Some places are so beautiful that they almost don't seem real. Neko Harbour, on the Antarctic Peninsula, is one of those places.
Surrounded by towering glaciers, jagged peaks and an endless landscape of ice, it is one of the most spectacular locations I have ever visited. The harbour sits within the dramatic fjords of Andvord Bay and is famous for its glacier-covered mountains, calving ice and thriving colonies of gentoo penguins. Standing there, it felt like I had stepped into another world.
When I visited Antarctica, I was 31 years old and full of confidence in what my body could do.
When the expedition guides offered a challenging hike high above Neko Harbour, there was never any question about whether I would go. I loaded my camera gear onto my back and started climbing. The steep snow-covered slopes were demanding, but at that stage of my life I barely thought about it. Long days, heavy equipment and difficult terrain were simply part of the adventure.
As we gained elevation, the view became more extraordinary with every step. The glacier stretched out below us, fractured into an intricate maze of ice and crevasses. Beyond it lay the deep blue waters of the harbour, dotted with icebergs that had broken free from the surrounding glaciers. It was from this vantage point that I created Neko Harbour Icefall.
At the time, I had no idea how much my life was about to change.
A few years later I would experience the seizure that led to my epilepsy diagnosis. The years that followed brought not only epilepsy but also chronic pain and fibromyalgia. The physical resilience that I had always taken for granted gradually disappeared.
Today, an adventure like that Antarctic climb would come at a significant cost. Carrying heavy camera gear up a mountain in deep snow is no longer something I can do without serious consequences. The reality of living with epilepsy and chronic pain is that every activity requires careful consideration. Energy is finite, recovery takes longer, and some opportunities simply have to be left behind.
Looking at this image now brings mixed emotions.
There is sadness in remembering what I have lost. I miss the freedom of trusting my body completely. I miss saying "yes" to any adventure without wondering how I will feel tomorrow. I miss the version of myself who could carry a backpack full of camera gear up an Antarctic mountain and think nothing of it.
Whenever I look at Neko Harbour Icefall, I see the beauty of Antarctica. I remember the excitement of standing high above one of the world's most remarkable landscapes. And I am reminded that while some chapters of life eventually close, their impact stays with us forever.
This limited edition framed print is part of my Antarctica collection and serves as a lasting reminder of one of the greatest adventures of my life.
This photograph is available as a limited edition framed print, allowing collectors to marvel at one of the worlds most stunning landscapes.