As the sea ice extent declines each year, the fabled Northwest Passage across the Canadian Arctic becomes more navigable to passenger ships. Traveling on a specialized ice-class vessel, the National Geographic Resolution, we made an exceptionally early transit. First-year sea ice crumbled away beneath our bow. Polar bears living on the drifting ice made decisions about remaining ice-bound or swimming to other floes in search of seals. Although I initially brought along my infrared camera on a last-minute whim, it was invaluable in creating a document of a warming Arctic Ocean. The Arctic is a place I love and spend much of my life in. Seeing it through infrared transformed my understanding of the enormous transformation of this place.
Northwest Passage Infrared Photo Essay FAQs
What Is Upside-Down In The Northwest Passage About?
It is an infrared photo essay by Kiliii Yuyan about traveling through the Canadian Arctic’s Northwest Passage. The post frames the journey around sea ice decline, Arctic change, and the visual transformation created by infrared photography.
Where Was The Northwest Passage Photo Essay Shot?
The essay was created during a transit of the Northwest Passage across the Canadian Arctic. The author describes traveling on the National Geographic Resolution, a specialized ice-class vessel.
Why Was Infrared Photography Important For This Arctic Story?
The author says the infrared camera was brought almost on a whim, but became invaluable for documenting a warming Arctic Ocean. Infrared helped transform the photographer’s understanding of the place and its environmental change.
What Climate Themes Appear In The Photo Essay?
The post mentions declining sea ice extent, first-year sea ice breaking beneath the ship, and polar bears making survival decisions around drifting ice floes. These details connect the visual essay to the broader transformation of the Arctic.
Who Created Upside-Down In The Northwest Passage?
The photo essay was created by Kiliii Yuyan and published on Kolari Vision on December 28, 2022.
