Swan Hellenic has announced its Antarctic Photography Program, an exclusive, voyage-long experience exploring Antarctica with nine departures.
Limited to 10 participants per voyage, the program combines professional guidance, dedicated photo opportunities, daily image feedback and editing workshops, and costs $1,000 per guest.
“Antarctica is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth to photograph, but capturing its beauty and wildlife is also a matter of being in the right place at the right moment and knowing how to respond to constantly changing conditions,” said Mario Bounas, chief commercial officer of Swan Hellenic.
“We are also pleased to announce that dedicated photography sailings will be launching in Asia-Pacific next summer season,” added Bounas.
The company said in a press release that Simon Ager, a Canadian-British photographer, will be the inaugural Photography Instructor.
Ager will lead the program during the “Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey,” from November 24 to December 4, 2026, onboard the H Vega.
The program will continue with Lauren Buchholz, a landscape photographer, who will lead the program during:
- “Antarctic Wonders: Roundtrip Cruise from Ushuaia,” from 4 to December 13, 2026
- “Antarctic Wonders: Roundtrip Cruise from Ushuaia,” from 13 to December 22, 2026, and
- “Patagonia and Wild Atlantic: Cruise to the Falkland Islands,” from March 25 to April 4, 2027.
The remaining voyages on which the program will be available include:
- “Antarctic Wonders: Roundtrip Cruise from Ushuaia,” from 13 to January 22, 2027
- “Expedition to Antarctica: Weddell Sea Cruise,” from January 22 to February 2, 2027
- “Antarctic Wonders: Roundtrip Cruise from Ushuaia,” from 2 to February 11, 2027
- “Antarctic Wonders: Roundtrip Cruise from Ushuaia,” from 3 to March 12, 2027, and
- “Cruise to the Antarctic Circle,” from March 12-25, 2027.
During suitable Zodiac operations, the group will have access to a dedicated Photography Zodiac, accompanied by the Photography Instructor.
The experience will focus on landscape and wildlife photography, including penguins, seals, seabirds and whales, as well as composition, exposure and challenging Antarctic light.
Daily feedback sessions will let participants review their images and receive practical guidance, along with editing workshops.
Guests should bring their own camera equipment and, if they want to join the editing sessions, a laptop or editing device.
The program is open to enthusiastic photographers of different experience levels.
All activities remain subject to weather, sea and ice conditions, wildlife behavior, environmental regulations, IAATO requirements, and the decisions of the Captain and Expedition Leader.
