Swan Hellenic is giving photography enthusiasts a new way to experience Antarctica with the launch of its Antarctic Photography Program, an expert-led experience available on nine selected expedition voyages through March 2027.
The program is limited to 10 participants per sailing and combines professional instruction, dedicated photography opportunities, daily image critiques and editing workshops.
Expert Photographers Lead Antarctic Voyages
The inaugural instructor is Simon Ager, a Canadian-British photographer whose work has been published by National Geographic. Ager has also participated in Antarctic science expeditions for the Schmidt Family Foundation. He brings experience as a polar guide and expedition leader.
Ager will lead the program aboard SH Vega during the Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey, sailing Nov. 24 through Dec. 4, 2026.
Landscape photographer Lauren Buchholz will lead the program on three additional departures. A certified National Geographic Photo Instructor and polar guide, Buchholz has worked extensively with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, with work appearing in Outdoor Photographer and Landscape Photography Magazine.
Her scheduled voyages include two expedition departures, Dec. 4–13 and Dec. 13–22, 2026, and March 25–April 4, 2027.
Dedicated Photography Opportunities in Antarctica
Swan Hellenic‘s program is designed to help guests improve their photography skills while exploring the Antarctic environment. Participants will focus on capturing wildlife, including penguins, seals, seabirds and whales, as well as dramatic polar landscapes and challenging lighting conditions.
During suitable Zodiac excursions, participants may also have access to a dedicated Photography Zodiac accompanied by the instructor. Instruction will cover composition, exposure and techniques for working in Antarctica’s changing light.
Back onboard, daily feedback sessions will allow guests to review their images and receive practical advice. The program is open to photographers at different experience levels, provided they are comfortable operating their own cameras.
Participants must bring their own photography equipment and a laptop or editing device if they wish to join the editing workshops.
In addition to the voyages led by Ager and Buchholz, the program will be available on other departures such as Antarctic Wonders: Roundtrip Cruise from Ushuaia: Jan. 13–22, 2027; Expedition to Antarctica: Weddell Sea Cruise: Jan. 22–Feb. 2, 2027 and Antarctic Wonders: Roundtrip Cruise from Ushuaia: Feb. 2–11, 2027.
What Advisors Should Know
The program offers a niche selling point for clients who want more than traditional wildlife viewing. The small group size, specialist instruction and opportunities to review and refine images throughout the voyage add an educational component to the expedition experience.
For more information, visit photoprogram.swanhellenic.com.
