Join Nigel Danson, James Popsys, Mads Peter Iversen, Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, Dani Connor, Jack Lodge and Rhiannon Lawler on a 20-day photography expedition to Antarctica, Elephant Island & South Georgia, retracing the route of Shackleton's legendary Endurance voyage.
This photography expedition is sold and organised by Aurora Expeditions, who will provide you with a tailor-made quotation. Please click below to enquire.
King Penguins in South Georgia - Image courtesy of Aurora Expeditions.
Exploring The Remote Antarctic Peninsula, Elephant Island & South Georgia
I still find it hard to believe I get to go back. Antarctica is one of those places that genuinely changes the way you see the world, and I am so honoured to be returning as a photography lead alongside an exceptional group of photographers.
This 20-day expedition takes us deep into some of the most dramatic and remote scenery on the planet: the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, Elephant Island, and South Georgia. As the southern summer begins to wind down, the quality of light becomes something truly extraordinary. Soft pastels, long golden hours, and skies that seem to exist nowhere else. It wraps around the ice, the mountains, and the wildlife in a way that is almost impossible to describe until you have seen it for yourself.
What makes the Antarctic so different from anywhere else is how unafraid the wildlife is. Penguins will march straight past you without a second glance. Seals doze on the ice a few feet away. Whales surface close enough to hear them breathe. As a photographer, that kind of access is rare and genuinely special.
This expedition welcomes photographers of every level. Whether you are just finding your feet or already shooting professionally, there will be something here that challenges and inspires you. Non-photographer partners and friends are also welcome, and have thoroughly enjoyed previous trips; some have even since been inspired to pick up the camera!
Highlights Of This Photography Expedition
The late Antarctic summer light is unlike anything else: long, low, golden, and endlessly dramatic.
A photography-first departure capped at just 100 passengers, with groups of only 8 per Zodiac so you have the space and time to actually shoot.
Whales everywhere: from humpbacks breaching against icebergs to deep fluke dives that will have you glued to your viewfinder.
Penguins in their element, from the spectacular King penguin to the endlessly entertaining Gentoos and Adélies.
Ice seals: leopard, Weddell, and crabeater, all completely unbothered by your presence.
A small, photographer-tailored expedition that prioritises access and time ashore over rushing from place to place.
Historic landings at sites tied to one of the greatest survival stories ever told, Shackleton's Endurance expedition.
Itinerary
Antarctica operates on its own terms. Weather and ice conditions shape each day, and plans can shift. In practice, that flexibility is part of what makes the experience so memorable: you end up exactly where the conditions are best, rather than following a rigid schedule.
Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Settle in to Punta Arenas, a city with a rich maritime history overlooking the Strait of Magellan. At 7:00pm the group meets for an expedition briefing ahead of the following morning's charter flight.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Board the Ship
A roughly two-hour charter flight takes us to King George Island, Antarctica, weather permitting. From there, Zodiacs transfer us to the ship and the adventure properly begins.
Days 3 to 7: Antarctic Peninsula
That first iceberg. The cold, clean air. The silence. Arriving in Antarctica is something you never forget. From here the days are shaped around what the ice and wildlife offer us, typically two excursions daily: Zodiac cruises through towering bergs, landings on remote shorelines, penguin colonies, and wide open coastal beaches. On board there are talks, image reviews, and long stretches of deck time watching for whales.
Day 8: The Weddell Sea
One of the most remote and mythologised stretches of water in the world. The Weddell Sea is where Shackleton lost the Endurance in 1915, and it is also where you will find some of the most dramatic icebergs and wildlife of the entire trip.
Day 9: Antarctic Sound and Elephant Island
We make our way toward Elephant Island, where 22 of Shackleton's crew sheltered for months beneath upturned lifeboats waiting for rescue. It is a humbling place to visit.
Day 10: Elephant Island
Cruising the island's rugged coastline, we visit Point Wild and Cape Valentine. Weather permitting there may be a landing. Whale activity is often exceptional here as they build up before migration.
Days 11 to 12: Crossing the Scotia Sea
Open ocean sailing following the same route Shackleton's small rescue boat took in 1916. Sea days are for rest, talks, and keeping an eye out for albatross and passing whales.
Days 13 to 16: South Georgia
Wildlife on a scale that is genuinely hard to process. Huge colonies of King penguins, fur seals absolutely everywhere, towering glaciated peaks, and a sense of wildness that is completely its own. We also visit the historic whaling station at Grytviken and Shackleton's grave. Optional hikes may include the Fortuna Bay to Stromness route that Shackleton himself walked.
Days 17 to 19: At Sea, Heading to Ushuaia
A final stretch across the Southern Ocean. Time to go through your images, swap stories with fellow photographers, and attend the Captain's farewell dinner.
Day 20: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
A sail through the Beagle Channel brings us into Ushuaia, where transfers are arranged for onward travel.
Expedition itinerary - image courtesy of Aurora Expeditions.
Partnering With Aurora Expeditions
With four successful photography expeditions to the polar regions already under our belt, we are absolutely delighted to be teaming up with Aurora Expeditions once again for this adventure. They have been outstanding partners and their expertise in polar travel is second to none. This expedition is sold and organised entirely through Aurora Expeditions.
Expert Photography Guidance
On the water and on shore throughout the full 20 days, photographic guidance will come from Nigel Danson, James Popsys, Mads Peter Iversen, Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, Dani Connor, Jack Lodge, and myself. We may also be welcoming additional photographers to the team before departure.
Availability and Pricing
100 places total. Two-thirds already taken. If you have been thinking about it, now genuinely is the time to move because the remaining spots and the best discount will not hang around. Pricing varies depending on cabin type, so reach out and find what works for you.
Enquire About The Photo Expedition
The Antarctica and South Georgia 2028 Photography Expedition is organised through Aurora Expeditions. All enquiries and bookings go through Aurora Expeditions via the link below.
