Iconic Photographers from the Heroic Age: Frank Hurley and Herbert Ponting

• Main Author: McCarthy, Peter
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: University of Canterbury 2008
• Subjects: Antarctic; Hurley; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10092/13938

Capturing images of Antarctica is a challenge even under ideal conditions. Expedition photographers Herbert Ponting, Terra Nova (1910-13) and Frank Hurley, Endurance (1914-16) created iconic images from those two famous journeys. Their relentless drive to capture the moment, mood, scale, isolation and hardship are exhibited in their collection of exquisite photographs and some film footage. They were pioneers not only in the expeditions but also in their chosen profession. The two photographers have different styles but both more than satisfied the public’s appetite for images of distant places and spectacular events. These photos are now Antarctic heritage artefacts that can be enjoyed, reproduced and traded by all Antarctic history enthusiasts. This literature review compares these photographers’ styles and personalities, and discusses their drive and professionalism for their art that is synonymous with the heroic age.