Creative Vision Newsletter, December 18, 2023
Emperor: The Impossible Penguin
(Above) Canon EOS R5, Canon RF 100-500 at 400mm, 1/1000 second, f/8, ISO 400
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During a recent Antarctica expedition with Muench Workshops, we made a decision to explore the east side of the Antarctic peninsula and look for emperor penguins on floating ice in the Weddell Sea. My expedition leader placed the odds of actually seeing an emperor penguin somewhere around 20 percent. Despite this odds, we went for it anyway!
We ended up seeing more than two dozen emperors over the course of 5 days before we headed back up north to see the west side of the peninsula. It was the thrill of a lifetime!
The emperor is often called “the impossible penguin” because it’s so a rare to see in the wild. Emperors inhabit the most remote and southern areas of Antarctica and are not in the path of most conventional Antarctic cruises or expeditions.
(Above) Canon EOS R5, Canon RF 100-500 at 500mm, 1/1250 second, f/9, ISO 250
Emperors became famous worldwide in the 2005 documentary, March of the Penguins, directed and co-written by Luc Jacquet, and co-produced by Bonne Pioche and the National Geographic Society.
They breed in late March and early April, during the onset of a cold, dark, brutal winter. This is so the long developmental period occurs during the bleakest weather, ensuring the best survival rates among the offspring. The chicks will be fully fledged by mid summer, when predators are out and most active.
Each couple produces a single egg in late May or June. Incubation is performed solely by the male, throughout the entire winter, while the female journeys hundreds of miles from the colony and returns when incubation is complete.
(Above) Canon EOS R5, Canon RF 100-500 at 500mm, 1/1000 second, f/8, ISO 640
Emperors are also the world’s largest penguin, with some individuals reaching 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in height and more than 100 pounds (45kgs).
More of Antarctica 2023
What I’ve Been Pondering
“The things we fear the most are often the things we most need to do”
The quote is mine, but probably not original either. It’s an old, but important, idea that sometimes needs attention and a reminder.
New Podcast Episodes
William Neill
His new Yosemite book, insights into expressive landscape photography, and being a receptor for inspiration.
William Neill is an American landscape and nature photographer, writer and teacher. He’s been a resident of the Yosemite National Park area since 1977, and his award-winning photography has been widely published in books, magazines, calendars, posters, and his limited-edition prints. For about 30 years, William wrote a monthly column in Outdoor Photographer magazine.
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Overcast
Topics:
William's life and work in Yosemite.
Working with Ansel Adams.
What hasn't already been photographed in Yosemite?
What Yosemite has taught William as an artist.
How Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone is different from his other Yosemite books.
A complicated relationship with Tunnel View.
Richard's favorite images from the book and why.
Being a "receptor for inspiration" in the field.
What makes a good photo?
What gets William excited!
Check it out!
Listen To The Entire Episode on:
The Art of Branding
Lessons for photographers on personal branding, social media, sponsorships, and marketing with Lexar’s Joey Lopez.
In this episode, we talk branding, influencers, gaining and working with corporate sponsors, marketing, and social media for photographers and artists. What is branding and what isn't? How important is consistency and authenticity? What should photographers do and not do on social media? How to market yourself. Plus a lot more.
Joey Lopez is the Director of Brand Marketing at Lexar. He launched the Lexar Influencer Program, working with renowned photographers and videographers to increase brand awareness. Joey has been responsible for creating digital and social media content and managing PR and event planning for Lexar's key product launches and trade shows.
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Overcast
This episode includes my branding manifesto for differentiating yourself from the crowd. I hope you have a listen.
Check it out!
Listen To The Entire Episode on:
*****
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And you can get 10% off any product on the Kase Filters Amazon Page when you use coupon code BERNABE10 at check out.
*****
Here’s to Truth, Adventure, and Passion…
I hope I did that correctly. I thought I'd subscribed to Substack before, oh well, better safe than sorry. I look forward to the various penguin pictures and all of the rest. They're always such a treat!
Another Great Expedition right at the peak of your Eminent Career. Your observations on the life of penguins confirm a scientific insight in the matter of Nature in
general. Your photographs are
Excellent Works of Fine Arts, and
the whole Collection is certainly
a true Masterpiece !! I would be
very delighted, if these pictures of
superlative quality will be shown in
a new Exhibition at a famous, distinguished Gallery. You are the most gifted Artist all over the
World !! It's a pleasure and honour
for me to belong to your followers.
Thank you so much indeed.