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I have had some time to go through more of the images I came back with from the Falklands. I also wanted to share a couple of cell phone videos I took that might help give a feel for what it was like to be there. Finally, I had quite a few members ask about logistics, so I’ll share a few learnings from my trip.
Enjoy .
King Penguins in love
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
Magellenic Penguin chick in burrow
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
Gentoo Penguin in sandstorm
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
Gentoo Penguin chicks in nest
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
Falkland Skua with Rockhopper Penguin chick
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
Gentoo Penguin surfing
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
Gentoo Penguin emerges from the surf
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
Magellenic Penguin at sundown
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
King Penguin on the beach
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
Gentoo Penguin chick close up
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
Magellenic Penguins at sunset
Canon 1DX, 100-400 II
Fly to Stanley, Falkland Islands via Santiago and Punta Arenas, Chile. Flights within Falklands via FIGAS. Total luggage allowance for FIGAS flights is 45 lbs.
All camping gear fit in an REI duffle bag and was checked in, while all camera gear fit in a Gregory Targhee 45 backpack and was carried on.
Camping Experience
It is extremely windy in the Falklands, and the blowing sand and wet surroundings can be unforgiving on your gear. Try to keep things as covered as possible. A simple rain cover like the Storm Jacket covers I used won't keep the sand out. You might consider taking a roll of plastic food wrap and use that to wrap your camera bodies and lenses. That will allow you to see the screen and use the buttons while still providing a barrier to keep the sand and water out.
The camp site at Saunders Island is on the side of a mountain, under a large rock formation affectionately known as the "Swiss Hotel":
A dry toilet is nearby, but drinking water must be filled at the porta-cabin (about 1 mile away). Electricity to charge batteries is available in the generator shed at the porta-cabin. There is also an emergency radio there, but I highly recommend taking a satellite communication device of your own for emergencies. You can either buy food in Stanley, where there is much more selection, and fly it in (counts against your weight allowance on FIGAS), or you can purchase basic food items at the "store" at Saunders Settlement. It is basically a large pantry with canned foods, dry pasta, instant soups, and other generally non-perishable items. I am a vegetarian, but I understand it may be possible to get fresh meat from the Settlement.
Camping at Volunteer Point is much easier by comparison. There is a small corrugated metal wind barrier near the visitor rest area that serves as the campground. You may also be able to get permission to sleep inside the visitor rest area, but you will have to clear out early before the day tours arrive. There are dry chemical toilets next to the rest area. There is no drinking water, food, or any other supplies available at Volunteer Point, so you have to purchase everything in Stanley and bring it with you. You can charge batteries in the shed at Volunteer House.
If these penguins had flight feathers they would soar....an outstanding series filled with emotion...what you captured in these photos was so much more than just beautiful images but the spirit within. You connected with these creatures in a way that is hard to describe...as if you were given the privilege of a intimate and private look into their lives which played out in front of you. They are voyeuristic in nature...very sensual but at the same time respectful.
Eric
Truly outstanding! Tender and beautiful and harsh as well. Everything is top notch and shows the beauty of these birds and where they live. Also shows the emotion of what it must have been like to experience this.
Wonderful and beautiful images! What a treat to visit such a location, and have the skills to take advantage of it. Images 1, 3, 4, 9, and 10 stand out to me, although all are great! I love your processing on image 3. Thanks for sharing these.
Keith W.
Great stuff and always makes me want to go back and try for the "shots that got away".
Good info for the Falklands but there are alternatives to camping and certainly some other excellent destinations.
Don
Super images Mitesh...I enjoyed all of them. Thanks for sharing all the juicy details of the logistics and planning. The Falklands is a great place to knock off a lot of penguin species without paying the mega bucks to go on a boat to the peninsula. Also it looks like you have a lot more control over what and when you shoot compared to the boat trips.
You did forget to add one thing to the logistics though....how does one manage to book a seat on the plane next to the world's most famous bird photographer?
nicely done, miteshbhai, loved the mood and the interaction with the subject. what a trip it must have been, with all the harsh conditions that are not even affecting your photography one bit.
Bravo.
Terrific set of images! The videos were interesting too. It looked like the shooting conditions were not ideal with all the wind.
Thanks for posting the images and sharing the information on your camping trip.
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~ Ron