Cameras in Antarctica

The January ’06 article by Janet Denninger on photography in Antarctica made me recall a trip my wife and I made there several years ago (pre-digital cameras).

We had spent several hours on South Georgia Island with thousands of penguins and seals. Photo opportunities were wonderful! During the time we were there, however, the weather became severe and the sea waves grew quite high. My wife insisted that I put our cameras in plastic bags for our trip back to the ship. I reluctantly did so.

We were among the first group to board the Zodiac for our return to the ship. As soon as we started, the waves caused our Zodiac to upend and fill with water. We became submerged along with all of our gear. Our cameras were about the only things that remained dry.

So you may want to add plastic baggies to your travel list if you go there.

One other suggestion — when you take pictures of the penguins, sometimes try to kneel down to their level. The results are much more dramatic.

JOHN THORSON
Darien, IL