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:
Three of the world’s most renowned nature photographers–Frans Lanting, Thomas D. Mangelsen, and Art Wolfe–have teamed up to present a series of unique weekend events that will change the way you look at photography and what you can do with your own camera.
The next Masters of Nature Photography Seminar will be held Friday evening, February 14 through Sunday, February 16, 2014, in Atlanta at the High Museum of Art. For more information or to register, please visit www.MastersofNaturePhotography.com.
Art will provide everyone with a list of assignments/shooting suggestions prior to the workshop, and will spend two full days looking over everyone’s work through the magnifying glass. He will have a question and answer section at the beginning and end of each day providing you with an opportunity to gain insight as to how he has created and maintained a successful career in photography.
If you are ready to take your photography to a new level, look no further and do not hesitate as this course will fill quickly.
There is a meet and greet at 6pm, January 31 at the Graham Visitor Center at Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum
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.
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
I’m excited to announce that the next Masters of Nature Photography seminar with Tom Mangelsen, Frans Lanting and me will take place February 14th to 16th at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia.
We will draw from our wide-ranging experience with subjects and locations around the world to inspire attendees, show them new ways to see, give them tools to create more compelling images, and empower them to use photography to benefit conservation causes and other personal interests. Our presentations will be mixed with panel discussions, Q & A sessions, and reviews of images submitted by attendees.
Due to popular demand Art has decided to schedule a follow up course to his popular “Composing Effective Images: Field Edition”. This is an amazing opportunity for you to get expert review on your artwork. It is not every day that you get a chance to have a master of the trade provide you with an intricate critique of your work.
What: Photography Assignment & Assessment with Art Wolfe
When: February 1-2, 2014 with an evening reception January 31.
Where: University of Washington Arboretum
Graham Visitors Center
Sign up now & get a special early bird rate ($45 off) by using coupon code EBIRD2014.
“I have been extremely fortunate to travel and learn from Art on several occasions. Every opportunity that I’ve had to listen to him I’ve learned new things, even as recently as the Patagonia workshop. Art has transformed how I perceive a photograph. He’s worked with me in the field to get it in the camera, and has shown me stronger ways to create a compelling image in the critiques. The series of lectures that Art presents always deliver strong compositional tools which can be applied while out photographing as well as in the editing process. Art is a great teacher. He is generous with his knowledge, engaging in getting you to see creatively, and provides positive and enthusiastic feedback.”
“I recently went on a winter workshop with Art Wolfe to Japan. The places we went were fantastic, the photographic opportunities were great, the people on the tour were lots of fun, and last, but not least, Art was really a great guy to be around. He was always helpful with photo tips and always had us in the right place at the right time. I wouldn’t hesitate to go on another workshop with him.”
“Another wonderful workshop! It’s hard to beat these trips — Art and Gavriel are great leaders — knowledgeable, enthusiastic, with a lifetime of experience in wildlife and nature photography, and fun to travel with. Art’s vision is truly inspirational … he has a unique ability to teach the “art” side of photography. And this was a terrific opportunity to experience the natural beauty of rural Japan and be exposed to some amazing wildlife. Can’t wait for the next trip! “
