BEHIND THE SCENE

When I saw this little Adélie penguin emerging from a snowdrift directly in front of me, I was quick enough to lie down flat on my stomach to create this half-and-half effect. I love the “mean look” that reminds one of a warrior going into battle.

In reality, he was just going about his business, totally ignoring my presence.

Adélie penguins grew on me over my years visiting Antarctica because of their strong personalities. Perhaps they have these personalities because they’re one of the only species — the other being the larger, more confident emperor penguin — that call Antarctica home. It takes a big personality to survive the often brutal conditions.