Untamed Images Blog

On my recent trip to the Antarctic Peninsula the wildlife (including seven species of penguins) were captivating, but the ice, in its endless variety, made a strong bid to steal the show. From smallish deep-blue icebergs in a sea of white, to miles-long tabular icebergs, the ice was more than just mesmerizing, it was downright otherworldly. The following images are but a small sample of the icy scenery I was privileged to observe and photograph.

Remember, you may click on any of the images to see a high resolution version of it.

A large iceberg with a delicate arch towers over the water near Cierva Cove on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM at 70 mm, 1/500 sec at f/10, ISO 200

The ice found along the Antarctica Peninsula, with its near-infinite range of textures, shapes, and aqua hues, provides ample opportunities for abstract photographs.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM at 168 mm, 1/2000 sec at f/4, ISO 200

A large iceberg having run aground, reveals shapes that would do a modern sculptor proud.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM at 200 mm, 1/2500 sec at f/5.6, ISO 400

A deep blue iceberg surrounded by sea ice resembles a giant-sized jewel.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM at 165 mm, 1/500 sec at f/9, ISO 400

A large, angular iceberg floats off the coast of South Georgia Island as a strong storm descends.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM at 70 mm, 1/1250 sec at f/8, ISO 400

I created this image from the starboard side deck of the M/V Ortelius as the ship rounded the southern tip of South Georgia Island into the teeth of a furious storm. When I brought the camera up to my eye, I had to steady myself against the lifeboat support structure to counteract the gusty winds that threatened to tear off my glasses and whisk away my beanie. Rarely, if ever, had I felt the power of such strong winds, but the scene unfolding before me was far too stunning to abandon in favor of shelter. A narrow beam of light had found a gap in the clouds to illuminate the iceberg while the rugged shoreline stood in the background and shockingly dark skies loomed above. I seized upon that moment to capture the photograph featured here.

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