In January I was in India, photographing in the desert Kutch, wild Kanha National Park and along the lush Kerala coast; I transitioned from that subtropical clime to snowy Yellowstone National Park. February took me back to India’s remote Ladakh region in a quest for snow leopards; hiking every day at high altitudes I lost seven pounds and found the cats extraordinarily difficult to photograph, but all in all it was a rewarding return to the High Himalaya.
Often my favorite shots are serendipitous and this image of a single Gentoo penguin on an iceberg is one of those cases. Here along the Antarctic Peninsula, Gentoos live on just a few islands.
As we approached slowly in the Zodiac there were several penguins sitting and standing on the iceberg, and I remember thinking to myself that it would really be cool if there were only one. As if on cue, three of them dove into the water leaving the one. I expected the straggler to follow, but it stayed as if reading my mind.
By remaining on the iceberg, the single penguin on its little chunk of ice became a metaphor for dwindling ice packs throughout the world. I wanted to show the enormity of this penguin’s world so I chose to use a 16-35mm f/2.8 wide angle lens while holding a graduated neutral density filter to give the sky more impact. The deeper gray of the sky also brings out the deep blue hues of the icebergs in the distance. On sunny days the opposite is true; the brighter sky diminishes the color of the ice. I also did something I don’t normally do: I put the subject in the center of the frame. By doing this I am making a statement about the vast expanse of this environment and the limits of the ice.
I have three trips to Antarctica coming up. Two are sold out but you can get on the wait-list:
I can say without reservation that this trip to Ladakh’s Hemis National Park was a great return to the Himalayas. I found the snow leopards extraordinarily difficult to photograph at close range. And yet with time and serendipity it is quite possible a snow leopard could walk directly through camp. Unfortunately, we experienced neither. We literally worked our butts off. I lost about 7 pounds in a week, hiking the trails every day at elevations between 12 and 14,000 feet. The dance ceremony was at the Likir Monastery, near Leh. Held annually, it commemorates the “letting go” of the previous year’s hardships. While at times disappointing, on a whole, the trip was fascinating and ultimately rewarding.
Nestled in the Indian Himalayas Ladakh is one of the best areas to see the elusive snow leopard. I am also getting to know more about the people who live here, and taking in the spectacular scenery and other wildlife.
The first couple days we spent in Leh getting acclimatized to the high altitude before heading out on our snow leopard expedition. The city and the surrounding valley and mountains are home to many imposing palaces and monasteries.
2013 was a year of firsts as well as a year of accomplishment. I did a huge amount of traveling, much of it in preparation for my new book Earth Is My Witness coming out Fall 2014. Destinations included Kenya, the South Pacific, the Galapagos, Iceland, southern Africa, my home region of the Pacific Northwest, Brazil, Australia, Borneo, Italy, Chile, Argentina, Japan, Myanmar, and India.
We published two instructional photography books with Amphoto Books: The New Art of Photographing Nature with Martha Hill and Tim Grey and The Art of the Photograph with Rob Sheppard. Find them in the store HERE
I received much-appreciated honorifics, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Nature Photography Association and the Nature’s Best Photography Award in recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Nature Photography.
The Rotella Gallery opened an exciting new Soho location. You may have seen the dramatic full page ads in the New York Times featuring my image “Spirit Horse.” Find their location information HERE
Teaching workshops is always a pleasure. In April I conducted a Masters of Nature Photography seminar with legendary nature photographers Frans Lanting and Tom Mangelsen. We have another event coming up in February 2014 and I will be posting some additional events soon at www.artwolfeworkshops.com.
If you find yourself in Seattle, please do not hesitate to drop by my gallery. As always, please keep an eye on the blog, Twitter, Facebook and G+ for the latest updates.
The Art of the Photograph
Essential Habits for Stronger Compositions
By Art Wolfe and Rob Sheppard
Foreword by Dewitt Jones
Based on legendary image-maker Art Wolfe’s popular lecture series, THE ART OF THE PHOTOGRAPH (Amphoto Books, on sale December 3, 2013, $29.99) is guaranteed to shift the fundamental way amateur photographers see and capture the world around them. Drawing from a career spanning 40 years of award-winning photography, Art Wolfe gives a rich array of insights, advice, and techniques aimed at dramatically offering the most comprehensive, imaginative master class available in a photography book.
This is Art Wolfe’s instructional magnum opus and a highly personal work. He shares the story of his own artistic discovery and describes the rigors of his experience as a professional photographer, shooting in the field. Utilizing his formal training as an art instructor, Wolfe teaches readers how to explore the elements of design to make compelling and emotionally engaging photographs. Together, Art Wolfe and Rob Sheppard look at the most common traps amateurs fall into and offer the kind of simple yet eye-opening advice that can instantly change anyone’s photos. How do you find inspiration? How do you find unique subjects? How do you know which lens to use? Wolfe also includes the invaluable chapter on the “10 Deadly Sins of Composition” so photographers will know beyond a shadow of a doubt how to take the most satisfying images possible.
THE ART OF THE PHOTOGRAPH runs the full gamut of Art Wolfe’s artistic expertise and lays the true foundation of image-making. Extraordinary photos of the world’s cultures, wildlife and varied landscapes round out this essential curriculum to provide the most thorough and imaginative volume on composition.
About the Authors
ART WOLFE’s stunning images are recognized throughout the world for their mastery of color, composition, and perspective. Wolfe’s television series, Art Wolfe’s Travels to the Edge, airs on PBS stations throughout the country. He is also a popular speaker for such companies as Microsoft, IBM, and Sheraton Hotels. He can be found at artwolfe.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
ROB SHEPPARD is the author/photographer of more than 30 books and hundreds of articles and is a well-known speaker and workshop leader. He was formerly the longtime editor of Outdoor Photographer magazine, where he is now editor-at-large.
Did you know that I am going to Antarctica next winter- and that you can join me?
In collaboration with One Ocean Expeditions, (OOE) Canada, the photography workshop on this expedition, is co-organized by Iconic Images International (Denis Glennon), C4 Images & Safaris (Shem Compion), and myself. OOE is an innovative, service-first, small ship Polar cruise company that offers comfortable, affordable and educational nature-based expeditions to Antarctica. We collaborated with OOE because of their common sense approach to pricing, limited passenger numbers and their commitment to ecological preservation and conservation. These values sit very comfortably alongside those of Denis, Shem and myself. OOE’s cooperation allows us to deliver a specialized on-board and zodiac/land-based small group photographic workshop, to make this polar expedition a very special photographic event.
I have a feeling this is going to sell out quick- so if you are interested contact Denis Glennon soon- and tell him I sent you!
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Photography Workshop
Nov 20 – Dec 8 2014
For more information: iconicimagesinternational.com
As many of you know by now, my trip to Tonga marks the first time in decades of rugged and remote travel that my bags have not made it with me. Thwarted by airlines, mechanical troubles, and weather, I have one camera, no underwater gear, the clothes on my back and boatloads of frustration. Thank you to Darren Jew who has been stellar in allowing me to use his equipment so the trip wouldn’t be a complete and total washout.
