Breathtaking Images Show Enchanting Bubble Phenomenon in Antarctica
Capturing a frozen bubble is not as easy as it sounds. Station chef and photographer Justin Chambers shares his experience of capturing the magic of an icy wonderland.
Some frozen bubbles resemble feathers suspended in time, while others look like geometric patterns or tiny CDs floating in space.
Photographing these beautiful frozen bubbles is a challenge, requiring 20-30 shots each time in freezing temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) and below.
Even the slightest wind or change in conditions can affect the bubbles. Mawson Station chef and photographer Justin Chambers took on the challenge after seeing videos of people blowing soap bubbles in cold climates and turning it into a visual project.
“I experimented with various locations, but the slightest breeze would cause the bubble to collapse or pop before freezing,” Mr. Chambers explained.
“Then I tried using snow and ice walls and positioning tables at the same height as my tripod. After numerous trials and errors, I finally figured out how to quickly set up my equipment in the right spot to capture the shot before everything, including myself, got too cold.”
The photos require the perfect combination of lighting, temperature, and bubble mixture. “At times, I faced challenges like cold hands, a broken lens, and difficulties with light and focus,” Mr. Chambers said. “It often took 20-30 shots before achieving the desired result.”
Speed is crucial, as ice crystals typically form within two to five seconds of blowing the bubble. Mr. Chambers used a macro lens with a wide aperture and fast shutter speed to capture the bubbles’ development, describing the process as “exhilarating, stressful, and rewarding.”
He experimented with both day and night shots, each presenting its own set of challenges. “For night shots, I tried different torches with varied lumens at different distances from the bubble,” he noted. “With day shots, factors like cloudy skies, the sun’s position, and brightness made it challenging to achieve the desired shot.”
Despite the challenges, Mr. Chambers’ beautiful photos showcase the mesmerizing beauty of frozen bubbles. “My favorite shots include those with a setting or rising sun,” he shared. “The colors combined with the crystal structures on the soap bubble never fail to captivate me.”
