and African lions to sharks, gorillas and more.

His ability to tell stories through transcendent photos is enviable, and his commitment to wildlife and community conservation is clear in each and every shot he captures.

Yarrow’s immersive photography of both the human and natural worlds is most distinctive, earning him an ever-growing following among art collectors. His large monochrome images, printed in Los Angeles, are on display in many leading galleries and museums across Europe and North America, and his work is also a regular feature at established art fairs. By the spring of 2017, he had firmly established himself as one of the bestselling fine-art photographers in the world, with limited edition prints of 12 regularly selling at over $40,000 a piece; his well-received recent work is now priced even higher. In addition to gallery exhibits in such esteemed locales as Harrow, Amsterdam, Brussels and New York, David has also had his work auctioned at the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala and a host of other charity events.

At the Sotheby’s photography auction in London in May 2017, Yarrow’s iconic image from South Sudan, Mankind, was sold for $75,000 – the highest of the 100 lots in the show. In April the following year David’s image The Wolf of Main Street sold for $100,000 and was the highest bid-for piece by a living photographer. Most recently, 78 Degrees North – a photograph of a polar bear encounter taken on a Natural World Safaris expedition to Svalbard – went for a record-breaking $110,000.

Jonathan, a guest on that expedition to Svalbard, had this to say about his experience: “Nothing really prepares you for an expedition of this sort – it was something truly special. The combination of a best-in-class operator in Natural World Safaris, a master of his craft in David Yarrow, and a small group of individuals from different corners of the globe, made for an experience like no other... When I look back at images from this expedition (which I do constantly) I am repeatedly amazed. Natural World Safaris and David Yarrow knew what kind of expedition they wanted to put together, and I am so grateful that I did not miss the opportunity to be a part of it.”

Yarrow’s position in the industry has been rewarded with a wide range of advisory and ambassadorial roles. As well as being an ambassador for NWS, he serves on the advisory board of Tusk and is also an ambassador for both WildArk and the Kevin Richardson Foundation.

In 2017, charitable donations from the sale of David’s images exceeded $1.2 million. He is also the European ambassador for Nikon and has been integral to one of the company’s most anticipated camera releases.

See more of David’s work at www.davidyarrow. photography or follow him on Instagram @davidyarrow.

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

DAV I D YA R R OW I had a clear preconception of what was necessary to take a powerful image in South Georgia. My overriding goal was to capture a sense of depth and a sense of scale. South Georgia is raw and dramatic with many fiercely steep mountains towering above the wildlife and to exclude them from an image would risk telling only half the story. These mountains define the island.

The riddle is that to include the Everest-like peaks and also the wildlife on the beaches below risks the image being too loose – there must be detail in the foreground and this necessitates proximity. So I am wanting everything and that can be a challenge in low light. I dwelt over this dilemma for many hours on the way to South Georgia and I was reminded that simple maths often plays a lead role in making an image.

The lens best equipped for the challenge of giving depth as well as foreground detail is my favourite Nikkor 58mm F1.4 lens – it is the most important piece of camera equipment I own.

The first day in St Andrews Bay, we landed on the beach at 4:40am, but this was too late to set up and then capture the soft early-morning light. By 5:20am, on a clear summer day, the light is already too harsh and the king penguins are lit up like Christmas trees. It is too much. So the following day, the whole team was on the beach by 3:50am – quite an achievement and one we are all retrospectively proud of.

I had my moment in the corner of the beach at about 4:40am. I knew that’s where the big groups of penguins marched for their morning fish and the light – whilst low – was just strong enough to give the penguins a little “ping” without being too visually loud or harsh.

I chose a D5 camera simply because I thought the more shots per second, the more the chance of the penguin pattern cooperating in the one shot – I know to my cost that armies of penguins can be messy.

It is not often that your day is complete before 4:45am, but this was the day. It was a wrap.

Taken November 2018 with Natural World Safaris, St Andrews Bay, South Georgia on a Nikon D5, 58mm lens.

DADDY’S HOME

DAV I D YA R R OW The vast number of penguin chicks in Gold Harbour in the early summer offers an opportunity to play with numbers. We brought a ladder all the way from London as we had a preconception that we may need to have a position of raised elevation to give depth.

I knew what I was looking for – we just needed to have eyes in the back of our heads. It is difficult to really convey the number of penguins on the beach, it’s as dense as this image suggests. The whole experience is somewhat overwhelming.

It’s a rather surreal image – but it’s reality.

Taken November 2018 with Natural World Safaris, Gold Harbour, South Georgia on a Nikon D850.

NAPOLEON

DAV I D YA R R OW I hoped that one day we would be treated to some miserable conditions in South Georgia as snowfall can add character to an image and endorse a sense of place. We certainly got our day and luckily this king penguin group obliged with this vignette. The lead guy has a Napoleon look about him – it was “his way or the highway”. The topography of the beach lent to the composition and offered some depth to the narrative.

Taken November 2018 with Natural World Safaris, South Georgia on a Nikon D850.

OCEAN’S ELEVEN

DAV I D YA R R OW A likely favourite from the Southern Atlantic. There could only be one title.

Taken November 2018 with Natural World Safaris, South Georgia on a Nikon D5

THIS EXPEDITION WHY THIS WILD ANTARCTICA TRIP STANDS OUT AGAINST OTHERS “I avoid leading trips as I want to focus on my work rather than the work of others and on some assignments a heavy footprint can lead to compromise. However, NWS are a class outfit and are constant in their pursuit of excellence - If I do anything along these lines it will be with them. One trip every 18 months seems about right to me.” David Yarrow.

David Yarrow as your specialist leader David Yarrow is renowned for documenting the natural world, and has established himself as one of the bestselling fine art photographers in the world, selling prints for over $100,000. He is particular about the trips he leads, and only does so infrequently. It is a rare opportunity to travel alongside a photographer of this ilk and even rarer to have them offer mentoring and guidance.

Small ship with only 90 passengers In Antarctica only 100 people can disembark and be on land at any one time; on larger ships this means your time at landing sites is limited. We believe having to wait your turn to go ashore compromises the experience so purposely choose what for Antarctica is one of the smaller expedition ships, the Akademik Ioffe.

One of the quietest ships with low vibrations The Ioffe was designed as a hydro-acoustic scientific research vessel, and is possibly the quietest ship in the Antarctic. When you are out on deck, alone in the early hours you’ll be able to hear the sound of ice, not engines.

The low vibrations also lend themselves well to video and photography from the ship.

Advanced stabilisation One of the most stable vessels navigating polar waters, the Ioffe has a sophisticated internal trimming system, controlled via a series of gyroscopic sensors around the vessel. With our planned itinerary we only cross the infamous Drake Passage once, but the stability of the ship is vital should we encounter less than ideal conditions.

Maneuverable and Fast With both bow and stern thrusters and twin reversible propellers, the ship can spin on its own axis – greatly

assisting embarkation of the zodiacs in windy conditions.

The Ioffe is also fast, with a top speed of 14.5 knots in open water, allowing for more time at landing sites (rather than ‘at sea’) and more flexibility with itinerary planning.

October departure For photographers an October departure is ideal. This is when landing sites are at their most pristine. We aim to be the first of the season; not walking in other’s footprints.

The courting behaviour of wildlife this time of year also provides the opportunity for great interaction against the classic snowy white backdrop associated with Antarctica.

Photography focused The whole ship is ours and you’ll be travelling with likeminded individuals. We have an in-depth photography lecture and workshop programme planned to run alongside our long landings at sites chosen for their photographic opportunities.

South Georgia and the Falkland Islands South Georgia is an incredible destination, home to overwhelmingly large colonies of king penguins. Over half the island is permanently glaciated and wildlife is abundant. To stand amongst hundreds of thousands of penguins and alongside immense elephant seals, is to experience a raw, unadulterated nature. The Falklands is equally an island worth visiting revealing wildlife and sights we won’t encounter elsewhere.

Expedition gear package We provide a full expedition package including use of a quality waterproof/windproof jacket and bib-pants as well as insulated, comfortable rubber boots designed for extended walking. We will also loan you a set of expedition binoculars, a dry-bag and a walking pole.

ITINERARY 12 OCTOBER 2020 - 31 OCTOBER 2020

Days 5-6, 16-17 October 2020 At Sea Leaving the Falklands, we chart a southeasterly course bound for South Georgia. The seabirds once again join us in the Southern Ocean, so spend some time out on deck brushing up on your techniques for capturing birds in flight as mighty albatross soar around the decks.

Beyond the Antarctic Convergence is a wild and unpredictable land; its very appeal also makes exact plans impossible to deliver. The strong katabatic winds breaking up the pack ice which send milelong icebergs adrift, the oft-stormy portal of the Drake Passage and ever-changing weather mean our itinerary is fluid. We have a start and an end but the middle will be an adventure yet to be determined.

What we can promise is a fantastic crew capable of getting us to landing sites in conditions that many would refuse to entertain, but which provide incredible photographic opportunities.

Day 1, 12 October 2020 Arrive Ushuaia As your plane descends below the clouds you’ll catch your first glimpse of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Make your way to Los Cauquenes to check in from 15:00, admire the spectacular views over the Beagle Channel and explore this picturesque city.

Day 3, 14 October 2020 At Sea Today as you sail towards the Falkland Islands the ship will be joined by hundreds of seabirds, including the wandering albatross. Throughout the day your on-board experts will educate you with a series of presentations about the history, wildlife and environment of the Southern Ocean.

Day 2, 13 October 2020 Embark Akademik Ioffe and Set Sail Today the adventure begins as you join your fellow expeditioners and embark the Akademik Ioffe, your home for the next 18 nights. Settle in to your cabin before setting sail along the Beagle Channel towards the Falkland Islands.

Day 4, 15 October 2020 Falkland Islands This morning is an early start as you head out to explore the Falkland Islands.

These islands are home to history and wildlife, and you will head out in search of both. At the southeastern end of the archipelago, make your way to Sea Lion Island where we’ll be searching for elephant seals, Magellanic and rockhopper penguins, sea lions and cormorants. If weather conditions are agreeable, we may be able to visit neighbouring Bleaker Island, another settlement on this remote eastern coast of the Falklands, home to Magellanic and rockhopper penguin colonies.

Days 11-13, 22-24 October 2020 At Sea / Elephant Island It takes several days to cross the Scotia Sea in the comfort of our modern expedition ship. Large tabular icebergs announce our arrival in Antarctic waters. The dark cliffs of Elephant Island appear and it is this location that “bookends” the Shackleton story for many. Here Shackleton’s men were camped for many months, having lost HMS Endurance in the thick sea ice in 1915. If conditions allow and we have made good time on the crossing, we will attempt a landing here.

Days 18-20, 29-31 October 2020 At Sea / Ushuia It’s time to return to South America.

The educational presentations and photography workshops continue, and If conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of the fabled landmark of Cape Horn on our way back to Ushuaia.

Reaching Ushuaia in the early hours of the morning on October the 31st, it’s time to disembark and start your onward journeys home.

Days 7-10, 18-21 October 2020 South Georgia The island of South Georgia has often been called the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ – and as we approach the deep bays of this rugged, rocky outcrop you begin to see why. We plan to spend four full days here exploring this wildlife oasis, allowing you the maximum amount of time to explore and photograph to your heart’s content.

Launching the zodiacs we begin our exploration of the island in the vicinity of Elsehul Bay. Large numbers of fur seals and the much larger elephant seal line the beaches. Living in the tussock grass, king penguins and their chicks may number up to 100,000 birds in some locations, including Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour.

Days 14-17, 25-28 October 2020 Antarctic Peninsula Waking up this morning we enter the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour or Cierva Cove. Snow-covered mountains soar from the dark waters. Along the shoreline in the bays and harbours of the peninsula lives an incredible abundance of wildlife. Locations we hope to visit include Wilhelmina Bay, Orne Harbour, Cuverville Island and the Errera Channel as we search for gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins. Join David Yarrow and take close-up photos of the penguins, or point your camera at the impossibly blue ice in all its seasculpted forms. Enjoy a hike to the top of a snowy mountain saddle with one of our adventure guides and marvel at the sweeping views of the bays and ‘bergs.

THE FALKLANDS These small and surprising islands are teeming with wildlife. Penguins outnumber people, with five species found here: from gentoos surfing on rolling waves, to diminutive rockhoppers scaling rocky headlands. Spectacular seabird colonies also dot the rugged coastline, including that of the blackbrowed albatross, a species whose breeding pairs mate for life.

Extraordinary highlights: See colonies of small crested rockhopper penguins Encounter the shy Magellanic penguins popping out of their burrows Watch sea lions swimming offshore Search for orcas hunting prey Marvel at the varied birdlife, including nesting black-browed albatross Explore a wild and untamed coastline full of beautiful white-sand beaches Image: Black-browed albatross in the Falkland Islands, Andrew James

Š Sophy Roberts.

SOUTH GEORGIA The wildlife and landscapes of remote South Georgia are extraordinary, and for many the highlight of the Antarctic region. Snow-capped mountains tower over penguin colonies stretching as far as the eye can see, while huge elephant seals sleep and fight among the remains of old whaling stations in one of the least-visited places on earth.

Extraordinary highlights: Visit vast colonies of up to 100,000 king penguins Encounter feisty crested macaroni penguins Visit the breeding sites of the magnificant wandering albatross Explore incredible landscapes of jagged mountains and vast snowy plains Wander through eerie abandoned whaling stations Visit Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave and raise a toast to the great polar explorer Image: You Sat On My Husband, David Yarrow.

As we left for South Georgia and hit the high seas, I was reminded of the extraordinary diversity of the fauna on Earth. Ours is a ridiculous planet and late in the day we are becoming aware of its fragility. Too many humans don’t care and many that do, understandably have other priorities. We must all try to do our bit - it is now this generation’s legacy.

These bull elephant seals are an example of the diversity. They would not have been allowed on Noah’s Ark - they would have sunk it. When they fight each other for mating rights - it is equal to two buses colliding and one of the great spectacles in the natural world. Thankfully a friendly King Penguin gives this image some sense of scale - so you don’t have to take my word for it. In this most Jurassic of places, they are simply colossal.

How extraordinary that we share tenancy with such monsters. Extraordinary, wonderful and deeply humbling.

© Sophy Roberts.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS This glaciated string of islands runs parallel to the northwest coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and provides many distinctive landing sites where wildlife can be seen within a unique landscape. The 12km-wide amphitheatre of Deception Island is a collapsed volcanic caldera, the water heated by geothermal activity, warm enough to swim in comfortably while being watched by an audience of penguins.

Extraordinary highlights: Explore some of the richest wildlife landing sites in Antarctica Watch gentoos searching for pebbles as they build their nests Visit huge-scale chinstrap penguin rookeries Ascend small volcanic peaks for views of the surrounding seas Encounter elephant seals lounging on the windswept shores Swim in waters warmed by volcanic activity

THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA The seventh continent; the largest wilderness in the world. Endless horizons of ice and snow, a world of white and blue. Electric-cobalt ice sculptures crafted by the elements, towering tabular icebergs, football-pitch-size ice floes dotted with penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most extraordinary places you will ever visit.

Extraordinary highlights: Encounter three species of brush-tail penguin: gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap Cruise around incredible ice formations by zodiac Marvel at the giant tabular icebergs that pass by, dwarfing our expedition ship Stand on the continent of Antarctica; for many the seventh and final continent Keep an eye out for seals – six species live in Antarctic waters Hike up to a lookout point for spectacular views over the Antarctic landscape Image: Adélie penguins, Hope Bay, Antarctica, Andrew James

© Sophy Roberts.

THE DRAKE PASSAGE The Drake Passage, where the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern seas converge, can be famously fierce or extraordinarily still; crossings are often referred to as the “Drake Shake” or “Drake Lake”. Whether your treatment of choice is a motion sickness patch or glass of Malbec, don’t miss the opportunity to watch the many species of great albatrosses who follow the ship on open seas.

Extraordinary highlights: Cross the Drake Passage, a powerful convergence of seas Watch and photograph the great albatrosses of the southern oceans Scour the horizon for whale blows Enjoy the varied lecture programme given by your naturalist expedition team Work on your photography skills with processing workshops and talks Spot large icebergs as you approach the Antarctic continent

YOUR EXPERIENCE The landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica are spectacular and to make your experience all the more extraordinary, there are plenty of activities one can indulge in here at the end of the world. From hiking up to look out points for 360 degree views to plunging into the frozen ocean, from admiring the passing scenery from the heated plunge pool or wrapped up in a blanket on deck.

Extraordinary highlights: Kayak (requested at time of booking) alongside porpoising penguins Take the polar plunge and swim in the Antarctic Ocean Listen to the crashing thunder of glaciers calving at the end of the world Enjoy fantastic hospitality and food on our exceptional expedition ship Relax with a G&T poured over 1,000-year-old glacial ice Explore the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula in one trip

ALSO ON BOARD THE NATURAL WORLD SAFARIS TEAM Assisting David on this Wild Antarctica expedition are experienced members of the Natural World Safaris team. Having all previously travelled to Antarctica they will provide additional support with photography tuition and ensure all your needs are well catered for.

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ndrew James is one of Natural World Safaris’ regular photographic guides: a professional photographer, writer and tutor who spends his time shooting images, writing about the technical and creative aspects of photography, and leading photographers on workshops and holidays. His 26 years behind the helm of the two biggest photography magazines in the UK, Practical Photography and Digital Photo, have given him a remarkable depth of techical knowledge. He continues to write as a specialist for Digital Camera Magazine (also known as Digital Camera World outside of the UK).

Andrew has particular experience working in frozen landscapes, serving as an expert photographic guide on our 2014 expedition that explored South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, as well as our 2017 expedition to photograph the wildlife and landscapes of Antarctica.

In 2018, Andrew served as the specialist leader on our pioneering expedition to remote East Greenland.

Also joining the expedition is Richard Symonds, a selftaught artist, photographer and filmmaker with a passion for wildlife travel. He is best known for his lifelike art that captures the essence of wild animals in their natural habitat. He served as an artistic guide on our 2017 Antarctica expedition; his art workshops were a great success with our passengers, and you’ll be able to make use of his considerable expertise once again in 2020.

Richard’s talents have seen him draw commissions from Harley-Davidson, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC, amongst others. Holding exhibitions and auctions in and around London in esteemed locations such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s, his work has been sold worldwide and garnered praise from some of the biggest names in conservation and entertainment.

“The beautiful, fascinating and always individual qualities of animals are remarkably and sensitively captured

by Richard in his expressive paintings,” says Virginia McKenna, Founder of the Born Free Foundation, while the late David Shepherd, one of the foremost figures in wildlife art, praised Richard’s “outstanding” talent.

A keen kayaker, Richard will be joining the kayaking group on our 2020 expedition. He can often be found exploring the British coast in his kayak, capturing incredible video footage and photography of the native wildlife. His footage has caught the attention of and been featured by GoPro and he will be offering workshops on how to make the most out of your action camera.

Delivering the highest standard of client care, from enquiry to post-trip, is one of the core values on which Natural World Safaris was founded. Also joining the trip will be Kate Waite, Marketing Director at Natural World Safaris. This trip will be her seventh polar expedition and her third to the Antarctic region. She will be on hand to share her knowledge, provide assistance and to ensure excellent customer service, fair time with photography specialists and individual attention for all clients on board.

Overseeing it all will be the Natural World Safaris Founder and CEO, Will Bolsover*, returning to the Antarctic region for the fourth time. Named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of its global Top Travel Specialists for 2019, Will’s decades of expertise and experience see him act as a fixer for individual clients and notable partners, taking a hands-on approach to leading on the ground.

Follow @naturalworldsafaris on Instagram and the NWS expedition team: @willbolsover @amjmedia @richsympics @richardsymondsartist and @wildspacesfavouriteplaces. *TBC pending availability

LITTLE AND LARGE

ANDREW JAMES Antarctic weather can be benign or bloody-minded. On this morning it was the latter and getting everybody off the ship and onto the shore was looking tricky. We were determined to make it happen (as long as it didn’t compromise safety) because getting a raw taste of polar weather – and, better still, taking photos in it – is all part of the bottom-of-the-world experience.

By mid-afternoon the captain gave us the nod and we were out of the traps like greyhounds. Well, greyhounds that had to put on half a ton of layers, clamber onto inflatables, navigate a short stretch of sea in a blizzard and scramble ashore. Once onshore the wind and snow made photography a challenge, but I knew the potential rewards were good. I gave everyone I saw as much key advice as I could. “Push ISO up, get low, don’t turn the camera into the wind, never eat yellow snow.” In extreme conditions, the chances of an exceptional photo are heightened, but you have to work hard for your rewards.

Several times, I turned my lens fractionally too much into the gale and lost time removing the thick layer of ice that immediately accumulated on the front element. It was brutal but gentoo penguins, oblivious to the conditions, continued their slog across the snow; their shapes would appear and disappear depending on how much snow was being whipped up. Out of the swirling blizzard I spotted an elephant seal on the move. I lay waiting for it to shuffle slowly towards me and it eventually stopped about 15 feet away. Wanting to capture the atmosphere of the conditions I decided to drop my shutter speed to 1/100sec. This would show movement in the driving snow but it meant getting a sharp shot would be difficult.

This is the risk you take for something different.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw an incoming gentoo penguin, slightly behind the seal but heading in the right direction. When the seal raised its body to work out where the shoreline was, I knew luck was on my side. I fixed a single focus point on the elephant seal’s leading eye, held my breath to avoid any movement of the camera and squeezed the shutter.

Taken November 2017, Yankee Harbour, Antarctica on a Canon 1DX Mk II and 100-400mm lens. Winner of the 2018 Travel Photographer of the Year ‘Hot/Cold’ category.

THE THREE AMIGOS

RICHARD SYMONDS I am more used to the sweltering heat and dust of the African savannah than the sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica, so I knew that my first journey here would pose both a physical and artistic challenge. My goal once setting foot on the 7th continent was to record a small essence of it on canvas and paper, crafting an image that I hoped would evoke the sheen of the ice and the chill of the air which pervade your very being.

I had been looking for a small group of the indomitable Adélie penguins that make their home here, so that I could paint them on return to my UK studio. After waiting to encounter a few isolated birds against a distinctive Antarctic background, by chance I came across these three characters drifting on a large slab of ice, their striking black-and-white feathers standing out against the stunning blue ice behind them. It caught just about everything that I was looking to acquire about this surreal and breathtaking place.

This particular day was warm and sunny, a complete contrast to the ones that had gone before during our expedition. We endured driving wind, snow and ice as we kept warm and snug in our layers of Antarctic gear, with the tough little Adélies going about their business in some of the most extreme weather I have ever encountered. I really could not believe just how perfectly these diminutive penguins were withstanding the worst that Antarctica could throw at them.

This particular painting was done in pastel which I used to bring out the beautiful blue hues of the ice. The finished piece was selected for the 2018 David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition and exhibited at the Mall Galleries in London.

Penguins, although often humorous to watch, are in fact some of the hardiest animals I have ever had the privilege to study in the wild. This trio of Adélies will always have my utmost respect and admiration.

Drawn from a photograph taken November 2017 on the Antarctic Peninsula. Image created using Unison Colour soft pastels on Daler Rowney paper.

PHOTOGRAPHY WILD ANTARCTICA: A BESPOKE PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION

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ntarctica is a place like no other; the drama of its landscape is matched by nowhere else on earth. To capture this extraordinary wilderness and its inhabitants on camera, and to do it justice, requires planning and a modicum of luck; it is not sufficient to merely be present.

We’ve planned and led multiple photographic expeditions to this wild and remote region, and with this trip we’ve pooled our expertise and lessons learnt into what we believe will be the best experience for anyone wanting to capture this remarkable location.

First and foremost is timing: we wanted to be among the first departures of the season. The Antarctica everyone pictures is pristine landscapes with clean white snow and beautiful light conditions, but the snow can melt as early as November, leaving penguins perched on unattractive rocky outcroppings and the remaining ice dirty, stained with guano. For photography we don’t want to visit landing sites impacted with the footsteps of others; we want to be the first to visit, the first to stand in miles of unblemished snow. Of course at this time of year it is exceedingly cold and the polar ice is still breaking up, but that is part of the adventure and October offers the chance to see the most impressive icescapes that will disappear into the sea as the weather warms.

Light conditions have also factored into our carefully planned timing. Travelling in the early season, we’ll get skies that change from rose-pink to an almost startling orange, with lengthening shadows that highlight every crack and crevasse in the landscape around us. We’ll make best use of this by being out on deck – our ship has been recently refurbished and equipped with outdoor lounge chairs piled with warm blankets – or arranging early-morning landings. We have chartered the whole ship so you will be among like-minded fellow photographers wanting to make the most of these opportunities.

Penguin photography is also an early-season pursuit.

In February, penguins undergo what is known as a

catastrophic moult, with all their feathers being replaced at once. During this process they are unable to feed and so stay on land looking scruffy and miserable. By travelling in October we will find birds early in the breeding season engaging in courtship and nest-building. This is also the best time to travel to see breeding elephant seals – the sight of colossal bulls weighing several tonnes clashing on the beaches is quite the spectacle.

We are excited to have David Yarrow on board to share inspiring lectures, telling the stories behind his award-winning images taken around the globe. He will share insights of his work as a wildlife conservation photographer and the story of his different, immersive approach to photography. His insights into how he weaves a powerful narrative into his images and degree of intimacy into his work will help inspire you with new levels of creativity. You’ll also have the opportunity to work alongside David on the ground and receive first-hand mentoring and tuition from a modern master.

To help you get the most from the incredible photography opportunities this wild locale offers, assisting David is our team of NWS creative experts, offering guidance and feedback throughout the journey. They’ll be on hand to offer personal support, as well as deliver a comprehensive programme of photography lectures, workshops and critique sessions to cater to all skill levels and photographic styles.

Whether you use a mobile phone, a GoPro, a DSLR on Auto or like to get more creative with your camera and kit, our photography programme is sure to inspire and help you take your skills to the next level. The lectures will be varied and cover many aspects of photography, from general advice on composition and creating a narrative, to technical advice on how to shoot in the sometimes challenging conditions we will face, to simple instructive sessions on how to get the most out of your camera, to GoPro timelapse and videography.

Professional photographer and tutor Andrew James will be on hand to help everyone get the most from their camera during the trip. Whether you need guidance to step beyond Auto mode or want to improve your creative photography, he’ll be there to assist with the right skills and advice. This will be his third expedition to Antarctica with Natural World Safaris and his experience will help prepare you for the varying conditions you will encounter, including shooting from zodiacs and working in a blizzard.

His popular workflow and processing workshops are an excellent opportunity to get hands-on help to enhance the images captured during your trip, while onshore he will be helping you to adjust your settings to real-life situations as they happen.

If you’re looking to participate in our kayaking programme or are interested in GoPro photography and videography, we are delighted that Richard Symonds will be joining our Antarctica team once again. Richard is a renowned wildlife artist who also pushes the boundaries of creativity to capture incredible timelapses and underwater shots of icebergs and porpoising penguins. While best known for his artwork, he is also a wildlife photographer with years of experience. Much of his recent work has focused on avian photography, so you can expect to find him out on deck to help you capture birds in flight.

With our expedition’s focus on photography, we will ensure we plan landings around the best light conditions and spend plenty of time onshore. We’ll also ensure that any excursions in zodiacs (small inflatable boats used for shore landings) only take a maximum of 10 passengers, which will allow for plenty of space as passengers move around the boat with long lenses.

As a keen group of photographers ourselves, we’ll make sure to spend plenty of time at landing sites and in zodiacs waiting to capture penguins leaping off the ice floes. There’ll be no rush – although should anyone want to return to the ship, they will of course be able to. With a common interest we find that everyone is respectful of each other, and will avoid getting into other people’s shots. In addition, Natural World Safaris representatives joining the exhibition will ensure that everyone gets fair opportunity to spend time with the specialist leaders.

Antarctica is an exceptional destination for photographers and we have carefully planned this trip to create the very best experience for keen photographers.

THE AKADEMIK IOFFE OUR EXPEDITION SHIP A former research vessel refurbished for use as a polar expedition ship, the Akademik Ioffe is outfitted with everything you need for an Antarctic adventure: spacious communal areas, comfortable private quarters, built-in stabilisers, an ice-strengthened hull and plenty of deck space for wildlife sightings.

The Akademik Ioffe is our favourite ship for exploring Antarctica; she is stabilised, comfortable and modern.

Critically the Ioffe carries a maximum of 96 guests; in Antarctica this is classified as small ship cruising. No more than 100 people can be on shore at any one time, and falling under this limit means you won’t have to compromise your time onshore. Nobody travels to Antarctica wanting to take it in turns to get off the ship!

For travellers concerned about sea conditions, the Ioffe is the best choice for exploring the remote regions of the Southern Ocean. Safe and ice-strengthened, she also has an advanced stabilisation system. Considered by many to be one of the best polar expedition ships in the world, the original design brief dictated that the vessel offer a very high level of stability. This is achieved through a sophisticated internal ballast trimming system, controlled via a series of gyroscopic sensors. The result?

The Ioffe is one of the most stable ships navigating polar waters. In rough water and during sea crossings the movement of the ship is minimised.

Manoeuvrability is also a key factor; with the ability to spin on her own axis thanks to a bow-thruster and a stern multi-directional propulsion unit, she can deftly

navigate ice-choked bays or position herself for easier zodiac embarkation in windy weather. This can make the difference between being able to attempt a landing or not – a priceless advantage on what will be for many a once-in-a-lifetime voyage.

The Ioffe is fast too, with a top speed of 14.5 knots giving us plenty of flexibility for itinerary planning, allowing us to maximise our time at landing sites and plan around weather conditions. We can spend less time getting to places and more time engaged in activities.

Of course we want to travel in comfort too, and her excellent design and layout really lend themselves to this. You’ll find everything you need to make your trip comfortable, with several upgrades made in 2019.

Large outer decks provide 360-degree views of the stunning polar landscapes, as well as being a great spot for an outdoor barbecue or a place to relax on the new outdoor lounge chairs under a warm blanket, watching icebergs pass by. The open-bridge policy means you will be welcome at any time of the day to join the navigating crew and help keep a watch out for whales and seabirds.

High vantage points enable you to capture drone-like footage of passing ice floes dotted with penguins, while a number of GoPro mounts affixed to the top of the bridge are perfect for capturing a timelapse of a beautiful rosecoloured polar sunset.

Spacious communal areas include the bar and lounge where you’ll find pre-breakfast smoothies for early birds or evening nightcaps for the night owls. The lecture room has plenty of comfortable seating for the talks given by our specialist leaders, while the library will be used for art and processing workshops and also provides a quiet space where you can sit with a laptop or good book while looking out to the front of the ship.

However the ship isn’t all about pleasure; the Ioffe was originally designed as a hydro-acoustic scientific research vessel and maintains faciltiies that permit an active science programme to be conducted alongside passenger trips, giving further purpose and value to our journey. The nature of her research means she is exceptionally quiet, with low vibrations; ideal when shooting video from one of the many open deck spaces or if you just want to stand and listen to the sound of ice instead of the hum of engines..

You’ll work up an appetite spending time out in the cold, but don’t count on losing any weight during your journey. The calibre of the food produced on the Ioffe is exceptional, prepared fresh each day by the ship’s culinary team. Breakfasts are usually buffet style, lunches offer a great choice of dishes and each evening there will be a choice of three-course meals which can be paired with wines from the excellent wine list. Hot drinks are available at any time of the day or night and freshly made cakes and biscuits are always produced with enthusiasm in the afternoon. Guests with dietary restrictions or special meal requirements are also well catered for if we know in advance.

One benefit of an expedition to such remote locales is the chance to “get away from it all”; however, should you wish to keep in contact with the outside world, the Ioffe is equipped with an Iridium satellite communication system that is available to passengers for text-only email use (you will have to use a private, dedicated ship email which you will get on board).

There is an infirmary on Deck 5 staffed by an Englishspeaking doctor, who can cater to basic medical needs and provide medication to passengers, helping to keep you healthy during the trip.

Photographers may wish to make use of the multimedia room where you will find Macs and PCs loaded with Lightroom and Photoshop – perfect for editing photos after a long day on the ice. You’ll also find external hard drives, a battery recharging station, multi-card readers and a selection of cables available for your use.

The dedicated mud room means you won’t need to have wet-weather gear cluttering up your cabin. Our expedition package includes the use of a quality waterproof/ windproof jacket and bib-pants as well as comfortable and insulated rubber boots designed for extended walking. A set of binoculars, quality dry-bag and walking poles are also available for the duration of the trip.

With a Finnish dry-heat sauna, plunge pool, hot-water Jacuzzi, small gymnasium and day spa with massage therapist, your wellbeing will be well taken care of.

We know the Ioffe well and are really excited to be planning our Wild Antarctic polar expedition on this exceptionally well-equipped and capable ship.

EXPLORE THE SHIP LEARN ABOUT CABIN OPTIONS AND TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

Bar/Lounge: A sociable space serving up fresh fruit smoothies for early birds, tea and cake for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or your spirit of choice poured over glacial ice for the night owls.

Library: A quiet space to delve into the vast polar library on board, set up your laptop in preparation for a handson processing session, or join an art workshop.

Lecture Room: A comfortable space with up-to-date AV equipment where you can listen to presentations on a range of topics, from photography to polar history.

Dining Room: Enjoy a varied buffet-style breakfast and lunch, and an Ă la carte three-course dinner.

EXPLORE THE SHIP Clockwise from top left: 1. Bar and lounge 2. Superior Suite 3. Dining Room 4. Lecture Room 5. Library

KEY TO DECK PLAN Triple cabins (Deck 3) Twin semi-private cabins (Deck 4) Twin private cabins (Decks 4 & 5) Superior cabins (Deck 6) Shackleton Suites (Deck 4 & 5) One Ocean Suite (Deck 5)

Fitness Room: For fitness enthusiasts or those looking to while away the long days at sea, the well-equipped gym has been upgraded for 2019 with new spin bikes and hand weights, adding to the treadmill, cross-trainer and other standard fitness equipment.

Deck: The wide open spaces on multiple levels come complete with outdoor lounge chairs and blankets.

Wellness: Start the day off right or relax after a long excursion with the Ioffe’s massage room, Jacuzzi, Finnish-style dry-heat sauna and plunge pool.

Mud Room: The dedicated expedition mud room contains ample space for storing wet boots and provides a place to prepare for your off-ship excursions.

One Ocean Suite: Located on Deck 5, this cabin is separated into two very spacious rooms. There is a lounge area which is perfect for relaxation with large picture windows overlooking the bow (the forward-facing part of the ship) that can be opened. The separate bedroom features a double bed with windows over the port side of the ship. The bathroom has a bathtub and shower. There is also a region-specific iPad, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, fully stocked mini bar, iPod alarm clock with audio line and several armchairs.

Shackleton Suite: Located on Decks 4 and 5, these cabins are separated into two spacious rooms, one that is ideal for relaxation with a sofa (convertible to bed), large table, writing desk, chair, ample storage and a large window that can be opened. A separate private bedroom has a double berth, iPad loaded with region-specific material, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, fully stocked mini bar and an iPod alarm clock with audio line.

Superior Cabin: These very large cabins are located on Deck 6 and feature two lower berths, seating, writing desk, ample storage and private washroom facilities. All cabins have a window that can be opened.

Twin Private Cabin: Located on Decks 4 and 5, these cabins feature two lower berths along with private bathroom facilities. There is ample storage, a writing desk, chair, bookshelf, and a window that can be opened.

Media Room: Macs and PCs with Lightroom and Photoshop, battery-charging station and card readers.

Twin Semi-Private: Located on Deck 4, these cabins have two lower berths, one of which can be converted to a sofa during the day. These cabins have ample storage, a writing desk, chair, bookshelf, and a window that can be opened. Facilities are semi-private, meaning you share the bathroom with the adjacent cabin.

Cabins: Like many areas of the ship, all cabins have been upgraded for 2019 to include enhanced welcome baskets, velour robes, upgraded linens and towels and new Smart TVs. Tea- and coffee-making facilities can be found in all rooms along with toiletries and a hairdryer.

Main Deck Triple: Located on Deck 3, these cabins feature two lower berths and one upper berth. Bathroom facilities are shared. There is a washbasin in the cabin as well as a writing desk, chair, and ample storage for all.

These rooms have two portholes, one of which opens.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE BY DAVID YARROW

JOIN US

The Falklands are windy most of the time – it is the islands’ most marked characteristic. Lying on the ground in the face of a sandstorm is not the most comfortable of experiences, but it was necessary for the perspective.

On the evening that I took this image, the light was full, which allowed me to get more textural detail than I ever have in a penguin image. King penguins have both beauty and stature and my intent was to capture just that.

PRICING, INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

CABIN TYPE

PER PERSON (GBP)

PER PERSON (USD)

Triple (Shared Bathroom)

£11,995

$16,295

Twin (Semi-Private Bathroom)

£13,695

$18,595

Twin (Private Bathroom)

£15,195

$20,595

Superior

£15,995

$21,695

Shackleton Suite

£17,495

$23,695

One Ocean Suite

£18,995

$25,695

Inclusions • • •

• •

Exclusions

One night at the 5-star Los Cauquenes hotel in Ushuaia with a full American buffet breakfast 18 nights aboard the Akademik Ioffe with full board, excluding alcohol and soft drinks Transfer from Los Cauquenes to Ioffe on Day 2, transfer from Ushuaia to the airport (or a downtown hotel) on arrival back from Antarctica on Day 20 All landing fees, lectures and programs on board, excursions as stated in itinerary Use of USD$1,000 expedition gear package while on the trip including waterproof trousers (pants), high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket, comfortable insulated rubber boots, dry-bag backpack, water-resistant binoculars and walking poles for hiking

• •

Join the sea kayaking programme for £625 GBP / $795 USD per person – subject to availability. This will be a maximum group of 16 participants and some previous experience is required.

Email access can be purchased on the ship. This will give you a unique email to use during the expedition which you can access from your own devices.

Please note there is no access to your normal email accounts and no Wi-Fi or web browsing.

•

• • •

Please Note • •

Optional Extras •

•

International flights Transfer from the airport to Los Cauquenes on Day 1 in Ushuaia Visas, tips, items of a personal nature Items not mentioned in the Inclusions section such as email set up on the ship Possible fuel surcharges or departure taxes (depending on country of residence)

All cabins are based on a shared basis, and all prices above are per person sharing a cabin.

Twin Semi-Private, Twin Private and Superior Cabins can all be purchased for single occupancy at a rate of x1.8. If you are willing to share you will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender and no single supplement will apply.

Polar exploration can be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The itinerary should be read as a ‘guide only’ and may change. The ship’s Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leader continually review the plan, making adjustments to take advantage of conditions or to maximise our encounters with wildlife.

JOIN US

BOOK NOW Join our 2020 Wild Antarctica expedition with David Yarrow and be part of a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience.

At Natural World Safaris we are wildlife specialists, delivering some of the most immersive experiences available in the natural world. Our focus is creating extraordinary journeys, putting you in the right place at the right time for up-close and personal encounters. We are proud to be known for our traditional values, solid ethics and the extraordinary journeys we craft for our clients. We’ve won various awards for our unique, carefully crafted safaris and we’ve also featured in the press around the globe, including Condé Nast Traveler, Departures Magazine, Tatler, The Economist and The Wall Street Journal, receiving rave reviews from some of the world’s most respected travel writers.

We are really proud to offer this extraordinary journey designed to explore the most wild reaches of the Antarctic region. We believe we have made no compromises to offer you the very best itinerary; an expedition of adventure and exploration, of discovery and excitement.

We are delighted to have David Yarrow as our specialist leader joined by our experienced Natural World Safaris team. This is a trip that will turn the exclusive and inaccessible into something remarkable to live in your memory for a lifetime; a voyage of new friendships, sharing incredible moments at the end of the world.

For more information, or to make a booking, please contact our polar destination specialists. We are selling all cabins on a first come first serve basis and expect them to fill quickly, so we recommend getting in touch to hold your preferred cabin (no commitment) while we go over any questions you may have.

Call from UK +44 (0) 1273 691 642 Toll Free from US 1866 357 6569 Toll Free from Australia 1800 66 8890 Email sales@naturalworldsafaris.com

YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under ABTOT Combined and The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Natural World Safaris Ltd., ATOL number 9826, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1.

non-flight packages;

2.

flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the EU, which are sold to customers outside of the EU; and

3.

flight inclusive packages, flight only and linked travel arrangements (LTAs) sold as a principal under ABTOT Combined.

ABTOT Combined cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made by customers outside the EU are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Natural World Safaris Ltd. In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.

You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/contents All the flights and flight inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected either by ABTOT Combined or the ATOL scheme. When you pay for something protected by the ATOL scheme you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: http:// www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate