The world of photography can take you to some very unique and special places. For photographers who have the opportunity to capture these remote and often inhospitable locations, some challenges that need to be overcome soon become very apparent.
With thanks to the Australian Antarctic Division, the following advice is offered to aspiring photographers of the Antarctic.
1. The golden rule of photography in the Antarctic is obviously, keep your camera warm. Be aware that glass, plastics and moving components of your camera become brittle and fragile in such cold conditions. Lubricants in your camera and tripod seize up and LCD screens can also freeze. It is advisable to always carry your camera, film and lenses under clothing and to avoid exposing your camera to the cold for longer than necessary. When returning to a heated room from being outside in the cold with your camera, reduce the risk of condensation in your lenses and camera by placing your camera and lenses in a plastic bag, removing any air and allowing the camera and lenses to warm up gradually for 1 - 2 hours. This will reduce rapid changes in temperature.
2. The right equipment and batteries for the conditions are critical. It is recommended that photographers use a camera that has the capacity to override automatic functions. Batteries need to be kept within a specific temperature range to operate properly - rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries or lithium batteries will work better than alkaline - and take more than you think you will need. When in the antarctic, the days battery supply can be kept warm in an inside pocket.
3. Practical considerations include making sure that your extremities are kept warm with the appropriate warm clothing. Something to consider is that your face may stick to your camera while looking through the viewfinder when shooting under sub-zero conditions - placing tape on the camera at the places where your face touches can prevent this. The dry, cold air in Antarctica also creates static electricity, which can increase the amount of dust and dirt that ends up on your camera's sensor, so remember to keep lens changes to a minimum and utilise a sensor cleaning kit if possible. 
4. Consider the use of UV and polarising filters to reduce glare off snow and ice, as well as reduce blue colour cast. Also be aware that things often take up to 4 times longer to shoot in extreme conditions than under normal conditions, and a degree of patience needs to be shown in relation to logistics and the amount of practical assistance that staff working on Antarctic stations may be able to give you.
Photographers are encouraged to submit their images to the Australian Antarctic Division as a record of their experience, to contribute to the collection of historical images of Antarctica and as a great way of gaining exposure before industry professionals
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