Scott Portelli is an international award-winning wildlife, nature and underwater photographer. He’s a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) and is regarded as a leading professional in his field. Scott has spent thousands of hours in remote locations across the globe filming and photographing nature, wildlife, the underwater environment and wild places.
Scott has spent over a decade working in the polar regions with a focus on Antarctica, the Subantarctic and Arctic regions, producing a unique portfolio of fine art photography that showcases the intricate environment and its intriguing inhabitants. Working in extreme conditions, Scott’s photography provides a rarely seen glimpse above and below the surface in some of the harshest places on the planet.
As a professional nature, wildlife, underwater and aerial photographer, Scott spends a lot of time travelling the world to remote destinations in search of some of the most amazing creatures on the planet. For Scott, it is about the journey, bringing an idea to life by capturing a moment in time or by evoking an emotion. Each image has a unique story that is usually a very intimate moment that Scott may have shared with the subject.
“To create interesting concepts, it sometimes involves me immersing myself in an environment in order to research the location, subject matter and what opportunities may present themselves. I once spent two months on the back of a snow mobile in Baffin Island, Canadian Arctic in minus 37 degrees just to do a reconnaissance of the region for a series of photos I wanted to produce. In the end, I love what I do and I love sharing the natural world through photography.”
Scott was awarded at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year in London in 2016, announced National Winner of the Sony World Photography Awards 2016 and Winner at Travel Photographer of the Year 2015. More recently, he was awarded winner in the Animal Behaviour Category at the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year ANZANG 2017, winner in the Underwater Category of the Asferico International Nature Photography Awards 2018 and runner up in the Behaviour Category at Underwater Photographer of the Year 2019. His conservation documentary also took out two awards at the prestigious French Underwater Film Festival in Marseille.
Scott's other notable awards include:
An accredited licensed RPAS/UAV Pilot, Scott has worked on aerial projects for some of Australia’s most sought-after tourism destinations.
Scott runs photography workshops and lectures to show enthusiasts and experts alike the best way to get the most out of their photography. On his Polar tours he specialises in Nature & Wildlife photography bringing the best tips and techniques for photographing in challenging locations.
Scott Portelli will be a special guest photographer on our Antarctica: Through the Lens voyage, departing 25 January 2027.
Alex Kydd is an Australian travel and nature photographer and filmmaker with more than a decade of experience documenting some of the world’s most remote and extraordinary environments. His work spans polar landscapes, ocean ecosystems and wild natural destinations, with a focus on creating cinematic imagery that feels honest, immersive and timeless. He has collaborated with leading global brands and has served as a Nikon Ambassador for the past five years.
With a background in Marine Biology, Alex brings a deeper understanding of the environments he photographs. His approach centers on the visual beauty of the natural world and the spirit of exploration that draws people to remote places.
Alex will be a special guest photographer on our Antarctica: Through the Lens voyage, departing 25 January 2027.
Sean Scott is one of Australia’s leading landscape and adventure photographers, renowned for capturing the raw beauty of remote environments across the globe. Based in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Sean is a Tourism Australia Ambassador and Canon Master whose award-winning imagery has inspired millions to explore and protect the natural world.
From the deserts of Outback Australia to the icy frontiers of the polar regions, Sean’s work blends artistic storytelling with a deep respect for nature. His unique ability to connect people with place has made him a sought-after photographer, educator, and storyteller on expeditions around the world.
Sean will be a special guest photographer on our Antarctica: Through the Lens voyage, departing 25 January 2027.
Jeff is an Australian travel & lifestyle creative and educator, capturing quiet, emotive moments in remote places around the world. His minimalist, destination-first approach centers on natural light and distills the essence of a place.
Jeff will be a special guest photographer on our Antarctica: Through the Lens voyage, departing 25 January 2027.
Onboard this dedicated Photography expedition, you’ll have the privilege of learning from our accomplished Photography Guides and renowned Special Guest Photographers, who will provide captivating lectures, insightful presentations and invaluable tips to help you capture unforgettable. Guest appearances vary by departure — explore the bios below to discover who may be joining your expedition.