Tourism in Antarctica has steadily increased over the past decades. With the commencement of commercial flights to Seymour Island, it will only grow faster. Increasing accessibility to this continent transforms Antarctica into a more feasible destination for the average tourist. Perhaps you’ve already added it to your list or, even better, booked a tour.

However, unless you’re a travel guide or scientist, more likely than not your first trip to the frozen continent will also be your last. There are so many other places to see in a lifetime. Plus the distance and accompanying cost help make it a one-in-a-lifetime destination. As such, and knowing the natural beauty that awaits, you want to, and perhaps feel pressure (as I did) to fully capture the landscape and wildlife. The continent is so breathtaking that even the most amateur photographers can walk away with stunning photographs, . Yet there are a few crucial things to know and equipment to purchase to set yourself up for success.

Camera Friendly Gloves:

Despite visiting in summer, it gets quite cold down in Antarctica. Even on the sunniest day, the wind can leave your exposed skin feeling almost frostbitten. As such, finding gloves that are camera friendly is essential. The bigger and bulkier the layer, the warmer you’ll be. But, the harder it becomes to adjust your aperture or shutter speed. Many camera companies offer photography-specific gloves that you to peel back the fingertips. This gives you greater access to all the necessary buttons. Be cautious of fleece though. Once it gets wet (and it will get wet) the glove become useless, making your hands feel colder than they would otherwise.

A portable tripod:

I’ve heard mixed opinions about traveling with a tripod. Many travelers suggest leaving it at home due to Aerolíneas Argentino’s weight restrictions. With checked bags limited to 15kg (about 33 pounds) and a carry-on to 8kg (about 17 pounds), it’s definitely important to budget what you pack, especially considering the number of warm layers you might need. I opted to ditch mine. However, I found myself repeatedly wishing for something to steady my camera as I shot videos in the howling wind. Penguins leaping off and back onto a small iceberg, while still adorable, jolts and shakes in all directions due to my inability to hold still. A travel size tripod shouldn’t add too much weight to your luggage and if it does, perhaps leave one pair of long johns behind. Believe me, while you might end up re-wearing outfits or perhaps even starting to smell, you’ll thank yourself in the long run.

Extra Memory and Batteries:

When you set out for Antarctica, you leave behind all semblance of civilization, which includes access to convenient stores. While the boat you travel on might have a shop or two, more often than not they don’t stock camera equipment. As such, it is essential to bring multiple SD cards and batteries. Internet is intermittent at best and certainly not fast. This means you can’t count on uploading images to the cloud to then erase images on your memory card. You might not even want to take your computer, as it adds extra weight to your carry on. It therefore becomes essential to bring sufficient memory cards. I’d budget taking anywhere from 600-1,000 photos a day. Don’t forget that these cards hold a different amount of photos depending on the quality you have elected to shoot. RAW format takes up the most space whereas small Jpegs free up the most).While this might seem excessive, picture how adorable penguins are and how every movement they make, big or small, will warrant another photograph.

When it comes to batteries, cold weather drains them far faster. Remember to not only purchase a few spares but also to carry at least one with you at all times, especially when you disembark for a daily excursion. It is always better to be safe than sorry. The last thing you want is to step onshore, catch sight of an amazing scene and find your camera to be out of juice.

Camera Lenses:

To some this topic might seem like common sense, especially to those who are familiar with zooming and operating multiple lenses. However, the conditions in the Antarctic bring with it some unique circumstances. You must think through the reality of changing lenses while onshore or in a zodiac. Sometimes it is challenging due to the gear you’re wearing or the cold temperatures. Your hands just don’t work as quickly. Other times it’s the weather. In howling wind or pouring rain, changing a lens results in dust or moisture getting into your camera. This is something you want to avoid at all costs because there’s no nearby camera store to fix broken equipment.

So what are your options? You can purchase an all-in-one lens with a range from 18-400mm. Put this on in  the morning and you can capture a variety of images at varying distances throughout the day. The downside becomes loss of clarity when fully zoomed out or in. Or you can bring 2-3 different lenses, utilizing the one that makes sense for whatever situation you’re in. When heading to land, the most functional will be a 70-300mm, give or take, since most of what you’ll capture is wildlife. Of course the landscape ashore is stunning but that can actually be best captured from the boat itself. For scenery shots while on land, use your smartphone, saving your camera for zooming situations.

Water Resistant Gear/Rain Protection:

The weather on the frozen continent can be quite erratic. A day that starts off sunny can end in rain or even snowfall. It is therefore crucial you bring some sort of protection for your camera and lenses. You’d hate to miss out on a breaching whale because you were too afraid of the steady rainfall. What’s more, you will spend a fair amount of time exploring Antarctica from a zodiac. Even on perfectly sunny days, this means your camera is likely to encounter splashing water, and more likely than not, salt water. A waterproof cover (or plastic bag if we’re talking smartphone) ensures your camera survives the adventure and that you head home with endless amounts of pictures.

Where to Get The Gear:

So now that you know what’s needed one question remains: Where do I find this essential gear? If you live in or near a city, chances are you have a National Camera Exchange, a B&H Photo or a camera-company specific store (Nikon, Canon etc). In your free time, pop over and pepper their salespeople with questions. Will this cover fit on this lens? Which of these two options do you recommend? How heavy is this tripod?

Otherwise, spend some time browsing these stores’ online sites. They are bound to have exactly what you’re looking for. Be somewhat cautious of buying used goods unless you’re certain of their quality. Also, make sure you order with plenty of time. The last thing you want is to spend $1,000 and leave before the gear arrives.   If you feel unsure of buying online versus in person, check out this short article on the pros and cons of each.

Hopefully, with the above mentioned items, you can remember and share your Antarctica trip for a lifetime. Happy shooting!