#42. To the Other End of the World: Countdown to an Antarctic Expedition

Exciting! After more than three years of waiting, my long-awaited photo trip to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia is finally close. In July 2021, I booked this unforgettable expedition, and in exactly four weeks, it’s happening! I will be on the plane heading to my first stop: Paris. I can hardly believe that I will soon set foot in Antarctica! It’s the southernmost continent I have yet to visit, and it has been at the top of my bucket list for years. Do you also have a place you’ve always dreamed of?

Together with 99 other passionate nature photographers, I will board the M/V Plancius, an expedition ship that once served as a research vessel. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure is about to begin!

Fascination for ice and glaciers

Almost 20 years ago, I first encountered the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier during my trip to Argentina. The cracking and bursting of the ice—what an experience! Since then, my fascination with ice has only grown. During our recent road trip through Norway, I captured the rugged beauty of glaciers once again. At the top of this newsletter, you can see a photo of a Norwegian glacier.

In Antarctica, glaciers do not calve into a valley like in Norway, but directly into the sea. The colors, the icy pristine nature, and the variety of ice are experiences you truly have to witness for yourself. Ice is so much more than a static mass—it is a living entity full of water and air. It tells stories from thousands of years ago.

Preparations for the extremes

When I arrive in Antarctica, it will be spring. But "spring" there is, of course, relative—the temperatures are more like what we in the Netherlands call winter, ranging from 0 to -10 degrees Celsius.

I have been busy preparing to ensure I don’t get cold. I have warm merino wool layers, thick socks, windproof clothing, a fleece vest, down jackets, a hard-shell pants and jacket, and a new hat with earflaps—perfect for those icy winds. Luckily, I still have some gear left from my trip to Mongolia in 2019.

I’m also taking medication for seasickness—after all, the notorious Drake Passage is known for its rough seas. Not only I but also my camera equipment needs extra protection. I borrowed a waterproof bag for my camera from a friend—super handy for the zodiac landings. And when I was in the Netherlands recently, I bought a 4TB external hard drive—it’s much cheaper there than in Norway.

It feels good to be preparing in advance and to know that I will be well-equipped for this adventure. Now I just need to pack—this will surely be a kind of Tetris game!

The journey begins

My adventure starts with a flight to Paris, where I unfortunately only have 1.5 hours of layover time for my next flight to Buenos Aires. Once there, I need to switch airports for the final leg to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. It has been more than 20 years since I was last in South America, during a backpacking trip through Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. Those memories are coming back! This time, I don’t have time to explore the country, but it feels like I am stepping back in time.

In the picturesque Ushuaia, also known as "The End of the World," I have two days to acclimatize before we depart by ship to Antarctica on November 7. I have booked a day tour and look forward to exploring the town a bit before the great adventure truly begins.

Falkland Islands and South Georgia

In addition to Antarctica, the expedition will also take us to the Falkland Islands, known for their beautiful nature and, of course, penguins! From the Falklands, we will sail on to South Georgia, one of the last untouched natural wonders on earth, before continuing to Antarctica. I look forward to seeing and photographing these remote and pristine landscapes. This is sure to be overwhelming!

Photography Project “Frozen Light: Antarctica”

Antarctica is a place of untouched wilderness and extreme beauty—a dream come true. For me as a photographer, this journey is not only about experiencing the immense beauty of the landscape but also about capturing the magic of this unique continent. This expedition is part of my series Earth & Light (the sequel to the Stardust series), and I have given it the working title "Frozen Light: Antarctica."

I am currently thinking about what I want to capture: the rugged landscapes, the surreal play of light on the ice, and the unique animals that live here. I hope this journey not only showcases the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica but also invites reflection on our planet and its vulnerable ecosystem.

Together with 99 Other Photographers

I can’t wait to share this adventure with 99 other passionate nature photographers, including some familiar faces. We share a common love for the wild places of the earth. I look forward to learning from each other and experiencing this unique journey together.

Follow Me: From North to South (Pole)

There is so much more to come! From the rugged seas of the Drake Passage to the unparalleled silence of the Antarctic wilderness, this journey promises to be filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments. I can’t wait to share my experiences and photos with you after the expedition. Stay tuned as I take you from North to South (Pole) on this extraordinary journey! Stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter.

Stay Connected

Thank you for following along on this extraordinary journey! For more updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes stories, be sure to check out my website and follow me on social media.

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