June 10 - Ny-Ålesund

Video by Bill Megalos

The sun is out!

I had planned that on this day I would travel around the Kongsfjorden by boat to photograph the glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife of the area. So lucky that the weather cooperated!

After suiting up in our wet gear which probably weighs at least 15 pounds, we board our small boat to explore the Kongsfjorden.

I obsess over a small piece of an iceberg that is now a beautiful sculpted piece of ice. I had not had the opportunity to use my infrared film and the glow of this ice is a perfect time to try it. 

Being on a boat and having to be precise with focus for infrared is challenging. 

The iceberg.

Kongsfjorden is where all of the scientists are doing their research. This time of year, Glaucous Gulls, Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Eider ducks are breeding and protecting their eggs on cliffs and small islands. These areas are protected. We search for a rock that is not protected where we can set up our tripod in order to capture the essence of the Fjord. What seemed to be hard rock was actually rock covered in deep mud. Bill’s feet get engulfed in the mud. With great effort, he is released and we search for another spot.