Amateur AAD Photographers Showcase Stunning Antarctic Beauty

The Australian Antarctic Division has compiled seldom seen shots taken by its staff in Antarctica that includes cooks, engineers and doctors. Check out the best snaps from 2024 >>

Lake Druzhby by Brett Barlee. The Australian Antarctic Program - A Year in Pictures.

Macquarie Island Station Leader Rebecca Jeffcoat likens her role with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) to being the “mayor” of a small town — ensuring her team has food, water, heating, and a harmonious environment in one of the world’s most remote locations.

Ms Jeffcoat, who is stationed on the sub-Antarctic island from May 2024 to May 2025, has a passion for photography, with two of her images featured in AAD’s Best of Antarctica 2024 gallery.

One standout photo, titled Pesto II, captures an adolescent King Penguin alongside its elegant adult counterparts.

To capture the shot, Ms Jeffcoat trekked 16km through rugged terrain with her photographic gear.

“Using a telephoto lens is standard practice here, as protecting wildlife and their natural rhythms is our priority,” she said.

“It’s so important we look after the environment and the climate because these birds and animals will be the first to experience the effects of climate change.

“They’re so vulnerable, and I want people to see how special they are in my pictures — how funny and relatable.”

The AAD’s gallery also features works by other amateur photographers, including chefs, doctors, plumbers, and carpenters.

King Island chick on Macquarie Island by Bec Jeffcoat The Australian Antarctic Program - A Year in Pictures

Davis Station Chief 2023/2024 Brett Barlee, another amateur contributor, described Antarctica’s landscapes as “natural oil paintings,” making photography surprisingly accessible even for novices.

Mr Barlee’s surreal photograph of an expeditioner on frozen Lake Druzhby was captured in September 2023 during a three-day expedition.

The team travelled two hours from Davis Station using a Hagglunds over-snow vehicle to reach the freshwater lake, which was frozen solid in -15°C to -20°C temperatures.

“It’s completely clear with no sediment, enabling you to see many metres down into it,” Mr Barlee said.

“The ice fractures vertically into columns, leaving you feeling like you’re standing in mid-air. The beauty of the place is indescribable.”

Despite its harshness, Mr Barlee said Antarctica’s fragility leaves a lasting impression.

“As harsh as it is, you really get a sense of how fragile this ecosystem is,” he said.

“That’s why we love it!”

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Originally published as Amateur AAD Photographers Showcase Stunning Antarctic Beauty