My Toughest Shot

Outside Magazine Online has a piece titled ‘My Toughest Shot‘, in which they ask a bunch of photographers for the behind the scene scoop on their toughest shots. While they didn’t ask me – heaven forbid! – the article got me thinking about my toughest shot. There are definitely a couple of contenders, but I think the one that really stands out in my mind is this photo:

This photo is the bow of the Australian ice breaker the Aurora Australis smashing its way through The Southern Ocean in good 10-15 metre waves. Given this was taken at the start of my third season in Antarctica, I was well acquainted with the fury of The Southern Ocean having already crossed this perilous stretch of ocean four times. Problem was, I didn’t yet have a great photo of waves going over the ship’s bow.

This particular stormed lasted for some four days and let me tell you, it was rough. Imagine a ship the length of a football field, corkscrewing from the crest of a huge wave and then free falling into the trough. When the bow hits the trough, the entire ship’s superstructure shudders. Probably helps explains the cracks lining the walls in the main stairwell.

It was after dinner, still light and I decided I had better get some photos. I grabbed my camera and raced up the flights of steps to the Bridge. Thanks to the spiraling design of the stairwell and the corkscrewing motion of the ship, I didn’t feel so great by the time I got there. Never the less, I positioned myself on the starboard side of the Bridge, braced myself and started firing off some frames. Not long afterwards I started to feel quite green. Green enough in fact, to put my camera over my shoulder, leave the Bridge and then race down the stair well and back to my cabin.

Bursting through the cabin door, I passed my wife-to-be lying on her bunk reading and went straight into our tiny bathroom, slamming the door behind me (no one needs to see you being sick). Seconds later I was on my knees in front of the toilet, letting it all go.

The funny thing is, I’d do it all again…

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What was your toughest shot? Provide a link to your toughest shot and the behind-the-scene story in the comments.

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