Bertie Gregory's breathtaking image, titled 'Ice Edge Journey', captures the delicate moment when young emperor penguin chicks embark on their first journey to the sea. This heart-stopping photo, taken at the Ekström Ice Shelf in Atka Bay, Antarctica, showcases the chicks' determination as they take a daring leap of 15 meters (49 feet) into the icy waters. But this isn't just a stunning image; it's a window into the future of penguin colonies. As sea ice in Antarctica continues to decline, scientists predict that more penguins will breed on ice shelves, making this scene increasingly common. This raises an important question: How will these changes impact the delicate balance of penguin colonies and the ecosystem they inhabit?
Bertie Gregory, a renowned British wildlife filmmaker and photographer, spent two months observing the penguin colony. His expertise and patience allowed him to capture this unique moment, using a DJI Mavic 3 Pro and a Hasselblad L2D-20c 24mm f2.8 lens. The image was taken at 1/50th of a second at f3.5 and ISO 100, ensuring a sharp and detailed photograph.
But Bertie's work is more than just stunning visuals. As a BAFTA- and multi-Emmy Award-winning director of photography, he uses his lens to tell powerful stories about the natural world. His shows, 'Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory' and 'Secrets of the Penguins' on Disney+, showcase his ability to bring the wonders of nature to life.
However, Bertie's work also highlights the impact of climate change on wildlife. As sea ice continues