González Videla Base, Antarctica
Fujifilm GFX100S II, 500mm lens, f8 @ 1/1500 second, ISO 1000

You never really know what you’re going to find when you jump in a zodiac for an Antarctic cruise through the icebergs. Well, that’s not completely true. I usually have a pretty good idea because each location in Antarctica (and South Georgia) is thoroughly documented by IAATO and their guidelines describe the location in detail, along with fauna, restrictions and hazards to keep in mind.

So, yes, when I jumped into the zodiac at Paradise Bay earlier this year, I knew the González Videla Base was there, but in some ways, it was annoying because there was a wonderful snow-covered mountain with a large patch of unusual green algae (I’m assuming). Add in a few wandering penguins and I felt I had found a great subject, if only I could keep the Base out of the frame.

As the zodiac continued around the point, the vista changed and suddenly we were looking back over the Base with both mountains and icebergs behind. A single black building looked as though it were about to be crushed by an armada of angry bergs! Interestingly, although the Base is deserted, along the window sill of a top floor window, I could see a series of bottles, some not completely empty. Perhaps the final party before the scientists left years ago out performed their ability to finish their drinks!

Antarctica, South Georgia and the rarely visited South Sandwich Islands have a wonderful ability to surprise you every time you visit. There’s always something that is a little different, a little quirky, very special. And while there are differences in the wildlife and the landscape from October to March, I don’t find one month better than another. In fact, I’m currently having a love-affair with the end of the season, when the sun is actually setting and rising at a reasonable hour.

The photo above was framed to fit an audio visual I produced using a wide-screen format. I think it works pretty well as a still, too! If you’d like to check it out on Vimeo, here’s the link: https://vimeo.com/1080990177?share=copy#t=0

And if you’re interested in experiencing Antarctica yourself, may I highly recommend the voyage I’m taking in March 2026. You’ll find full details on the website: https://www.betterphotography.com/photo-tours/sandwich2026-detail

And you can see my stills portfolio on my personal website here: https://www.petereastway.com/antarctica--south-georgia-2025?ct=2