Part of the prize for winning the New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year for 2018 is a Subantarctic journey with Heritage Expeditions aboard the Spirit of Enderby. Yep, you read that right. I get to explore a part of the world that has piqued my curiosity ever since I first learnt of the exploits of Shackleton, Scottand numerous other explorers in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Even my mentor, Kim Westerskov, has regaled me with tales and photos of the place (he is one of the pioneer photographers down there – Antarctic royalty, if you will).
The expedition I will be joining heads as far south as Campbell Island before looping back up towards Fiordland via the Auckland Islands, the Snares Islands and Stewart Island. We'll then get to spend a few days exploring the relative tranquility of southern Fiordland. Okay, so this is kind of like a dream trip for me. I even convinced my poor wife to spend four days on the Breaksea Girl in Doubtful Sound as part of our honeymoon back in 2003. Seriously. She still mentions it ...
I head off around the middle of December and, all going well, will return in time for Christmas. Yes, I'm excited.
That does have an impact on the Box of Light Gallery. Traditionally, I have noticed that most people leave their framed print ordering until the last minute, but this year we will be closing off all framing and print orders on December 10. So if you are eyeing something up or want to make an appointment to discuss your new artwork, please don't leave it too late this year. I'll be completely off the grid chasing albatross and penguins around the Subantarctic.
This week's images prove I love storms (and we had some great fronts last week) and even better still I'm pretty sure my kids have developed the same fascination. My kids were surfing when the one above hit us and turned the lineup from playful calm to a full waterblasting.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS If you're looking for a great Xmas gift for anyone who loves surfing or the ocean then try a Gift Subscription to New Zealand Surf Journal. Only $48 and that gets them a whole year of stoke and you'll be the absolute favourite.
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