IMPERIAL LANDING

Cape Washington, Antarctica

Photographer: Paul Nicklen Compared to Antarctica’s relatively busy western peninsula, its eastern side is rarely visited. Merciless winds, rough waters and a month at sea put off all but the most determined. But those who do make it to the area around the Ross Ice Shelf are treated to rare encounters, including close-ups with some of the 240,000 emperor penguins that roam the ice. In this shot, the presence of leopard seals likely played a part in the bird’s fast exit. But these penguins can spend up to three weeks at sea fishing, so like all great wildlife shots, it proves how vital it is to be in the right place at the right time. Born to Ice (teneues, £80) is out now. © 2018 Paul Nicklen. All rights reserved. www.sealegacy.org; www.teneues.com. See p88 for our guide to wildlife encounters.