So you've decided to take the great adventure voyage to the south, but which month is the ‘best’ time to visit Antarctica? 

The answer really depends on what you are looking for! There are three distinct Antarctica cruise seasons, and each has its own special highlights to experience. 

Whether you plan on photographing the stunning wildlife or want to witness new penguin hatchlings, this handy guide will help you decide which cruise is right for you.

November: for adventurers

At the beginning of the season, November is the most adventurous time to visit. Penguins and fur seals are actively courting, coming out of winter to forage for food and participate in spectacular courtship rituals. The spring flowers are in bloom in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, while the snow and ice are at their most pristine levels. The winter ice begins to melt, creating magnificent landscapes of sculpted ice.

Plan your Antarctica cruise for November if you're fascinated by the early Antarctic explorers such as Scott, Amundsen, Shackleton and Mawson and looking to experience that sense of discovery. 

December to January: for wildlife photographers

As the temperatures rise to the warmest months of the year, so does animal activity. The first penguin chicks are hatched, seal pups are visible and a growing number of whales can be seen in the Antarctic waters. With around 22 hours of sunlight, the conditions are incredible for photo opportunities.

Plan your Antarctica cruise for December or January if you fancy yourself the next Wildlife Photographer of the Year!

February to March: for whale watchers

Late summer is prime whale-watching season, including both humpback and minke whales. Penguins are in various stages of undress, with young chicks fledging as they shed their fluff for new waterproof feathers to catch fish at sea. Young fur seals are at their most playful and are commonly spotted along the Antarctic Peninsula. With more distinction between day and night, the sunsets and sunrises are also spectacular.

Plan your Antarctica cruise for February to March if you hope to see gentle giants playing in their southern habitat.

Ready for a voyage of a lifetime?

Berths on our Antarctica expeditions are filling fast, view our full range of expeditions and use our advanced search finder to tailor your preferences on activities, dates, price and more.

If you travelled to Antarctica what would you most look forward to seeing and doing? Let us know in the comments below.

These animal photos will make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside – others, we hope, will make you laugh out loud.

Find a fun selection of images taken by our travellers, staff and photography pros, such as Richard I'Anson and Alex Cearns – who lead special tours that show you how to capture the world’s most stunning destinations on camera.

Share this post with a friend and spread some happiness (and adorableness!). And remember: the best animal encounter is a wild one.

1. When you've almost made it to the bedroom but you settle for the couch

2. Don't you just hate it when you have an itch you just can't scratch...  

3. We all have a friend that's just the right size to prop on  

4. Because we all need a friend to lean on  

5. When the dentist compliments you on how well you've maintained your teeth
 

6. The special moment when you make a new friend on a hike

7. Or when you capture a tender moment on a wildlife safari

8. It helps to see the funny side of life

9. Hmmm, that doesn't smell right...

10. I think this sea lion can smell it too...

11. Finding out your favourite TV series is getting cancelled

12. Taking a nap to recover from your food coma

13. Getting caught with your hands in the cookie jar

14. When you tell yourself you can do a pull-up but get stuck halfway

15. If this doesn't make you go awwwww, I'm not sure what will

16. That one friend that's been waiting behind the bathroom door to scare you  

17. I'm not lazy, I'm just on "energy saver mode"

18. Elephant advice: Friendship is the glue that will hold the world together

Have a photo worth sharing? Tag @worldexpeditions on Facebook or Instagram, or submit your photos to [email protected].

Inspired to see animals in the wild and take your own photos? View our wildlife safari adventures >>

Let's go on a virtual travel experience! Our team share 10 beautiful travel images they love to keep you dreaming BIG. It may even be a fitting time to start updating your adventure list.

Deadvlei, Namibia | By Peter Walton

A stark, vivid and beautifully composed image, with the clouds pulling in one direction and the shadow the other. Add the razor sharp horizon of the dunes and this iconic Namibian scene is mesmerising.

Rinpung Dzong, Paro, Bhutan | By Richard I’Anson

Nobody captures the moment or the mood better than Richard I’Anson, who seems to have an uncanny talent for being exactly where he needs to be at any point in time.

Himalayan foothills, Nepal | By Lachlan Gardiner

Exploratory trekking – one of our specialities – can lead to very special places. Pictured is Australian mountaineer, Tim Macartney-Snape, somewhat in awe of the rocks and the river.

Larapinta, Northern Territory, Australia | By Caroline Crick

It’s not just a campsite picture – it’s a moment in the middle of Australia adjacent to what is perhaps the most spectacular communal lounge tent ever designed. A stunning shot, alive with energy and colour.

Annapurna, Nepal | By Joe Kennedy

World Expeditions loyalists will recognise the recreation of our logo. It’s not a professional shot but one by a staff member. This one image conveys the passion of our staff, companionship and the core element of what we do and where we do it.

Antarctica | By Peter Walton

The stillness and the serenity of one of the most isolated places on earth is dramatically captured in this photograph. It beautifully displays the subtlety, the scale and the sculptural aspects of polar travel.

Okavango Delta, Botswana | By Peter Walton

Putting you right in the picture of a true wilderness experience: you are at seat-level in the mokoro on the Okavango Delta, arriving at your accommodation. This is adventure travel.

Himalaya, West Nepal | By Lachlan Gardiner

Mountains are where World Expeditions began and they still are at the centre of what we do. This photo captures the reason that a lot of our clients travel with us – to be able to reach places they would never contemplate on their own.

Africa | By Kristy Dowsing

There’s Kilimanjaro, there’s fascinating tribal life and there's great waterways; but most people go to Africa for the wildlife. This ‘life-in-detail’ shot captures the herd life of elephants, the toughness of their hide and the intelligence and ‘humanity’ within their eyes.

Tarkine, Tasmania | By Peter Walton

Lush and deep into the wilderness, this photo is everything you ever wanted from a rainforest. It definitely put the Tarkine on many of our staff's ‘must do’ list.

Have an inspiring travel photo to share? Tag @worldexpeditions on Facebook or Instagram, or submit your photos to [email protected].

Voted by Lonely Planet as the best region to visit in 2020, Central Asia's Silk Road is one to put on your travel radar.⁣⁣ It also makes for an impressive photographic journey through the epicentre of Silk Road history.

Award-winning travel photographer and best-selling author of Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography, Richard I'Anson, shares his destination highlights, the stunning images captured on his recent photography tour and the places he would return to in a heartbeat.

It has such a rich and varied history centred on places with the most exotic sounding names like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. It also feels like it’s still relatively undiscovered to mass tourism.

From the architecture of Uzbekistan to the striking landscapes of Turkmenistan, each stop along the Central Asia Silk Road journey turned heads.

"Every city in Uzbekistan was centred around impressive buildings – mosques, medressas and minarets – great to photograph and to revisit at different times of the day," says Richard. "The Darvaza Gas Crater and Yangykala Canyon are two of the most dramatic and unusual landscapes I’ve seen. Combined with the fantastic camping experience we had at both places and being the only visitors there makes them a clear highlight."

We had plenty of local encounters and they were always friendly. The locals were very welcoming and importantly, for my group, happy to be photographed.

Uzbekistan's architectural sanctuary

The contrasting desert and mountain landscapes against far-reaching and extravagantly ornate buildings is spellbinding, and the sheer grandness of the structures will make you feel impossibly small.

Registan Square in Samarkand, in particular, is a remarkable maze of mosques, tombs, palaces, fortresses and medressas with distinctive azure roofed domes, majolica tiles, towering minarets, intricate mosaics and exotic bazaars. The people as well are friendly, engaging and don't mind taking a selfie or two.

A cultural highlight for Richard was visiting Shah-i-Zinda or the 'Tomb of the Living King' and its avenue of mausoleums.

"Architecturally the tombs are beautiful with intricate, colourful tilework, but the highlight for me and my group was that it is a place of pilgrimage, so it’s very active with local visitors paying their respects," says Richard. "The local visitors were very keen to interact with the group, take photos, selfies and talk."

A place he would return to capture again though? Samarkand. "I could always spend more time at the Registan," says Richard.

First impressions of Turkmenistan

A country nestled between Uzbekistan and Iran, Turkmenistan, according to Richard, is one of the strangest places he's visited.

"Particularly Ashgabat, with its white marble building, outlandish public buildings and major roads with hardly any traffic. We even had to stop and have the cars washed before we entered the city or the driver’s risked being fined," he says.

Richard, however, did experience some issues when photographing in Turkmenistan, but nothing that spoilt the experience.

"In Ashgabat certain government buildings were out of bounds, that’s not uncommon, but also, we were restricted in regional markets, which was more annoying and is very unusual," he explains. "We were even told we couldn’t photograph the impressive lobby of our hotel. They are still learning how to deal with tourists."

Camping by the Darvaza Gas Crater

A memorable experience, to say the least, is a visit to the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Door to Hell'. Located north of Turkmenistan in the middle of the Karakym Desert, the crater is a vast, fiery pit that has been burning for around 47 years as a result of a collapsed natural gas pocket after a Soviet-era gas exploration. It's a truly spectacular sight and camping beside it makes for an unforgettable overnight stay.

"It was great," says Richard. "We ended up staying in fixed gers/yurts, which were large, clean and comfortable and located within a 5-minute walk of the crater making access to the crater for our evening and morning shoots easy."

Capturing the colourful shades of Yangykala Canyon

Heading east via the Balkan Mountains, Richard and his group journeyed to the magnificent Yangykala Canyons, defined by sheer cliffs of white, yellow, ochre, purple and red – the most beautiful colours unveiling themselves at sunset. The canyon's name is derived from the Turkem expression "yangi kala", meaning "fire fortresses" and is a dream location for photographers.

"As with all landscape photography you want to be shooting in the first and last hours of the day when the amazing colours of the canyon are brought out," says Richard. "I’d also recommend shooting before the sun comes up when the light is even, and you don’t have to deal with harsh shadows and shooting into the sun so many more of the rock formations can be included in compositions."

"I’d love to revisit Yangykala Canyon, it is quite a remarkable place."

View all Central Asia Silk Road tours

Images courtesy of Richard I'Anson who led a special Silk Road photography tour.

One of the best parts of travelling is re-living the experience through your photos when you get home. And though a photo of a sunset transports you to that sublime moment of the sun sinking into the horizon, or your pictures of the ancient ruins reminds you of the history and culture of a place, mastering photos of animals in their natural habitats is a whole different skill.

Internationally renowned animal photographer, Alex Cearns and Creative Director of Houndstooth Studio spills the beans on her top wildlife photography tips that will put you in the right frame of mind when capturing your next wildlife adventure on camera.

Do your homework

Before leaving home, think about the sorts of animals you may encounter, then try to learn as much as you can about their behaviours. Are they more active at certain times? Do they have a specific breeding season? Does their behavior follow certain patterns? Can they be dangerous? Do they live alone or in a pack? Would we be seen by them as prey? The information you find will make it quicker and easier to locate your subject and enable you to determine the safest way to photograph them when you do.

Be a storyteller

You’re more likely to capture the shots you need if you plan the story you want to tell or the message you want to convey. Think about what you want to shoot and why that angle or scene might be interesting. Will  a certain point of view help others to understand your vision in that moment?  When photographing wildlife, it’s our aim as the photographer to capture the poses we see as great images and through them, tell a story.

Compose your image

I love to zoom in close and crop my subject, showing little environment and filling the frame with them. Sometimes though, there’s a need to add some of the habitat and environment into images. There aren’t any hard and fast rules, so you are free to find your own flow with the type of images you like to take.

Focus on the eyes

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and this is no different for animals. Animals express a lot of emotion and character through their eyes. Capture your subjects eyes in sharp focus if you are chasing eye contact in your resulting image.

Choose good light

Outdoor photography is a challenge as you cannot control the lighting conditions. Overcast days with a light sky are ideal outdoor photography conditions, but figuring out the times of day that provide the best light will help you perfect your exposures. Try to get up early with the sun and photograph in the lovely soft light of dawn, or at dusk, where you may score a stunning sunset as your backdrop.

Anticipation and timing

Capturing that split second moment you see as a perfect photo opportunity requires anticipation and timing. Once you see the image you want to capture, you may need to work as quickly as you can to get it, and the shot you miss could be the shot that never comes around again. The more you practice, and the more photos you take, the faster you will get at capturing that perfect moment . The beauty of digital cameras is that they enable us to take thousands of images in one sitting, so take full advantage of this to get the photos you are after.

Patience

Learning to be patient is a crucial factor when taking portraits of your wildlife. Sometimes the shots you want will come instantly, while others could take hours. Sometimes you'll have to choose which shots to sit tight for and when to move on. Being prepared to wait for an image to present itself pays off when you get that top shot.

About Alex Cearns

Alex's images have won a multitude of awards and have been published widely across Australian, even in an Australia Post stamp collection. Inspired by the joy of working with animals, Alex’s philanthropy and passionate advocacy for animal rescue has earned her high regard among Australia’s animal lovers and a strong following on social media. She is a popular tour leader with World Expeditions and escorts global animal adventure tours to various regions of the world. Alex lives with two rescue dogs, Pip and Pixel, and one rescue cat, Macy, and claims that animals are her “favourite kind of people.”

There are few corners of the world where Richard I'Anson has not photographed. His work features in over 500 Lonely Planet guidebooks, including five editions of the 'Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography', as well as the large format pictorials, 'Australia: 42 Great Landscape Experiences, Nepal' and 'India: essential encounters'.  He is a Master of Photography awarded by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) and represents Canon Australia as a Canon Master Photographer.

Richard has built an enviable career on his twin passions: travel and photography. Over the past 35 years, Richard has travelled the world, amassing a substantial and compelling collection of images of people and places – in more than 90 countries on all seven continents. And when he’s not on the road, Richard lives in Sydney, Australia and runs workshops teaching all aspects of travel photography for individuals and small groups.

Over the last two decades Richard has made a significant contribution to World Expeditions' brochures and guides a number of our specialist photography trips. If you haven't yet seen the National Geographic Channel television series Tales by Light, now screening on Netflix, add the series to your watch list. Richard was one of five adventurous photographers selected for the award-winning documentary, where he provides insights into his craft and the art of telling powerful stories from images.

But before you click off to Netflix, have a read of the amazing destinations Richard has captured over the years and adopt some of his helpful photography tips the next time you're out on your adventure. He shares ways to improve your photo taking skills, his must-carry gear items and how he started in the business.

Being a travel photographer is something many people aspire to be, however the industry is very hard to get into. How did you start your career as a travel photographer and what advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel photography?

My first foray into travel photography was in 1986 when I headed overseas for seven months. I soon realised that not only was there a wonderful connection between travel and photography but that I loved to travel just as much as I loved photography. I now consider that trip, which took me through a dozen countries including China, India, Nepal, Morocco and Turkey, as my apprenticeship.

Back at home I studied the results and realised I still had a lot to learn. Two years of intense picture taking around Australia, lots of reading on photography and studying the work of other photographers followed, as I prepared for my next big trip, two years in Asia. This second journey was clearly focused on building a comprehensive collection of photographs from across the region. When I returned to Australia I had enough material to confidently approach picture editors, publishers and travel companies (including World Expeditions) and announce myself as a travel photographer.

Travel photography is arguably the most competitive of photographic genres thanks to the fact that the subject matter is the preferred subject matter of nearly everyone with a camera, especially when they are on holiday. Aspiring photographers need to understand that travelling to take photographs with the aim of making a living is very different from taking photos while travelling.

Professional travel photography is about commitment to the image.

Nothing gets higher priority than being in the right place, at the right time, all of the time which will give you the best chance of building a large collection of images with broad geographic and subject coverage. You also have to be prepared and able to invest time and money in travel to build a substantial collection of high quality images to license as stock and to prove to potential clients that you can do the job.

You’ve won some impressive awards over the years, what does it mean to you to be recognised as one of the world’s leading travel photographers?

It is of course gratifying to receive some recognition, particularly from industry peers, through the various awards. I’ve been in the business now for over 30 years and it’s good to know that people still relate, respond to and enjoy my photography whether it’s through the use of the images in publications or by buying my books and prints or joining a photography trip. Ultimately, I guess it means I can keep doing what I love for a bit longer.

You’ve said that you travel between 90-120 days a year. How do you manage to balance your work as a photographer with spending time actually experiencing the locations you visit?

For me there is no distinction. I have always travelled with photography as the main purpose. I actually think I experience and see way more than the average traveller because I am looking for more than the obvious sights, I often spend longer in places and often revisit places at different times of day.

Some of your most portfolio shots include portraits of people. When you are approaching subjects to shoot, how do you go about it? Do you chat and explain what you’re doing? Or shoot first, ask questions later?

Yes, I do shoot a lot of people pictures, both portraits and environmental portraits. Either way, for really good people pictures, you’ve got to be prepared to get close to your subjects. Except for crowd shots, standing at a distance with a long lens will rarely result in pleasing images, as you generally won’t be able to fill the frame with your subject, and these kinds of shots usually look as though you’ve tried to sneak them, which you have.

Because I’m usually working at close range I always ask permission to take someone’s photo, I see it as common courtesy. Asking permission allows you to use the ideal lens, get close enough to fill the frame, provides the opportunity to take several shots, as well as to communicate with your subject if necessary. In order to still capture natural looking shots, I work quickly and have developed techniques that make photographing people easy and minimise the intrusion into my subject’s day.

I plan the shot before I approach my subject. I think about the composition and make sure I’ve got the right lens on the camera.

Should it be portrait or environmental, horizontal or vertical? I also decide on the viewpoint I think will work best. I study the light on the person’s face and check where it’s coming from; this allows me to position myself correctly in the first instance. Once I have permission to take a photo the person will usually follow me with their eyes if I move.

The slightest change of camera angle can make all the difference.

Being organised and efficient means I minimise drawing attention to what I’m doing, which helps my subject remain relaxed and results in more natural-looking photos.

Finally, I really enjoy sharing the photos by showing the results on the camera’s LCD screen. It’s is a great way to say thank you and, assuming I’ve taken a flattering photo, leave the person with a positive memory of their encounter with me.

What percentage of photos from a trip is pre-planned versus spur of the moment photos that you were inspired to take along the way?

I do a lot of pre-trip research into the places and subjects I want to capture so as to ensure I allow enough time at each destination but I also love just wandering and discovering lesser known places, sights and capturing daily life, so it’s probably 50/50.

Do you feel as though being a travel photographer has changed the way you view the world?

No, not really. I’ve always had a very positive view of the world and its people and my travels and photographic experience have only ever reinforced that.  I am truly privileged to have seen so much of the best of the world, rather than conflict, death and destruction that others deal with.

My images are a celebration of the diversity of environments, landscapes and cultures that make up our incredible world.

It continues to amaze me how welcoming and willing people are, from the most remote villages to the biggest mega cities, to share their lives briefly with a stranger and his camera.

What is your favourite destination from a traveller's point of view and from a photographer's point of view?

I’ve been lucky enough to make more than 25 trips to Nepal and can confidently say that for a traveller and a photographer, Nepal is pretty hard to beat. The landscape is so utterly grand it takes your breath away. Importantly though, it is alive with people in the villages and on the ancient trade trails, as vital today as they were centuries ago.

The towns are crammed with magnificent Hindu and Buddhist temples, justifiably famous in their own right, but made so much more interesting because they are an integral part of Nepali life, and the focus of daily religious rituals and annual celebrations.

Since my first trip 30 years ago, witnessing Nepal’s vibrant, open culture against a backdrop of spectacular urban and natural environments has been a regular highlight of my travels.

You’ve led trips to China with World Expeditions, what is it about China in Autumn that you find so appealing and what are some key moments or places you capture on your visit?

China is a brilliant destination for photography at any time, but on this trip we’re going to some of the country’s most scenic places when they will be looking at their absolute best thanks to the vibrant colours of the autumn trees. Apart from the remarkable and quintessential Chinese landscapes around the Great Wall, Yellow Mountains and Yangshuo we aimed to capture a wide range of subjects that portray the diversity of landscapes, urban environments, people and cultures that make China such a fascinating destination.

You’ve said that there are five categories you aim to cover at every location; the landscape, people, urban environment, events and wildlife. Do you have a favourite category to photograph and why?

No, I don’t have a favourite. As a travel photographer I photograph just about everything and I think my strength over the years is that I actually do get excited about shooting just about everything. Ultimately, though I most enjoy the transformative power of light, and I work very hard to be in the right place at the right time in order to capture my subjects in the most beautiful and dramatic light. I’ve come to this conclusion because no matter how magnificent the landscape or built environment if the light isn’t right I tend not to shoot, preferring to return at another time.

How would you describe your photographic vision? What kind of feel do you try and create in your photos?

Because I shoot so many different subjects, it’s difficult to define a specific style. My aim is to match the subject with the best light, and then to compose the elements to produce vibrant images that capture the reality of the moment. I aim to take strong individual images, but am always conscious of how the pictures can build on each other to create a comprehensive coverage of a subject, event or destination, so that viewers get a sense of what it might be like to experience it for themselves. Ideally, I’m aiming to add something new to how people perceive a place and the people who live there.

Can you tell us about the gear you use for your travel photography? What is typically in your camera bag while travelling?

I take the same gear on all my trips except for the 200-400mm zoom, which I use mainly for wildlife photography. It’s big and heavy and so it only comes to places where I know I’ll need it. My choice of equipment is aimed at giving me the flexibility I need to capture the wide range of subjects I cover while being easily manageable and accessible so that I can shoot quickly and efficiently. I rarely leave the hotel without both DSLRs - one with the 24-70mm zoom and the other with the 70-200mm zoom. However, the majority of my pictures are taken on the 24-70mm.

This is what I use:

• Two Canon EOS 1Dx MkII DSLR camera bodies
• Canon EF 16-35mm f4 L II USM zoom lens
• Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L II USM zoom lens
• Canon EF 70-200 f2.8 L II USM image stabiliser zoom lens
• Canon EF 200-400 f4 zoom with built in 1.4x converter
• Gitzo G1228 carbon-fibre tripod with Induro ball head.
 

What are 3 tips for taking great travel photos? 

• Don’t assume that your eye level or the first place from where you see your subject is the best viewpoint. A few steps left or right, going down on one knee or standing on a step can quickly improve a composition.

• Make sure your photograph has a clear point of interest. This is usually the thing that caught your eye in the first place and should be the element around which your composition is based.

• Know how your camera works so you can take pictures of all sorts of subjects in all kinds of light and conditions and quickly. So many of the best images are of fleeting moments.

Join Richard on a photography adventure

Learn from the best of the best as Richard takes you through some of the most captivating destinations and scratch beneath the surface to glimpse into the hidden corners of regions, such as the Indian Himalaya and more as he takes you on a photographic exploration of these incredible destinations! View his upcoming photography trips - but hurry, spaces fill up fast.

Thinking of embarking on a journey of a lifetime to Antarctica, or maybe it’s a bucket list destination you want to know more about? We answer the 11 biggest questions about voyaging to Antarctica.

Jump to a section:
When is the best time to travel to Antarctica?
Should I stop at South Georgia?
How long should I stay in Ushuaia? What can I do here?
How cold is it? What should I bring?
Is seasickness common? How can I deal with it?
How close do I get to encounter wildlife?
How ‘rough’ is the Drake Passage crossing?
What parts of Antarctica can I explore on the voyage?
How much time do we spend ashore?
What activities can we do ashore?
Are there hotels in Antarctica?

When is the best time to travel to Antarctica?

The available times to travel to Antarctica is between November and March, which is during the continent’s late spring and summer season and each month has its own special highlights.

November is ideal for voyagers hoping to see towering glaciers and magnificent icebergs in their glory. It’s also an exciting time to go on zodiac excursions and kayak along shorelines with a spell of courtship rituals among penguin colonies and fur seals.

December and January are Antarctica’s warmest months with wildlife activities in full swing. The summertime hails krill species which attract beautiful marine life, penguin chicks begin hatching by mid-January and seal pups are visible. With more daylight during the day and splendid photo opportunities at midnight, this season is a photographer’s dreamland.

In February and March, see the penguin colonies at their busiest and young fur seals at their most playful. And for those keen to go whale watching, the late summer months are ideal.

Should I stop in South Georgia?

The spectacular island in the far South Atlantic Ocean is a must stopover for wildlife lovers. The northern flanks of the island comprise of a series of harbours that once sheltered large fleets of whaling ships and are now home to a treasure chest of flora and fauna.

A South Georgia voyage with an Antarctic Peninsula exploration is the perfect pairing to gain an unfiltered lens into a region boasting a rich diversity of king penguin colonies, elephant seals, albatrosses and more. Its landscape of tussock grass, shattered glaciers and rolling mountains is a striking contrast to the white, frozen scenery of Antarctica.

How long should I stay in Ushuaia? What can I do here?

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is the base for cruises to Antarctica and arriving at least a day before your voyage is ideal to take in the local sights and prepare for your journey ahead.

There are some attractions and experiences on offer, so time spent here can vary on what you plan to do. The city itself is a tourist hot spot with lively restaurants along the waterfront and bars housing renowned craft beers. Make sure you savour traditional Fuegian cuisines such as fresh seafood from local waters (a must-try is their famous southern king crab!) and their deliciously grilled Patagonian lamb.

For history buffs, hit the town’s local museums such as the Marine Museum – which is housed in an old fort – and the Museum of the End of the World. You can also choose to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, Martial Glacier, Cerro Guanaco or the trailhead of Laguna Esmeralda for those with a bit more time.

If you’re looking to splurge a bit, there are some stunning 5-star lodges further up into the mountains with spas, lovely eateries and free shuttle options into town.

For those thinking of extending their holiday, Ushuaia can be a gateway to the wildlife and parks of Patagonia with trekking adventures to Fitz Roy, Cerro Torres, Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno Glacier, which is accessible via a short flight to El Calafate.

How cold is it? What should I bring?

During the summer months in the Antarctic Peninsula region, you’ll encounter freezing temperatures with wind chill factors to account for. In the Ross Sea, however, you’ll experience significantly lower temperatures often below - 10°C (<14°F), as well as wind chill factor.

When booking an expedition with us, we will provide an extensive gear list and suggestions for your voyage so that you are well prepared for your trip. Some basic items to bring include:

- Wind and waterproof outer layers
- Warm pants
- Thermal underwear
- Backpack
- Mittens
- Warm and breathable layers (Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibres like polar fleece retain heat better than cotton.)
- Beanie or balaclava
- Scarves
- Warm socks
- Sunglasses
- Sturdy shoes with non-slip shoes (not sneakers)
- Rubber boots
- Camera with plenty of memory card space/film
- Binoculars

Is seasickness common? How can I deal with it?

Seasickness will depend on the individual. There is usually a small percentage of people who get sick when cruising to Antarctica and most of these people are fine after a day or so
at sea.

If you feel that you are particularly susceptible to seasickness, then it is a good idea to talk to your GP. Consult your doctor about appropriate medication should you require it, such as motion sickness tablets. Remember, once you start to experience motion sickness medications are of little help, so take it well in advance.

To avert motion sickness, avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids, and confined spaces. Most people feel better sitting on the deck looking at the horizon or lying in bed. Oddly, you will feel better with some food, such as crackers or dry toast in your stomach. Be sure to inform the doctor, expedition leader or staff about your situation.

How close do I get to encountering wildlife?

An overriding concern when travelling to Antarctica is the protection of the wildlife, environment and cultures, so a respectable distance is expected for passengers to follow. The minimum distance is five metres (15 feet) from animals onshore and, at sea, the minimum distance is 100 metres from icebergs and glaciers as per the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators’ (IAATO) guidelines. However, conservation issues and what can be done while ashore will be addressed in onboard briefings and when expedition staff assist you ashore.

How ‘rough’ is the Drake Passage crossing?

The Drake Passage is renowned for providing an unforgettable sea crossing experience for passengers, you could say that sailing through it is an adventure in itself.

This area is where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Seas converge – the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone – and is seen as a rite of passage for many polar explorers. It can just as often be calm as it is rough, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. You can either be fortunate to experience the “Drake Lake”, when the passage crossing is smooth and calm; or the “Drake Shake”, where conditions can become bumpy from the impressive waves.

The crossing takes approximately two days in favourable conditions and turbulence is to be anticipated during this crossing; however, expedition vessels are equipped with stabilizers to absorb much of the swaying. While motion sickness may kick in from the rocky waves, it is completely safe to sail through and experienced crew, who have sailed through the passage countless times, are onboard to help.

What parts of Antarctica can I explore on the voyage?

We have over 70 voyages that take you to Antarctica, each unique in encompassing different highlights of the continent depending on the time of year, vessel and passenger’s interests. From Basecamp adventures in the Antarctic Peninsula and the fabled Antarctic Circle to voyages encompassing the South Atlantic Islands and Weddell Sea, our detailed trip notes (which you can download from our trip pages) outlines a proposed itinerary for each journey. However, the weather will always dictate the itinerary and having experienced staff aboard will mean that you will always get the most out of your trip.

You don’t need to be on an active basecamp voyage to get the most out of the icy continent. Often these types of voyages tend to spend more time in one area, rather than venturing to more remote parts of the Peninsular that encompass unique stops like Deception Island.

How much time do we spend ashore?

While our aim is to spend as much time ashore as possible, this will depend on the weather and the constraints of time and distance. Depending on the voyage, you may spend several days aboard the ship, followed by a series of landings, each several hours long. On some voyages we hope to land two or three times every day, weather permitting.

What activities can we do when ashore?

On select voyages there are various active activities you can do, these include:

- Mountaineering/glacier walking
- Snowshoeing/hiking
- Photo shooting
- Field camping
- Kayaking
- Zodiac excursions
- Wildlife spotting

Are there hotels in Antarctica?

There are no ‘hotels’ in Antarctica. IAATO does not support any permanent infrastructure solely for the purposes of tourism in Antarctica. Only semi-permanent facilities are used, such as field camps and blue ice runways, that can be removed with only a minor or transitory impact on the environment.

Feeling inspired?

Visiting Antarctica is a privilege with opportunities to marvel at dramatic icebergs and steep glaciers and encounter its unique wildlife in an almost untouched corner of the world. View our range of Antarctic expeditions >

READ MORE:

• 5 things you may not know about Antarctica
• How to choose your Antarctica Expedition
• Antarctica: where to find the best wildlife encounters

World Expeditions traveller Noemi De La Ville has joined several photography holidays with Richard I’Anson. In this blog article she shares some of her most stunning shots that she took during her travels in the Middle East, May 2017. Covering Iran, Armenia and Georgia and following the photographer’s pace, see here some results of her travels.

Iran was the first country we visited in the World Expeditions trip to the Middle East (Iran, Armenia & Georgia), led by Richard I’Anson in 2017. Both the trip and the leading photographer gave us an amazing experience on places normally off the beaten path for western tourists. The trip was well organised with great on-site logistic and passionate local guides.

Travelling with Richard is an amazing opportunity to capture great shots and learn/improve your photographic techniques regardless your level of expertise, either if you travel with professional photography gear or a pocket camera. He always finds the best spot and light conditions for everyone and at the same time he manages to get his own amazing pictures...all in one. Richard is a passionate photographer willing to share with you his techniques. He is a non-stop kind of person who keeps you on the move the whole trip. If he could, he would keep you shooting images 24/7 for the entire trip……and believe me, you will be grateful for that!

Iran

Taking a selfie in Iran ©NoemiDeLaVille

Iran is a welcoming country full of contrast and colour blended in a magical mix full of intricately-decorated mosques and ancient UNESCO heritage sites. Iranians give you an incredible warm hospitality and generosity. Although women have to keep legs, arms, heads covered all the time and wear loose clothes, they didn't look gloomy or oppressive. On the contrary, women looked cheery and were behaving chatty with other women and us westerners. They love selfies and are so curious for foreign travellers. Wherever you go you will be asked to take a picture with them.

Colour contrast was intense. We saw ladies-in-black everywhere, shopping for colour in the bazaars. We visited one of these in Teheran (Reza Great Bazaar) and one in Tabriz. Both are amazing places, but the bazaar in Tabriz has the fame for being the longest in the world with more than 10 kilometres of winding corridors. There you can easily be lost if you get mesmerised by the bustling atmosphere. The bazaars of the Middle East are magical places where you travel back in time without losing the modern touch. On our photography trip I felt safe wandering around and felt that hospitality is at the core of people doing business.

Travelling up north to the border with Azerbaijan showed us an alluring mix of landscapes with volcanic plains, snowy peaks and dense forests. The Alborz Mountains were the first great landscape with snow covered peaks. We also visited Mausouleh, a historic town more than 1,000 years old. The architecture is wonderful and this town lies in the middle of an amazing forest where we enjoyed the local cuisine full of cinnamon and lemon fragrances. It was the perfect place to explore on foot, where flat roofs and open courtyards serve as connected pedestrian areas.

Kandovan, a unique place on earth ©NoemiDeLaVille

We visited a remarkable spot in Northern Iran (East Azerbaijan), the volcanic village of Kandovan, which consists of houses carved in cone-shape formations of about 3,000 years old that became cave dwellings made from volcanic ashes.

Armenia

Armenia was the second place we visited on our travel in the Middle East. This country became the first state in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion in the 4th Century. It has some of the most impressive old churches and monasteries I have ever seen. Some of them have been included in the list of World Heritage sites by UNESCO. Armenia has a lot to offer, on our photography holiday we spent 8 days from the Iranian border up to the Georgian border and I hope to return again to explore more of its spectacular places.

The first place in Armenia that we visited was Tatev monastery. It is located on a cape formed by a deep river gorge, its location favoured the construction of a mighty defence complex. Tatev complex hosted about 1,000 monks and a large number of artisans during medieval times. We had an incredible opportunity to observe a chanting service which currently is part of the spiritual-cultural life in Armenia.

The Byzantine era Zvartnost Cathedral in Armenia ©NoemiDeLaVille

Zvartnost Cathedral was built when Armenia was under Byzantine influence and invasions by the Muslim Arabs in the 7th Century BC. It was uncovered during excavations at the beginning of last century. On this photography holiday we were given the opportunity to see sections of the original complex that were rebuilt. From there we enjoyed a spectacular view of Mt Ararat.

Visit Lake Sevan on a photography holiday in Armenia ©NoemiDeLaVille

We also visited lake Sevan, which is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. The lake was drained during the USSR era and the monastery built during the medieval period, Sevanavank became an important military site in the 9^th century due to its location on a former island that became a peninsula after the drainage.

Take in the activities at an Armenian bakery on our photography holiday ©NoemiDeLaVille

On this photography trip we visited a bakery, at Garni village, where women make lavash bread. This traditional Armenian flat-bread is crisp and bubbled on top after lifting the flat dough and “gluing” it onto the inner walls of a hot hole that serves the purpose of an oven.

Georgia

Georgia was the final part of this amazing trip to the Middle East. We spent three days walking around the capital city Tbilisi. It is a modern and bohemian city full of life and contrast by day and night. By day you can visit churches and monasteries that tell you the long history of fairy tales of kingdoms, devastating battles and power struggles. It is also full of coffee shops and restaurants that any foodie will love. But at night the city transforms into the city of light, with an amazing cityscape full of landmarks with spotlights highlighting their various colours and forms.

The city can be seen in full splendour from the top of Sololaki hill where we can see two large tubular metallic structures: The Concert Hall and the Exhibition Centre. At the back we can see the presidential palace and over the Kura River there is a pedestrian bridge made by glass and steel, the Bridge of Peace.

Noemi De La Ville

Noemi grew up in Venezuela and after living in various places around the world, now resides in her home-country again. Over the years, she has joined several amazing wildlife and travel photographers: Marina Cano, David Lloyd and Richard I’Anson. Each one has influenced her work. Visit her website and Instagram account to view her visual stories.

noemidelaville.com  |  instagram.com/noemidelaville

Do you also like to travel the Middle East? You can on World Expeditions' Iran to Tbilisi via Armenia adventure holiday with several departures in spring and autumn. 

Join Richard I’Anson’s Photography Holidays

Richard’s aim is to get the group to the right place at the right time to give you the best opportunity of capturing photographs of these amazing destinations in the best possible light. Consequently, you will often rise before sunrise, stay out until just after dark and spend more time than most groups at key places, events and vantage points. This can be challenging at times, however a truly rewarding experience awaits.

These photography tours often sell out well ahead of the travel dates, so if you like to lock in your spot, we advise you to be quick.

>> In 2018, there is a departure to Ladakh in India and in September 2019 you can join Richard on a photography trip to the Markha Valley in India.

Keep an eye out for upcoming photography holidays with World Expeditions.

A camera gives a photographer a unique opportunity to view the world in a very specific way. So it's no surprise that award winning photographer, Nuran Zorlu, is also a passionate archivist, sociologist, historian and self-declared foodie.

Nuran is no stranger to mentoring others in his chosen profession. He has taught at a number of prestigious institutions, including the Art Gallery of NSW, the Australian Centre for Photography and TAFE Sydney. In broader circles he is known for his exhibitions and energetic lectures which combine his first loves of philosophy and history with his photography work.

A brilliant example of this combination is Nuran's most recent project, 'Persia to Iran', a travelogue showcasing Iran's most historically and culturally significant sites.

In September 2017, Nuran will lead a unique journey along China's Silk Road, an ideal opportunity for inquisitive travellers to enrich their knowledge of these sites and cultures as well as explore the region through the eyes of a spirited historian and photographer.

We sat down with Nuran in Sydney to find out more about his love for photography and how he uses his passion to connect with the history and culture of the places he travels.

What is it about photography that you love so much?

Photography gives us knowledge and a very commonly used phrase that sums this up is "a picture tells a thousand words". A camera gives the photographer a unique opportunity to view the world in a very specific way. We can focus on the things that matter to us and create some images to explain what we want to say to the viewer.

KhorpVirap and Mt Ararat. Image: Nuran Zorlu

What are your top 3 travel photography do’s and don'ts?

Many of the rules to create a perfect image apply to travel photography, yet with travel photography, we need to capture the feel of the place or the human conditions at its best.

Let's look at the do's first. I am a very disciplined traveller. When I was young, I used to jump onto a train to reach an unknown destination which was great fun. Now, these days I am mainly interested in culture and I would like to fulfill my academic side as well, therefore, knowing the destination is vital for my work. Of course, you can explore a new route or you will find something that grabs your attention when you are on the road. Yet, preparation is very vital. I will say research and organisation is a must do.

One of my favourite Chinese proverbs is 'if I have given 10 hours to cut a tree, I will spend 9 hours to sharpen my axe'.

The second most important thing is dealing with the locals. When I am on location, I always hire a local guide or driver. These people do not only know where they are going, but they are your insurance policy as well. These are the people who know the road closures, safe places, etc.

The third thing is probably the most important one, respect. Every culture has a right to live with their own social codes, as a traveller we might be in their locality for only a day, or even an hour. This notion of respect creates a very positive vibe and eye contact with a smile will open lots of doors.

Ok, now let’s come to the no no's. The first one is not to give money to children for photographs. It’s important to be a child safe traveller and help create a safe tourism environment for children. Instead of giving money directly to children begging or selling food or souvenirs, support their families and communities or donate to reputable children’s charities. {More information about being a child safe traveller here.}

Another thing would be when you are in religious sites, don't take photos non-stop.  It is very easy to go from an observer to an intruder.

Your recently published book ‘Persia to Iran’ looks amazing! What were some of the highlights in putting this collection together?

Yes, I published my first book 'Persia to Iran' last year.  It was one of the greatest challenges I have ever experienced in my life.

My 'Persia to Iran' book gave me the opportunity to show what I believed in and brought forward an insight into one of the less understood cultures in this world.

As an archivist and social scientist, I have sound knowledge about history, religious components and demography of this region. But when you want to create a collective with all these elements, extensive research is needed. It took me a good ten months to write the book and design the layout. The book was also reviewed by some of the expert's in their field.

St Thaddeus Monastery Northern Iran. Image: Nuran Zorlu

You’ve also got a love of food – what’s the strangest thing you have eaten while travelling?

Food is the great part of any travelling experience. I always like to try local delicacies. I am not only a food lover, but I also cook as well.

I don't know where to start...

How about pork feet soup on 4000mt altitude on Armenia's highest mountain Aragats or barbequed intestines in Istanbul, frog leg noodles in Shanghai's busy markets or snails in a local restaurant in Siem Reap, pig ears in a sleepy town near Granada or roasted sheep head as breakfast in Mashad?

What do you think, are they strange enough? Did I mention, my signature dish is Albanian deep fried lamb liver.

Isfahan Butcher. Image: Nuran Zorlu

What can people expect to discover with you on your upcoming trip along the Silk Road in September?

I feel lucky to have had the chance to visit both China's urban and rural corners in the past. This large, culturally rich country has a lot to offer, but to me, a road trip to Eastern China's highly developed regions to the barren ethnically diverse West which is on the ancient Silk Road is one of greatest experiences we can ever have in this country. As this is a new destination for me as well, I am looking forward to photographing and discovering some of the marvels of the world's most populous country too.

The Forbidden City, Beijing. Image: Nuran Zorlu

First of all, The Silk Road is not a single route like California’s Pacific Highway; it is a combination of various land and marital routes which date back to millennia. Before the widespread marine routes established after the 15th century, the land route was the most important for trade and cultural delivery.

Being on the road is an incredible sensation, especially when you are in China. The path we will follow covers more than the half of the Asian Silk Road. From Beijing to Kashgar the distance is around 4500 km (little over the distance between Perth to Sydney.) On this journey, we will experience different cultural elements and diversity of China. There are a few UNESCO heritage sites on our route and we will have a chance to explore some of the least visited corners of the world.

Exploring the Mogao Caves in China. Image: Kate Baker

The Silk Road was not only used for a trade, but lots of ideas also passed through this area as well. We will have a chance see the impact of these ideas on this land, especially as a form of religion. Buddhism and Islam entered China through the Silk Road. Today China is officially a non-religious country, but one of the major branches of Buddhism, Han Buddhism, has integrated to China's culture for millennia.

Mogao caves once preserved some of the oldest Buddhist manuscripts. Today it is like an art gallery unlike any other in the world. The manuscripts are not there anymore, but sculptures and murals are still in their original locations. There are also other sites such as Bingling and Labrang monasteries on our route as well. The later is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery outside of Tibet. It is a living anthropology museum, the monks and locals still conduct their lives as they did 400 years ago.

The Buddhist infusion in this area is so great, but what I want to explore with my fellow travellers the most are the other religious or ethnic components of Western China, The Uighurs and their amazingly photogenic country.

Of course tasting local delicacies is an imperative aspect of visiting traditional communities which this land offers. I always say you can take amazing images to share what you saw, but the taste and smell sensations will only stay with you.

Summer Palace. Image: Nuran Zorlu

How do you plan to incorporate photography into all the sightseeing and tour activities?

Additional to what we can experience through the land and the culture, I am also looking forward to sharing my expertise as a travel photographer. I will be there to help and guide the participants to develop their technical and artistic styles.

As a social and religious architecture archivist, research is imperative to me. I haven't been to all of these sites but, I know what to look for, and I will find many many more angles the moment I start feeling the place.

Photography is not only a tool to express someone's view of their surroundings,  it is also an excellent way to learn new things as well. Personally, I love the epistemology aspect of photography a lot. It helps us to connect and reconnect to our subject, especially if you like to explore culture and history.

My aim for us is to come home with not only a great experience but with a fantastic set of photographs too.

Tiger Leaping Gorge, China. Image: Nuran Zorlu

You’ll be heading to the famous Sunday markets in Kashgar. What can people look forward to when exploring the marketplace with you?

The markets are probably the most colourful and exciting part of the trip. The world and The Silk Road has changed a lot, but Kashgar Sunday Markets still exist after millennia. Caravans had stopped here before they advanced into Persia or China. Maybe the items, garments or currency has changed, but the importance of this intersection still plays a vital role. Photographing this market, especially the livestock section, will be one of the highlight of this trip.

Join Nuran on China's Silk Road in September 2017

This remarkable  15-day journey takes you along the Chinese part of this ancient route, through ever-changing landscape to the ancient city of Kashgar. In the company of multi award-winning photographer, Nuran Zorlu, you will seek out the best photographic experiences and will not fail to be inspired at every turn. Find out more

Hiking among majestic peaks, scrambling up mountainsides, ‘sliding’ down a scree slope, AND capturing the moment. How do you balance mountain hiking and do great photography? 

One of the hardest types of photography is trying to get great shots as you are on the trail. After all, your first priority when you’re hiking should always be safety, and when you are trying to also photograph the mountains and landscapes, it can become a lot to juggle, not to mention that it’s a lot of extra weight to carry in an already heavy pack. Plus, when you’re hiking (especially with a group) you don’t have the luxury of hanging out until the light or scene is ‘just right’ for the photograph, you have to keep going along the trail to reach your destination.

These mountain hiking photography tips are mainly for people who want to go beyond a snapshot and actually tell a story or evoke a feeling of place with photography in the mountains. The tips shared are primarily for photo enthusiasts and amateurs carrying a DSLR or mirrorless camera; one that has interchangeable lenses. However, these tips and techniques can apply to smart phones and compact cameras.

On the trail

Time of day

Photographers always talk about how important time of day is when it comes to shooting. They tell you to go out at dusk and dawn and shoot with the favorable light. Or they will recommend to go out and scout a location for the best light and shadows and then come back and shoot at the most optimal time. However, one of the hardest things about shooting while hiking for multiple days is that first and foremost you are there to hike and get from point A to point B. That means that you have a schedule to keep and typically a group to follow. The idea of putting yourself in the right place at the exact right time for photography isn’t really possible; so you have to take what Mother Nature gives to you and work with it the best you can.

There was no time to stick around to capture this mountain hut without shadows as we had to get on the trail that morning and start hiking. So you work with what you can and keep moving.

Of course try to get an early start hiking to take advantage of the good light, and shoot more towards the beginning and end of the day. However if you come across a great scene in the mid day harsh light, don’t skip the photo, take it and consider these tips:

• Underexpose the image a bit as you may be able to edit those dark areas in post processing.
• Use a polarizing filter to help filter the light and reduce lens flare.
• Compose the shot so there is not as much sky in the photo, cropping in and filing the frame with more mountain or tree details instead of the bright contrasting sky.

If you shoot in the midday sun, consider only showing a sliver of sky as it will be too bright for the rest of the picture.

• If you are photographing a person, see if you can move them into the shadows or under a tree to diffuse the harsh midday light.

Be Ready

When hiking you have to be ready for the scene and be able to pick up your camera and shoot quick before the object or opportunity passes. This normally means that you don’t want to be fumbling around trying to get your camera out of your pack as the wildlife wanders off or the interesting person hikes past you. When possible on the trail, have your camera out and ready, with the appropriate settings (ISO, aperture, and shutter) for the mountain scene.

A little girl passes me on the trail to Nepal, I had to be quick with my camera to get this picture!

Hiking with a camera around your neck though all day can be a pain, literally. You want to take advantage of your backpack design and try to disperse the weight of the camera on your hips instead of your neck or shoulders, which will likely become sore after a while on the trail. Consider taking your camera and putting the strap around your neck, then take both of your arms and put them through the straps too. Since you have a backpack on, this means the camera strap will now be resting on your backpack putting the weight all onto your shoulders and hips like the backpack already is designed to do. The camera will rest on your torso nicely. Plus, it will be easily available to pick up quickly and get the shot of the wolf crossing the trail!

How you can carry your camera on your front, draped over your backpack straps, and have easy access to your equipment.

Brace Yourself

As you hike, you’ll likely be breathing hard from the effort of hiking, this means you have the potential of adding in camera shake and ultimately blurriness to your photos. To combat camera shake and blurriness, be sure to brace yourself when you take the photo. Lean on a tree, a rock wall, or anything that can steady you.

Composition

Rule of Thirds

Don’t put your subject (mountain peak, tree, trail) in the center of the picture. It is the simplest thing you can do to change a picture from ok to great. The concept is called Rule of Thirds:

“An image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important composition elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. It is believed that by aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject would.”

This rule applies to your horizon line too! Avoid putting your horizon in the middle of the photo and follow the rule of thirds instead.

The mountain peaks in the rule of thirds.

People Perspective

Mountains are often huge, steep, and daunting; however, if you just take a typical landscape only photo you may look at it and think, “It felt bigger and steeper in person”. Often what we see is different than what the camera sees. One thing that really provides a perspective of size or inclines is to take a photograph with a person in the scene so that you can get a better perspective of the size of the landscape. In addition, adding people to your pictures (maybe of them hiking on the trail) gives the trail more life and transports the viewer to the scene. And finally, try to find people who are wearing colors who will show up in the scene; people wearing brightly colored gear is best.

People can help you show how steep a trail is.

People used to show how big a glacier is.

The Perfect Landscape

Landscape isn’t just about a big, wide shot of land and sky, the best landscape shots normally have an object or something in the foreground that it interesting too. Choosing a foreground object is maybe the most creatively important part of taking a great landscape shot.

Flowers in the foreground create a better landscape photo.

Put a person in the foreground to create a more dynamic and personal look at the mountains.

Get Low

When you put the camera close to the ground you create interesting perspectives. You’ll definitely get much bolder lines and compositions which objects in the foreground appearing bigger and more dynamic. Most of us see something we want to photograph, put the camera up to our eye level and click. However photography is about moving; crouching, standing on things, putting your camera on the ground and changing perspectives.

Get low and capture hiking boots on the trail.

Use these photography tips on your next mountain hiking adventure and you’ll come home with an oooohhh and ahhhhh worthy portfolio you’ll be proud of!

About the author: Sherry Ott is a long term traveler, blogger, and photographer with one goal in mind - to make you wish you were somewhere else. She writes about her nomadic lifestyle and around the world adventures on Ottsworld.com. She has hiked the Annapurna Circuit, walked the across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, kayaked in Antarctica, and drove a auto rickshaw across India for charity. She continues to seek out adventurous unique opportunities to challenge herself and inspire people to overcome their fears and reap the benefits of travel.