Luminous Photos of Antarctica Shine a Light on Its Alluring Icy Blue Surface

Cierva Cove in Antarctica

Australian photographer Leah Kennedy spent time in a decidedly colder climate when she made the journey to Antarctica. Intrigued by the beauty of this desolate locale, Kennedy focused her creative energies on capturing Antarctica's unique light and its reflection off the environment's icy surface. The resulting portfolio is a breathtaking look at this majestic landscape.

“The intriguing thing about the light in Antarctica was in the seeming absence of sunlight,” Kennedy shared with My Modern Met. “The ice and snow seemed to be its own light source. There was a luminescent quality apparent even when the sun wasn’t shining. What is a dramatic and intriguing landscape is even more appealing because of this quality.”

Captured in rich detail, Kennedy's photographs give an almost sculptural appearance to the scenes. Silvery chunks of ice float in the water, their blue-grey color contrasting with the snow-covered terrain in the background. By exploring light and shadow, Kennedy highlights these icy surfaces and invites the viewer to drink in every detail. Other—more abstract—photographs hone in on the luminescence that appealed to her. The softly glowing blue tones are soothing and intriguing.

The work is an homage to an environment that is slowly disappearing and as well as a warning of Antarctica's fragility. Kennedy hopes that her visual contribution will serve as a reminder that any small change we can make to preserve this unique environment is an effort worth making.

Australian photographer Leah Kennedy recently spent time in Antarctica.

Iceberg in Cierva Cove in Antarctica

Cierva Cove in Antarctica

Her photographs show off the incredible quality of light at Cierva Cove.

Cierva Cove in Antarctica

Cierva Cove in Antarctica

Cierva Cove in Antarctica

Her abstract photographs also focus in on the luminescent qualities of the ice.

Icebergs in Antarctica

Cierva Cove in Antarctica

Landscape Photography of Antarctica by Leah Kennedy

Kennedy hopes her photos are a reminder to protect this fragile landscape at all costs.

Landscape Photography of Antarctica

Ice in Antartcica

Ice in Antarctica

Abstract Photo of Ice in Antarctica

Abstract Photo of Ice in Antarctica

Leah Kennedy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Behance

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Leah Kennedy.

Related Articles:

Vivid Photos of a Rare Flipped Iceberg in Antarctica

Transcendent Photos of Antarctica’s Cavernous Blue Ice Glaciers

Stunning Photos Capture the Otherworldly Beauty of Antarctica’s Icebergs

Ren Koster’s Amazing Journey to Antarctica on a Historic Ship Built in 1911

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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