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I have just returned from an amazing trip in Patagonia.  Starting from Bariloche, we then went on to El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales (in Chile), finishing in Ushuaia - The end of the world ! 

The landscape was just amazing.  Pure Patagonian air gave new life to my groggy polluted blood cells and the intimacy with the nature was invigorating.  

Even though it is summer now in Patagonia, the cooler temperatures were very much appreciated from 10°C to 25°C, a refreshing change from the soaring heat of Rio de Janeiro, where temperatures had reached 40° and more the week before we left!

Stunning views of dramatic mountain peaks rewarded us after the long mountain treks, fun was had with heart racing white water rafting, pure amazement came from the awesome glacier trekking and a truly honoured experience was had whilst walking with the penguins.   

A photographers paradise, you can probably imagine how many photographs I took with my cameras, smart phone and Go Pro!

So you may be wandering; what was my photography set up for this trip ? 

• For the trekking in the mountains, I opted for the lighter weight of my Canon 6D + Canon EF 24-105mm, f/4L 
• White Water Rafting : Go Pro Hero 3+ Black Edition (old but faithful!) mounted on the safety helmet. 
• Wildlife : Canon 7D MK II + Canon EF 70-200mm, f/2,8L IS II.  But also for the wildlife on the penguin island, I decided on a second set up to capture the wider angles of the landscape, so I used my Canon 6D + Canon EF 17-40mm, f/4L

Advice :

• Even though it was summer, the temperatures were still cool enough to make my batteries drain pretty fast ! So keep extra batteries (preferably in your inside coat pocket to keep warm.  
• Think about polarising filters - I left mine behind and regretted it.  The blue shades of the glacier and the beautiful rainbows I experienced would have benefitted more with this filter. 
• Use shooting gloves if you can - the index finger on shooting gloves opens so your finger can press the shutter well - trust me it's not quite the same when wearing wool gloves and I found it played on the focusing. 
• Patagonian weather is notorious for changing ! A rain cover is also a good thing to protect your gear. I always have a small quick-dry towel around the lense too (something I often do when photographing surfers on the beach to reduce sand & salt damage). 
• Finally also look after yourself as well as your gear ! The UV index is pretty strong, the wind is sharp and cold cream and sunscreen are both needed. 
• The advantage of trekking in Patagonia is that there are many fresh water streams.  From these streams you can drink directly from the source - so don't forget your reusable bottle !

Blog post photograph taken with an iPhone 5c. Photo Credit: Joël Cazaux, 2020.